Child Custody

Generally, two types of child custody may be distinguished: legal and physical.

Legal custody determines who has the power to make the most important decisions concerning a child’s life (education, religion, travels, medical treatment, etc.)

Physical custody determines with whom the child lives, and, therefore, who is responsible for the everyday provision and care of a child. Physical custody also refers to the amount of time a child spends with each parent.

Nevada courts typically welcome the spouses’ desire to share the parental rights and liabilities, known as a joint custody order.

Joint physical custody means that both parents spend a significant amount of time (though, not necessarily equal periods of time) with their child regardless of whether the child resides exclusively with the one parent or has an alternate residency with the other.

It doesn’t matter if sole or joint custody is awarded, neither spouse is allowed to prevent the child’s communication with the other parent unless the court concludes that such contact may be harmful to the child.