Family law covers the legal questions that arise when a family forms, changes, or comes apart — marriage and the agreements around it, divorce, the care of children, and the protection of family members who cannot protect themselves.
The Jimmerson Law Firm has practiced family law in Clark County since 1977. Most of this work happens in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Division, and much of it is resolved by agreement rather than trial. We handle both.
What Our Family Law Practice Covers
Divorce — Contested and uncontested divorce, including property division, spousal support, and the associated custody questions.
High-Net-Worth Divorce — Divorces involving business interests, trusts, executive compensation, or substantial investment holdings. If your case involves a company you own or wealth held in a trust, start there rather than here.
Child Custody — Legal and physical custody, parenting time, relocation requests, and modification of existing orders.
Guardianship — Petitions to establish guardianship of a minor or of a protected adult who can no longer manage their own affairs. Where a guardianship is contested — competing petitions, allegations of exploitation, disputes over a protected person’s estate — that work is handled by our Probate & Trust Litigation practice, which litigates these matters in probate court.
Prenuptial Agreements — Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, drafted to be enforceable.
Spousal and Child Support — Establishing, modifying, and enforcing support obligations under Nevada’s statutory framework.
Nevada Family Law in Brief
Nevada is a community property state. Under NRS 125.150, property and debt acquired during a marriage is generally presumed to belong equally to both spouses and is divided in a manner the court finds just and equitable. Separate property — what a spouse owned before the marriage, or received individually by gift or inheritance — is generally not divided.
Nevada also allows no-fault divorce: a marriage can be ended on the ground that the spouses are incompatible, without proving wrongdoing by either party. At least one spouse must have resided in Nevada for six weeks before filing.
In matters involving children, the governing standard is the best interest of the child under NRS 125C.0035, which directs the court to weigh a list of statutory factors rather than any single consideration.
Why Families Work With Us
The distinguishing feature of our family law practice is what sits behind it. A family matter frequently reaches into a business, a trust, or an estate — and our firm litigates commercial disputes, drafts and litigates trusts, and handles estate and asset planning in-house. When your case turns on the value of a company or the reach of a trust, you are not being handed off to another firm.
Clark County practice since 1977, trial and appellate experience, and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Schedule a confidential consultation. Call (702) 388-7171.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does family law cover in Nevada?
Family law addresses divorce, property division, spousal support, child custody and support, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, guardianship, and the modification and enforcement of existing orders. In Clark County these matters are generally heard in the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court.
How long do I have to live in Nevada before filing for divorce?
At least one spouse must have resided in Nevada for a minimum of six weeks before filing, and must intend to remain. Residency is typically established by an affidavit from a witness who can confirm the spouse’s physical presence in the state.
Is Nevada a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. A Nevada court can grant a divorce on the ground that the spouses are incompatible, without either party proving misconduct. Fault is generally not required, and marital misconduct is not ordinarily a factor in dividing community property.
How does Nevada divide property in a divorce?
Nevada is a community property state. Under NRS 125.150, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong equally to both spouses and are divided just and equitably — usually equally, though a court may deviate where fairness requires. Separate property generally stays with the spouse who owns it.
How does a Nevada court decide custody?
By the best interest of the child under NRS 125C.0035. The court weighs statutory factors including the child’s needs and relationships, each parent’s ability to meet them, the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other, and any history of domestic violence or abuse.
What is the difference between guardianship and custody?
Custody governs the rights and responsibilities of parents toward their own children. Guardianship appoints someone to make decisions for a minor whose parents cannot, or for an adult who can no longer manage their own affairs. Guardianship is heard in probate court rather than family court and involves a different statutory framework.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
Not necessarily, though it is worth a consultation. Uncontested divorces can be straightforward, but agreements involving retirement accounts, real property, a business interest, or long-term support are easy to get wrong in ways that are difficult to undo later. A short review before signing costs far less than a later motion to set the agreement aside.
This page is for general information and is not legal advice. Every family matter is different; contact us to discuss your specific situation.