Child Vistation Attorneys in Reno, NV

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Reno's Top Child Visitation Lawyers

In life, there is no job more important than a parent’s. In law, restoring a parent’s rightful position in their child’s life is a rewarding act.

Custody battles are complex. In custody battles, both parties typically have widely opposing opinions about the direction the case should go. Because of this, these cases often end up in a trial. If your custody matter makes it to a trial, you need an experienced trial attorney. The Reno child custody & visitation attorneys at Carlson & Work are unmatched in a trial.

Carlson & Work has successfully handled hundreds of child custody cases. We consistently obtain winning results. Thus, Carlson & Work is widely considered one of Reno’s top child custody law firms.

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Client Testimonials

Excellent

Carlson & Work

5.0

Based on 171 reviews

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Jorge

I recently had the opportunity to work with Carlson & Work for my divorce proceedings, and I must say, their team exceeded all my expectations. From the very first consultation, it was clear that they were not just exceptionally professional but also genuinely compassionate and understanding. Going through a divorce can be an emotionally taxing experience, but the kindness and patience demonstrated by everyone at Carlson & Work made a world of difference. They took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, providing not just legal advive but also a level of emotional support that was deeply appreciated.

Brian C.

These are real people that know the ins and outs of the legal system to put families and regular people like me at ease. It’s effortless to be professional in this occupation, it’s harder to be personal, and Carlson & Work provide just that- legal knowledge and care for a community. Thanks Team, it’s forever appreciated.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much, Brian!

Oscar D.

Carlson & Work treat their clients, como familia. Their thoughtful approach of bringing complex issues to ease, is more than appreciated.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Mr. Delgado!

Alexander W.

If I could give 6 stars I would! I’m very grateful for the help I received from Carlson & Work. I appreciate their attention to detail and willingness to listen to what I expected and needed. I will definitely use them again. Great work from a local firm!!!!

Response from the owner: Thank you for the awesome review!

Casey G.

Great firm! Great lawyers!! You won’t go wrong hiring Carlson and Work!

Response from the owner: Much appreciated!

EMILIO PEÑA R.

Carlson & Work is the team you need in your corner! Amazing experience end to end.

Response from the owner: Thanks for choosing our team!

Pablo Emilio Mendoza R.

No one wants to deal with an ugly legal case but if you have to, this is the team you need!

Response from the owner: Thank you, Pablo. It’s an honor.

Emilio M.

Mathew and his team handled my case with class and determination. I would highly suggest reaching out if you're in Reno looking for a top notch team.

Response from the owner: Thanks so much!

ESTRADA NU?EZ A.

Was told my criminal case was unbeatable. Thankfully, IDidn't listen and called Attorney Work.

Response from the owner: Thank you for giving us a call!

ARJAN ESTRADA N.

In a small town like Reno, it's hard to find a team of attorneys as skilled and that which would rival a major market firm, Carlson & Work is the exception.

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!

スロー

There's Carlson & Work, then the rest. They're just not in the same league.

Response from the owner: ❤️❤️❤️

NOE SANTOS C.

Mathew and his team are stand up, honest and humble law professionals. I never felt spoken down to, not listened to or worried about communication. They are the best in the game!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much! We work hard for great family law outcomes!

Hugo O.

Five stars doesn't come close to how much I owe Rebekah, but I would proudly recommend her to any friends or family looking for a fantastic family law attorney.

Flavio G.

No one wants to need an attorney, but if you ever do, this is your place! A+ employees and process.

Michel M.

The entire team was patient, thoughtful and kind throughout a very difficult case. I was represented by Kathleen, she was honest and fair throughout the whole process.

daniela G.

Without a doubt, the best law firm in Nevada. Plain and simple.

Kimberly A.

Carlson and Work is absolutely top notch in everything they do, communication, preparation, honesty, everything about the way they operate their firm is top flight and refreshing. If you’re in a bind, give the a ring!

Fer A.

If you need someone in your corner, during the most challenging parts of your life, Mathew Work is the kind of guy you hope to have in your foxhole with you. He will fight tooth and nail for you like family and speak to you with bluntness lost in these times. He is simply the best.

Ana A.

I can’t thank Mathew, Rebecca and the team for everything they have accomplished in such a short amount of time, in a couple months, I went from hopeless to so hopeful about what my future and my family’s future holds!

Jacqueline

I had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Carlson and Nichole in my custody case. They were compassionate, professional, and always told me how it was, even when the news was difficult. I really respect their humble approach to dealing with clients and their willingness to explain things multiple times to make sure I understood exactly what was happening throughout the entire process of my Litigation, if you’re in a bind, these are your people!

Saira M.

The entire team at Carlson Work was communicative, kind, and very honest throughout my entire time with them. I was represented by a previous firm, and this firm was able to accomplish in four months with the other firm, couldn’t accomplish in nearly 2 years regarding my custody case five stars isn’t enough to express my gratitude to the team.

STEPHANY JACQUELINE SÁNCHEZ M.

Carlson & Work is made up of kind people with hearts of gold who are willing to go to battle for their clients! I am so grateful they still build business on principles!

SAMPEDRO HOYOS NOE R.

Kathleen fought for my family like she was part of it. I'll never forget the life changing impact attorney Mangan has made for the health and well being of my children.

Marco Antonio Zepeda G.

If you're dealing with family law stuff, you've got to check out Rebecca and her team at Carlson & Work. They really know their stuff and they get how tough these situations can be. Rebecca is super understanding and makes you feel like you're not just another case. Her team is all about making things clear and less overwhelming for you. They're really supportive and make a hard process a bit easier to handle. Seriously, for anything family law-related, Rebecca and her crew are the people you want on your side. They're awesome.

Paul A.

Matthew Work is a lawyer who's not just great at his job, but he's also super kind-hearted. He really listens and cares, making you feel supported and not just like another case. It's like talking to a friend who knows all about law. He makes the whole legal thing feel less scary and more human. It's awesome to have a lawyer who's not only smart but also genuinely cares about you.

Response from the owner: Thanks so much for the kind words.

MENDOZA OSEGUERA SAYURI Y.

The entire support staff was on top of communication and made working with the attorneys streamline. I really appreciated that I was always kept up to speed and given option to collaborate with the progress of the case. I can’t recommend this team enough. Five stars.

diana marlene salas S.

I was referring to Mathew Work for an injury case by my Barber, he was all the hype and more. Down to earth guy and spoke to me like a human throughout the process. Very happy with my settlement and the way my case was managed by Mathew.

Argut S.

I went through a very long child custody battle with Rebecca. She never gave up on me, never lost hope, and in the end I was awarded primary physical custody. Thanks to her hard work.

Kimberly C.

I am extremely pleased with the firm's handling of my case. Their expertise and support throughout the process were invaluable. Everything was conducted in a timely and professional manner. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend their services to anyone facing similar legal challenges.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the kind words! We greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day.

Emmanuel G.

Five. Stars! This law firm is one of the best businesses and group of professionals I've ever worked with. Look no further it doesn't get better in Reno.

Response from the owner: Mr. Garcia, thank you for taking the time to share this. It means a ton to us.

jessica ramirez R.

Mathew and Lauren were the two attorneys I interfaced with during my case. They were both patient, dynamic and honest. They set expectations and kept me up to speed throughout the entire court process.

Response from the owner: Thank you Jessica! We agree, Lauren is an amazingly hardworking attorney.

EDWARDO “CK” H.

I can’t think you all enough. You were patient, kind, dedicated for the last six months, and we finally achieved the results. We set out too. If you’re like me and looking for honest and aggressive, legal assistance, this is your team.

Response from the owner: Thanks Ed! We are thankful for you.

Abbie

Mathew and his team were incredible to work with. Obviously, anytime you’re working with an attorney. It can be otherwise stressful but somehow this team makes it very stress-free and personal.

Response from the owner: Thans Abbie! We do our best to do what's right for our clients! Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words.

Eren S.

I've got to give some real talk about my attorney, Mathew. At first, he might come off a bit rough around the edges, and I won't lie, it took me a minute to get used to it. But, as time went on, I started to truly appreciate that side of him. It's like his no-nonsense approach is actually one of his strengths. He cuts through the fluff, gets down to business, and genuinely has your back. Weirdly enough, I've come to love that about him. If you want someone straightforward and fiercely on your side, Mathew's the real deal.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to share this!

Louis D.

I've got to share about my experience with my custody attorney, Lauren. Going through a custody battle is never easy, but Lauren was a true anchor throughout. She didn't just feed me legal jargon or false promises. She was honest from the get-go, even when the truth was hard to swallow. And you know how sometimes it feels like you're in the dark with legal stuff? Not with Lauren. She made sure I was always in the loop and understood each step. It felt like I had a friend guiding me, someone genuinely on my side. If you're diving into the maze of custody battles and need a steady hand, Lauren is the one you'd want by your side. She's been a godsend.

Response from the owner: We agree, Lauren ROCKS!

Alessandro S.

Had to write this about Mathew Work – he's such a breath of fresh air in the legal world. I've met lawyers before, but none as approachable and genuine as him. The whole time we worked together, he kept things real and was straight-up honest, no sugarcoating. It felt like having a knowledgeable friend on my side, guiding me through everything. If you're looking for someone down-to-earth and trustworthy, Mathew's your guy. So glad I found him.

Response from the owner: Mr. Work.. WORKS really hard to help all his clients. Thank you!

Welen E.

Lauren Driscoll stands out as an exemplary attorney in the realm of family law. Her intelligence and keen understanding of the intricacies of the legal system are commendable. More than her vast knowledge, it’s the way she took the time to meticulously explain the family law process to me that left a lasting impression. With Lauren, I felt informed, empowered, and confident at every turn. I can’t express enough gratitude for her guidance and support throughout the entire process. Highly recommended!

Response from the owner: Isn't she great! We are very grateful for your kind words.

Toby H.

Rebecca Carlson is an exceptional attorney. Her aggressive approach ensured we were always a step ahead, and her meticulous preparation before trial was evident. Meeting with Rebecca to discuss questions was invaluable; it not only showcased her commitment but also significantly eased my nerves. Truly grateful for her unparalleled dedication and expertise. Don’t wait, call this girl today!

Response from the owner: We couldn't agree more, Rebecca is one of the hardest working women you will ever meet. Thank you for recognizing her hard work.

Zhang A.

Rebecca was absolutely spectacular throughout my case. She exceeded at preparatory efforts and I felt reassured knowing what was coming next. What a pleasant surprise working with lawyers! Five stars!!!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your amazing review!

SOLIS CAMACHO MARIO A.

I was referred to Rebecca by a close friend, who had similar positive results. She is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Five stars!Thanks Becca!

Response from the owner: Thank you for the awesome review! We appreciate you!

Maria M.

Rebecca is an amazing lawyer who really gets it. She took the time to listen to all my custody concerns, showing she truly cared. Not only did she understand what I was going through, but she also worked wonders in court. Thanks to her, we got great results. It felt like having a friend in my corner who also happens to be a legal whiz!

Response from the owner: We always work hard to try to understand our clients at a personal level. Thank you for seeing that quality in us and sharing your opinion!

Nevada Custody Laws

Under Nevada law, there are two forms of custody a court will consider (1) Legal Custody and (2) Physical Custody. When you meet with one of Carlson & Work’s experienced family law attorneys, we will formulate a plan of attack to achieve your child custody and visitation goals.

Joint Legal Custody

Joint legal custody is the most common form of legal custody awarded in Nevada. Unless there is a judicial order stating otherwise, joint legal custody is presumed. In joint legal custody, both parents share the ability to make major decisions about their child, and further, have to consult with one another regarding these major decision.

Sole Legal Custody

Sole legal custody is less common. Sole legal custody requires a judge determining only one parent should have the right to make all major decisions for the child, and be the only parent to have access to critical information about their child.

Physical Custody in Nevada

In Nevada, physical custody refers to where the child will spend most of their time. An experienced custody attorney will have a significant impact on the child. Physical custody cases determine the child’s school, community, and daily child development activities. Hiring the right custody lawyer is vital in obtaining desired outcomes, including protecting parental visitation rights.

The following are the three (3) types of physical custody recognized under Nevada law:

SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY

Sole physical custody provides one parent with access to their child. The non-custodial parent has no custodial rights and often, has no right of visitation. Most common, this type of judgment is reached when one parent is determined to be a threat to the child’s health or safety.

JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY

Joint Physical Custody is one of the most common forms of custody granted in the Family Court. Joint Physical Custody authorizes 40% of the child’s time with either parent. By law, a judge must grant joint physical custody unless compelling arguments are made. Hiring an experienced custody law attorney can mean the difference between a judge awarding primary physical custody or joint physical custody.

PRIMARY PHYSICAL CUSTODY

Primary physical custody exists when one parent has the children more than 60% of the year. The other parent will have parenting time, commonly referred to as visitation. Often, an experienced family attorney is needed to obtain such a determination of custody. In these cases, a custody attorney will demonstrate that the factors under NRS 125.0035(4)(c) show that an award for primary physical custody is appropriate.

Primary Factors in Determining Physical Custody

The following are some of the most significant factors a judge will consider when determining whether one parent may be eligible for primary physical custody:

If the child is of sufficient age, a court will strongly consider their wishes, in regards to which parent they would like to live with.
Which parent is most likely to make sure the non-custodial parent maintains a frequent association with their child.
The level of conflict that exists between the parents, and which parent is the contributing cause of that conflict.
Which parent is capable of meeting the needs of their child. This factor is strongly weighed in cases where a child has special needs.
The relationship that presently exists between each parent and the child. Simply put, the court will consider which parent plays a more central role in the child’s life.
Which parent is more capable of meeting the physical, emotional and even developmental needs of their child.
Whether there are siblings from other marriages, and whether one parent will allow frequent associations with their siblings.
Whether either parent has committed an act of domestic violence.
Whether a parent has committed an act of child abduction.

CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION ATTORNEY TIMELINE

STEP #1

If there is no child custody and visitation court order in place – a parent will file a petition to establish custody.

If there is a child custody and visitation order in place – a parent can file a motion to modify the order.

STEP #2

If a petition to establish custody is filed, the opposing party will then have twenty (20) calendar days to file a response.

Typically, after a motion to modify custody has been filed, the opposing party with have approximately ten (10) court calendar days.

STEP #3

If a petition to establish custody was filed, the court will first set the matter for a case management conference, followed by a settlement hearing and possibly a trial.

If a motion to modify custody was filed, the court will set the hearing to allow the custody attorneys to argue the motion and present evidence.

STEP #4

The parties always have the opportunity to settle on terms that they feel benefit both parties. If no settlement is reached, a judge will decide, based on the evidence presented and the factors of NRS 125.0035(4)(c), what outcome would be in the best interests of the minor child(ren).

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