Nevada family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026
Nevada Custody & Visitation
Current, source-linked Nevada terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
Legal information, not legal advice. Nevada law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the clerk of the District Court receiving your case.
Nevada terminology
Legal custody
The authority to make major decisions.
Physical custody
Where the child lives.
Visitation
Time with the child for a parent without primary physical custody.
Best interests
The standard; joint custody is presumed until the court orders otherwise.
Core rules
- Nevada uses 'custody' (legal/physical, sole/joint) + 'visitation' + 'primary physical custody'
- Parents have joint custody until the court orders otherwise (NRS 125C.0015)
- Joint physical custody is presumed in the child's best interest unless a parent can't care for the child at least 146 days/year, or DV, or out-of-wedlock (NRS 125C.0035)
- The court considers the child's best interests under NRS 125C.0035
- A finding of domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption against sole/joint physical custody or unsupervised visitation
- No preference to mother over father (or vice versa) based on gender
- Cases are heard in District Court
Support and modification cautions
Nevada uses a percentage-of-income child support formula (NRS 125B.070 / NAC 425) — not income shares. Custody may be modified if the best interest of the child requires it; support may be reviewed when income changes by 20% or more.
Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the clerk of the Nevada District Court handling your case.