How Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody?
Nevada Courts take allegations of domestic violence very seriously. If there are any accusations about domestic violence in a child custody case the judges will hold a trial to determine whether or not in fact there have been acts of domestic violence in the family and with the children in particular. If after the court hearing the court concludes that domestic violence did occur, has occurred, or is continuing to occur the court takes necessary steps to keep the parent and the child safe.
Here are a few examples of things that the court might order:
- An immediate ban of any overnight visits with the abusive parent and the child.
- Supervised visitations with the abusive parent. The abusive parents must visit the child with another responsible adult present or in some situations in a facility that oversees visitations with the parent and the child.
- Order that the abusive parent attend therapy sessions or classes for anger management or abuse control. Any kind of therapy that might help the abusive parent to realize what he or she is doing and to help them with the tools necessary to stop the abusive behavior.
- In very extreme situations where the abuse is egregious the court will consider terminating the parent’s rights. This is a very serious remedy and the courts don’t like to use this right away, they leave this to the very last resort. The reason that they do this is because once a parent’s rights are terminated they can never be regained.
The court always looks to what is in the best interest of the child and it always does whatever is necessary to protect that child. In abuse cases the court will do whatever is necessary including, if necessary, terminating the abusive parent’s rights.
If you’d like to discuss your specific domestic abuse situation as it relates to child custody, our office is a safe place to do so. Contact us at (702) 998-1188, info@ljlawlv.com, or schedule a consultation online.
For more information on other Family Law topics and frequently asked questions, visit our Family Law blog or Family Law TV Playlist on our Youtube Channel.