Location
Sierra Plaza
6100 Neil Road, Suite 500
Reno, Nevada 89511-1149
Mailing Address
PO Box 2311
Reno, Nevada 89505
Phone: (775) 688-3690
Fax: (775) 688-3088
Divorce
There are three distinct categories of divorce: 1) uncontested divorce (or joint petition); 2) contested divorce; and 3) collaborative divorce. In our practice we handle all types of divorce.
Complex Property Distribution
A divorce can be especially complicated when the spouses own a substantial amount of assets. This can be even more complicated if a spouse came into the marriage with substantial separate property but failed to obtain a prenuptial agreement. We understand how to work with a complex estate, including those with separate property claims, family-owned businesses, investment accounts, hidden assets, retirement funds and large inheritance.
Premarital, Post-nuptial, Separation/Separate Maintenance and Cohabitation Agreements
Since Nevada is a community property state, the law presumes that all of the assets and debts owned by the parties at the time of divorce should be equally divided. It can be very expensive in a divorce to prove separate property claims and defeat claims for alimony. Without the protection of a legal marriage, many unmarried couples who acquire assets together are left without recourse upon death or break-up.
Child Custody and Visitation
Many parents experience disputes with one another with respect to parenting plans and time share arrangements of their minor children. A custody/visitation dispute may take place during the divorce process or post-divorce. In our extensive experience in this area we have gained insight into the relationships between divorced parents and between parents and their children. While we never endorse a tug-of-war between parents over their children, we do understand that the children must be protected. Equally important and requiring protection is the healthy parent/child relationship. In our practice we handle modifications to child custody or visitation arrangements and enforcement of visitation orders.
Parent and Child Relocation
Regardless of the custody arrangement, when one parent seeks to move with the children to another county, state or foreign country, that parent will need to obtain either a formal stipulation from the other parent which is signed by the Judge or a court order authorizing the move. Cases concerning child relocation can be highly contested, acrimonious and difficult for both parents. We have represented both the parent seeking to move and the non-moving parent and understand the burden of proof necessary to accomplish or defeat a motion to relocate.
Domestic Partnership
With the passage of Senate Bill 283 in 2009, and the legislative override of Governor Gibbons’ veto thereof, Nevada law will recognize Domestic Partnerships beginning October 1, 2009. We can assist you with the preparation, establishment, or dissolution of your domestic partnership.
Paternity Actions
When unmarried persons have a child, their rights with respect to custody and visitation of the child as well as their obligations to support that child can be established either through a formal written agreement or through the court system. We have represented both unmarried fathers and unmarried mothers in establishing parental rights and obligations concerning children born out of wedlock.
Child Support
In Nevada, child support is calculated pursuant to a statutory formula. The calculation is affected, and in some cases complicated, by the parents’ specific time share arrangement as well as various factors enumerated by statute. We are well versed in the current child support laws and the recent changes to those laws. We will help our clients reach an equitable result based on the law and the specific circumstances of their case.
Spousal Support and Alimony
In Nevada, spousal support and alimony is left to judicial discretion due to lack of legislative guidelines. Alimony determinations are very individualized and are highly dependent upon the facts of the case at hand. In our practice we make it a priority to stay up to date on all recent Nevada Supreme Court decisions regarding alimony. We aggressively argue the facts and the case law to obtain the most equitable result for our clients.
Termination of Parental Rights
Whether or not a parent’s rights and obligations to the child may be terminated is dependent upon both the best interests of the child and parental fault such as abandonment, neglect and unfitness. We represent parents faced with this difficult reality and will advise them as to the relevant considerations in the termination of parental rights analysis.
Interspousal Torts
Our practice includes the representation of spouses having civil claims arising out of spousal abuse, sexually-transmittable diseases, emotionally or physically battered children, interference with parental rights, invasion of privacy, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress and other third-party liability claims.
Temporary Protection Orders
Pursuant to a temporary protection order, the court can restrain an adverse party from threatening or harassing the applicant or minor children. In addition, the court can direct that the adverse party be excluded from the residence, the applicant’s employer, the children’s school or daycare, or any other place frequented by the applicant or the children. The applicant may also receive financial support through the TPO process. We represent applicants with good faith claims against adverse parties. We also will represent adverse parties that have been the victims of abuse of the TPO process itself.
Annulment
In Nevada, a marriage is voidable on the following grounds: 1) lack of consent of parent or guardian; 2) want of understanding; 3) fraud; 4) grounds for declaring contract void in equity. In our practice, we represent both spouses seeking an annulment and those contesting an annulment.
Legal Separation/Separate Maintenance
Divorce is not the only option for those seeking to move on from their marital relationship. Sometimes religious beliefs, finances or health insurance needs make formal divorce undesirable or impractical. In a legal separation, assets may be divided and debts may be allocated while the legal marriage remains in effect. We will offer sound advice with respect to pursuing a legal separation.
Adoption
In Nevada, any adult person who is at least 10 years older than the person sought to be adopted, may petition to adopt a minor child or any adult. We are well versed in adoption law and understand the requirements and special rules that apply to adoption (domestic or international) of a minor child, an adult or a child of Native American decent.
Guardianships
A guardianship allows one to take on the responsibility of serving as a replacement decision-maker for an incompetent adult or a minor child. In our practice we are well-versed in guardianship law and have established both adult and minor child guardianships.
Reproductive Law and Surrogacy Agreements
The contract phase of a reproductive legal arrangement is probably considered one of the most difficult areas of reproductive law. In our practice we understand that it is important that the contract include provisions necessary to legally protect both parties in the event of a future dispute. We draft reproductive contracts that are precise and accurate to both parties’ wants and needs.