This is the first post in a series which will discuss an unmarried father’s rights in the state of Nevada. I have decided to revisit this issue as Court decisions and statutory changes in recent years have led to some dads being unaware of the freedoms they enjoy. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help dads to better understand their rights and options which they may have. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a family law attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will analyze include:
- The rights of unmarried Nevada fathers as a general matter
- How unmarried dads can obtain a custody order
- How unmarried fathers can deal with a mother who wishes to move out of state
- Protecting one’s rights when they are not married to the mother
I have chosen to address these topics for a number of reasons. First, many dads do not realize that they have equal rights with the mother as long as paternity has been established. This includes the ability to gain information from schools, to schedule medical appointments, etc. By exercising these rights, a dad can ensure that they are part of their child’s upbringing. Second, if one is having disagreements with the mother, then it is vital that they obtain a court order. Understanding the process of doing so can make the matter go more smoothly. Third, unlike many other states, Nevada places restrictions on the ability of a parent to move a child out of state if no custody action has been initiated. Finally, there are steps which a dad generally should be taking even if they currently have a good working relationship with the mother.
One point I cannot stress enough is that one should contact an attorney immediately if they are having a disagreement related to child custody. The longer that one waits to initiate a legal proceeding then the more likely the Court is to find that the matter is not urgent. By taking action sooner, rather than later, you help to ensure that your rights remain protected. As a Las Vegas fathers attorney, I am familiar with handling such matters. My office practices exclusively in the area of family law and I strive to provide the highest levels of service. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation.