Crafting Effective and Appropriate Parenting Plans
Child custody is one of the key issues addressed by the Nevada family courts. In a divorce case, a parenting plan must be resolved before any other issues can be addressed. Child custody is also the driving concern behind many paternity cases.
I'm Las Vegas-based attorney Donn Prokopius. Ever since I first became a lawyer in 1997, I have placed a high priority on helping parents throughout Southern Nevada protect their rights and their relationships with their children in child custody cases.
Setting the Stage for Successful Parenting
The central question that the Nevada family courts ask when looking at the issue of child custody is what arrangement is in the best interests of the child. This is based on the individual facts of each case. The issue of child custody is technically two separate issues:
- Physical custody: This is, essentially, where the child lives. Both parents can get joint physical custody, one parent can get primary physical custody while the other gets visitation rights, or one parent can have sole physical custody. Sole custody is very rare, and joint custody is increasingly common.
- Legal custody: This is the right to participate in decision-making about important issues such as a child's medical treatment, education and religion. The overwhelming majority of the time, both parents get joint legal custody, even when physical custody is not joint.
Custody can be one of the most contentious issues in divorce and paternity cases. However, the courts are reluctant to step in and impose parenting plans unless absolutely necessary. Before a custody dispute can go to trial, the parents must at least attempt mediation.
I am experienced at guiding clients through all types of child custody disputes, from the resolution of relatively minor differences to major conflicts that must be addressed at trial.
Addressing All Types of Post-Decree Issues
After a child custody order is issued, it may need to be revisited in the future. For instance, if one parent wants to relocate with the child, he or she will need approval from the other parent or from the court in order to avoid the consequences of child abduction.
I handle parental relocation cases and all other types of child custody modification cases. To discuss whatever questions or concerns you may have about the child custody process, I encourage you to contact my office to schedule a consultation.
