This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the question of what happens in a Las Vegas, Nevada child custody case. I feel it is important to address this topic as, quite often, parents are unsure of what to expect from legal proceedings. This lack of familiarity with the process can lead to a parent hesitating before taking action to protect their children. I am writing this series, therefore, with the goal of providing information which people will find useful in understanding their situation. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a family law attorney.
There are multiple topics which I will be addressing over the course of this series. Issues which I will discuss include:
- What typically happens at the first custody hearing
- The importance of having a temporary custody order
- What happens when a parent fails to follow a temporary custody order
- What happens at mediation
- What to expect from discovery and trial
I am addressing these particular issues for multiple reasons. First, many operate under the belief that the first hearing in the matter will be similar to a trial. This is not the case. Instead, the first hearing, where temporary orders are typically issued, is often relatively brief and only involves arguments back and forth between the attorneys. This brings us to the second point. That is the fact that a parent may be held in Contempt of Court if they fail to follow the orders issued at the initial hearing. Third, the parties will typically attend mediation early in the case. It is important to know what to expect from mediation so that the chances of a settlement can be increased. Finally, if the matter is not settled then discovery will likely be necessary and the matter will conclude at trial.
An important point that I will be making in each of these articles is that one should retain an experienced attorney if they are involved in a family law dispute. Domestic relations cases can involve complex issues of fact and law. How your case is presented to the Court can make the difference as to whether evidence is considered and how such evidence is interpreted. I am a Las Vegas child custody lawyer who practices exclusively in Family Court. I understand that this is an important time in your life and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.