This is my next post in a series of articles which will address the question of when child custody orders end in Las Vegas, Nevada. My last article provided an overview of the topics which this series will be addressing. Many parents are surprised to learn that child custody orders remain in full effect until a minor reaches the age of majority or is legally emancipated. This is an important topic because confusion about when Court-ordered arrangements end can lead to conflict and serious consequences. Some may assume that the orders become more flexible or optional once a child becomes a teenager. Nevada law is clear on when and how child custody ends, however. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office to speak with an attorney. Doing this can help protect your rights and ensure that your child’s best interest remains the focus.
There is generally no way to “end child custody early” in Nevada
Nevada law provides that child custody orders remain legally binding until a child turns eighteen or becomes emancipated. NRS 125C.0045(9) specifies that a parent’s rights and responsibilities under a custody order continue until the child reaches the age of majority. Many parents mistakenly believe that custody orders are less serious or enforceable once a child becomes a teenager or expresses a preference. This misunderstanding can lead to serious consequences. Some parents may wonder whether a child’s graduation from high school affects custody arrangements if a minor graduates before turning eighteen. Graduation alone does not end such a Court order. However, marriage does emancipate a minor in Nevada and emancipation ends custody arrangements. However, outside of marriage, emancipation requires a Court order and is only granted in specific cases where the child can prove financial independence and maturity.
A parent has the right to take immediate legal action if the other parent begins to disregard the custody order based on the belief that the child is practically an adult and can make their own decisions. Courts in Nevada do not permit either parent to unilaterally change or ignore custody arrangements. This is true even if a teenager is more independent or resists visitation. Parental legal obligations and rights continue. A parent who wants to change custody arrangements must seek a modification formally through the Court. Original orders remain fully enforceable until a Judge approves a modification. Legal action begins with filing a Motion in a Nevada Family Court. The Court may schedule a hearing and require the noncompliant parent to explain their actions. The Court can enforce the order, award additional parenting time, or issue penalties if violations are found. Repeated or serious violations could even lead to changes in custody. Parents should act quickly as ignoring problems can make it harder to fix.
Consider the following examples. A parent of a sixteen year old stops paying child support because they feel like the child is nearing adulthood and their support is no longer needed. The other parent could petition the Court to enforce the order as the child is not yet eighteen and the paying parent has not been released from obligations. Or a parent of a teenager refuses to share updates about the child’s schooling or health and fails to encourage the child to attend scheduled visits. The other parent may take legal action because compliance with Court orders is not optional or relaxed. Ignoring or treating custody orders lightly can result in contempt of court or affect future custody decisions.
It is important to retain a Las Vegas attorney if you have a custody dispute involving an older child
Custody orders are still in effect even if your child is a teenager close to reaching adulthood. A co-parent refusing visits or letting a minor decide on their own is a legal problem. A family law attorney can help you take the right steps. This can include filing Motions, gathering evidence, and advocating for your parental rights in Court.
If you are dealing with a custody dispute regarding an older minor then call my office today. My firm represents parents and works hard to resolve your legal issue as quickly as possible. I am a Las Vegas child custody lawyer who is able to assist with these important matters. Contact us online or by telephone to discuss your options.