Child Custody and Child Support Changes Attorney in Reno, NV

Child Custody and Child Support Changes Overview

Changes to Nevada Child Custody and Child Support Laws

Marta L. Presti, Attorney at Law, utilizes her experience and expertise
in the area of Family Law to assist you with all your custody, child
support, divorce, and other family law related matters. Ms. Presti is a
true professional and a leader in this area of the Law. She maintains
her extensive legal knowledge and continues to provide informed legal
advice by keeping abreast of all current and relevant issues through
continuing legal educations.

What Has Changed?

A recent Nevada Supreme Court decision (Rivero v. Rivero, August 2009) has significantly changed child custody and child support proceedings in Nevada, affecting the definition of custody and the modifications of existing court orders. These changes include:

• A clearer definition of “joint custody” – In the past, lines were blurred as to what constituted joint child custody. Now, your child must be in your custody at least 40 percent of the time in order for you to be defined as a joint physical custodian under Nevada Law.
• More power for judges in modification proceedings – You may still write your own child support or child custody agreement, but if you request a modification or relocation, a judge will analyze your actual situation and will not be bound by the terms of your agreement.
• Clearer standards for deviating from support statutes – The rules as to when child support payments can go above or below state formula amounts is much more clear.
• Guidelines for child support modifications - The only basis to modify a child support order is if there is a significant “change in circumstances” or if three years have passed since an order was put in place.

As your lawyer, I will guide you through these changes to ensure that your rights as a parent and the interests of your children are protected throughout the legal process. To learn more about how I can assist you with your child support or custody matter, call my office at 775-624-5845.

Areas of Practice

• Child Support
• Custody & Visitation
• Family Law