Posted by DivorceLine in Nevada Child Custody Laws
In determining custody of a minor child, the sole consideration of the court is the best interest of the child. If it appears to the court that joint custody would be in the best interest of the child, the court may grant custody to the parties jointly. Preference must not be given to either parent for the sole reason that the parent is the mother or the father of the child. In determining the best interest of the child, the court shall consider and set forth its specific findings concerning, among other things:
a) The wishes of the child if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference as to his custody.
b) 0Any nomination by a parent or a guardian for the child.
c) Which parent is more likely to allow the child to have frequent associations and a continuing relationship with the non-custodial parent.
d) The level of conflict between the parents.
e) The ability of the parents to cooperate to meet the needs of the child.
f) The mental and physical health of the parents.
g) The physical, developmental and emotional needs of the child.
h) The nature of the relationship of the child with each parent.
i) The ability of the child to maintain a relationship with any sibling.
j) Any history of parental abuse or neglect of the child or a sibling of the child.
k) Whether either parent or any other person seeking custody has engaged in an act of domestic violence against the child, a parent of the child or any other person residing with the child.
l) The court may award joint legal custody without awarding joint physical custody in a case where the parents have agreed to joint legal custody.
[Based on Nevada Revised Statutes 125.480]
