Experienced Las Vegas Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights and Your Child’s Best Interests

If you’re involved in a custody dispute or preparing for a divorce involving children, having a knowledgeable and compassionate Las Vegas child custody lawyer on your side is essential. At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, we fight to protect your relationship with your child while guiding you through the complexities of Nevada’s custody laws with clarity and care.

There’s nothing more important than your children—and when custody is on the line, you need a trusted and experienced Las Vegas child custody lawyer to protect your parental rights and advocate for what’s best for your family.

At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, we have helped countless parents navigate the complex and emotional process of child custody in Las Vegas. Whether you’re going through a divorce, facing a custody dispute, or seeking to modify an existing order, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

Legal Custody in Nevada

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about your child’s life, including education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. In most cases, Nevada courts award joint legal custody, meaning both parents must work together to make important decisions for their children.

Only in rare situations—such as cases involving abuse, neglect, or a total breakdown of communication—will a court award sole legal custody. Even then, the parent must prove that joint legal custody is not in the child’s best interest. A knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Las Vegas can help you present a strong case, especially when decision-making disagreements are affecting your child’s well-being.

When navigating child custody disputes in Clark County, working with a skilled Las Vegas child custody lawyer gives you a clear advantage. At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, we ensure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your child’s best interests are prioritized in every legal proceeding.

Physical Custody in Nevada

Physical custody determines where your children will live and which parent will provide day-to-day care. The court may award:

  • Sole physical custody, in extreme cases involving danger to the child

  • Primary physical custody, where the child resides with one parent 220 days or more per year

  • Joint physical custody, where the child spends at least 146 days per year with each parent

As of recent Nevada law changes, there is now a preference for joint physical custody, provided both parents demonstrate a meaningful relationship with the child. This shift in legal preference means working with a skilled Las Vegas child custody attorney is more important than ever to present your parenting capabilities effectively in court.

The “Best Interests of the Child” Standard

When deciding on any custody arrangement, Nevada courts consider the best interests of the child. This is the guiding principle in every child custody case.

Factors the court may consider include:

  1. The child’s wishes (if of suitable age and maturity)

  2. Nominations of guardians by the parents

  3. Each parent’s willingness to facilitate a relationship with the other parent

  4. Level of conflict between the parents

  5. Ability of parents to cooperate

  6. Physical and mental health of the parents

  7. The child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs

  8. The relationship between the child and each parent

  9. The child’s relationship with siblings

  10. Any history of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or abduction

Because no two families are alike, your Las Vegas child custody lawyer must be prepared to present detailed, evidence-backed arguments tailored to your specific situation.

Why You Need a Child Custody Lawyer in Las Vegas

Child custody disputes are emotionally charged and legally complex. The outcome can affect every aspect of your relationship with your child. Whether you’re pursuing full custody or negotiating a parenting plan, an experienced Las Vegas child custody lawyer will help you:

  • Understand your legal rights and obligations

  • Develop a strong, child-centered case

  • Gather evidence and witness testimony

  • Negotiate or litigate your custody terms

  • Respond effectively to false claims or unfair accusations

At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, we fight for what matters most—your children. Our firm has extensive experience handling custody cases ranging from straightforward agreements to highly contested litigation.

Modifying Custody Orders

While custody orders are legally binding, modifications can be requested if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. These might include a change in a parent’s living situation, work schedule, health condition, or evidence that the existing order no longer serves the child’s best interests.

The standards for modifying joint physical custody differ from those involving primary physical custody, and you can only present evidence that has occurred since the last custody order (with limited exceptions). Our team of Las Vegas child custody attorneys will evaluate whether you have a strong basis to request a modification and help you build a compelling case.

Relocation and Move-Away Cases

Relocation cases—when one parent wants to move the child out of Nevada or to another city—are among the most difficult and emotionally complex child custody disputes. Nevada law requires the relocating parent to obtain court permission or written consent from the other parent.

Relocation requests often stem from job changes, remarriage, or family needs, but approval is not automatic. The court must determine whether the move serves the best interests of the child and whether it allows for continued involvement with the non-relocating parent.

Whether you’re seeking to relocate or modify an existing custody order, the guidance of an experienced Las Vegas child custody lawyer is crucial. We help clients present strong, evidence-backed cases for what’s truly best for their children.

At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, our Las Vegas child custody lawyers have successfully represented both sides of relocation cases. Whether you are seeking or opposing a move-away order, we provide strategic representation to protect your parental rights and your child’s future.

Contact

LOCATION
10000 W. Charleston, Suite 135
Las Vegas, NV 89135
TELEPHONE
702.919.1919
OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 5pm (by appointment only)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Nevada courts decide child custody arrangements?

Nevada courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing (like education and healthcare), while physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.

Can a child custody order be changed after it’s been finalized?

Yes, custody orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s well-being or best interests, but court approval is required.

CONTACT FORD & FLAXMAN PLLC FAMILY LAW

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    Ford & Flaxman PLLC is a trusted family law firm serving Las Vegas with dedication, experience, and compassion. Specializing in divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, paternity, annulments, prenuptial agreements, and family court appeals, our attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through life’s most difficult challenges. When your family’s future is at stake, trust Ford & Flaxman PLLC to fight for the outcome you deserve.

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