Fathers’ Rights Attorneys in Henderson

Protecting Your Rights to Custody & Visitation in Nevada

Despite the fact that, more and more, courts are recognizing the importance of having both parents involved in a child’s life, the mother is often still perceived as the more central caregiver. However, fathers often prove to be capable and nurturing as caregivers, demonstrating that they are just as vital to the happiness and wellbeing of their children as mothers are.

At Ford & Friedman, our skilled team of child custody attorneys in Nevada are dedicated to protecting the rights of fathers to ensure they are treated fairly and are able to win the custody or visitation rights they deserve during a divorce.

For help with child custody as a father, contact us at (702) 904-9898 to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

Father's Custody Rights in Nevada

All states, including Nevada, base all child custody decisions on what is considered to be the “best interests” of a child. Of course, generally all parents want what is best for their children, so it is important to define this legal standard. Below are the most critical factors a judge will consider when making a decision regarding child custody:

• The health and safety of the child

• The developmental and emotional needs of the child

• Communication between parents

• How well the both parties are able to co-parent

• The stability of each parent’s home

• The financial ability of each parent to care for the child

Additionally, custody falls into two categories – legal and physical. Physical custody refers to the parent a child will reside with, whereas legal custody involves important decision-making in a child’s life. If joint custody is granted, both parents will have equal legal and physical custody of a child.

In cases where joint custody is not an option, a judge will award one parent with custodial rights based on what he or she believes to be the best interests of the child. If the father is the better candidate, a court would award him primary custody. As a result, the child would be in his care for a majority of the time, or at least 60% of the time, while the mother might be awarded visitation rights, depending on the circumstances.

Father's Visitation Rights in Nevada

If you were not awarded custody, it is likely that a court would grant visitation rights as long as it is in the best interests of the child. Reasons why the court would deny visitation rights to a father include:

• He has a history of domestic violence

• He abused or neglected the child

• He has attempted to abduct a child

• The child was conceived as a result of him raping the mother

In some cases, it is also possible that the court might choose to permit supervised visitation.

Protecting Your Rights During a Custody Battle

While the court cannot play favorites with parents based on gender, a judge is only human and might still subconsciously allow certain biases to influence his or her decisions. Therefore, fathers should do what they can to show they are committed to winning child custody.

Here are some tips on what you should do to increase your chances of obtaining the results you desire:

• Show that you are willing to work with your ex-spouse.

• Exercise your parental rights by actually spending time with your children.

• Request an in-home custody evaluation if you are concerned that your ex-spouse will attempt to argue that your home life does not serve the best interests of your children.

• Do everything you can to be presentable to the court, including arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating proper courtroom etiquette.

• Never speak negatively about your ex in front of your children.

• Always be on time for visitations or pick-ups.

• Do not engage in destructive behavior, such as substance abuse, especially when spending time with your children.

• Never refuse to do anything the court requests of you.

• Do not invent negative stories about your ex-spouse to win custody, or it will likely come back to haunt you in court.

Contact Us for Help with Child Custody & Fathers’ Rights

If you are in the midst of a child custody or even a paternity battle, you need a skilled and knowledgeable legal advocate on your side to ensure your rights as a father are protected. At Ford & Friedman, our Henderson legal team will take a collaborative approach to your case and give it the attention and expertise it deserves. Reach out to us today to protect your relationship with your children.

Call us at (702) 904-9898 to schedule a consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.