Family Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada

Most family law cases are decided long before trial — by preparation, strategy, and the attorney who knows Clark County Family Court well enough to anticipate what is coming.

What does a Las Vegas family lawyer handle?

• Exclusively family law — divorce, custody, support, adoption, guardianship, legal separation
• Clark County only — Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division
• Bilingual team — full attorney representation in English and Spanish
• Six attorneys — managed by Jennifer Setters, J.D. (Boyd School of Law)
• No free consultations — paid case evaluations only; (702) 979-1455

Practice overview by Jennifer Setters, J.D. — Managing Attorney, Gastelum Attorneys. UNLV Criminal Justice, B.S. Boyd School of Law, J.D. Over a decade in Clark County Family Court. | Updated March 2026 | Current law: SB 432 (Oct 2025), SB 275 (Jul 2025), Martinez v. Martinez (Nev. 2024) | New Beginnings, Brighter Tomorrows.

Gastelum Attorneys is a family law firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. We handle every area of family law exclusively in Clark County — from contested divorce to child custody modifications, child support enforcement, spousal support, adoption, and guardianship. Our bilingual team of six attorneys appears regularly before the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. If you need a family lawyer near you in Clark County, call (702) 979-1455 or schedule a case evaluation.

When do you need a family lawyer in Las Vegas?

Not every family situation requires an attorney immediately — but certain circumstances make legal representation essential rather than optional. In Clark County, you should contact a family lawyer as soon as possible when:

• You are served with divorce papers or considering filing yourself. Once a divorce case is open, deadlines begin running — for financial disclosures, responses, and temporary orders. Missing early deadlines can affect the outcome of the entire case.
• Child custody is disputed or you need to modify an existing order. Temporary custody orders set in the first weeks of a case often become the long-term arrangement. What happens early matters.
• Your co-parent has stopped paying child support or is paying less than the court-ordered amount. Enforcement requires a motion and specific Nevada procedures — it does not happen automatically.
• Your ex has relocated or is threatening to relocate with your children. Nevada requires court approval for relocation that affects custody. Acting quickly protects your parenting rights.
• You are facing a domestic violence situation. Emergency custody petitions and Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) can be filed immediately. Under SB 275 (effective July 1, 2025), Nevada courts now apply stricter standards for reunification orders and expert evidence in cases involving abuse.
• You are adopting or seeking guardianship of a child. These proceedings have specific notice requirements, home study requirements, and hearings before a Clark County Family Court judge that require proper legal preparation.

Family law services we handle in Clark County

Every case we take is a family law matter. We do not handle criminal, personal injury, or immigration cases. Our focus is Clark County Family Court and the families who come through it.

Divorce

Nevada is a no-fault divorce state under NRS 125.010 — neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to file. We handle both uncontested and contested divorces in Clark County, including high-asset cases involving real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and stock options. Nevada requires no separation period and has a six-week residency requirement under NRS 125.020. In straightforward uncontested cases, Clark County can finalize a decree in as few as 10 days from filing.

→ Las Vegas divorce attorney overview | Uncontested divorce Nevada | Contested divorce Nevada

Child custody

Nevada courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child under NRS 125C.0035, considering each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s ties to school and community, history of domestic violence, and each parent’s ability to cooperate. We handle initial custody orders, modifications, relocation requests, and emergency petitions. Under SB 275 (effective July 1, 2025), Nevada courts face new restrictions on reunification orders and elevated expert evidence standards in domestic violence cases.

→ Child custody lawyer Las Vegas

Child support

Nevada child support is calculated using a tiered formula under NAC 425.140 based on each parent’s gross monthly income and the number of children. Parents cannot agree to zero support without specific court findings. We handle initial orders, modifications triggered by income changes, and enforcement through wage garnishment and license suspension. Under Martinez v. Martinez (Nev. 2024), travel costs for long-distance parenting arrangements are now explicitly factored into support calculations.

→ Child support attorney Las Vegas | Nevada child support calculator

Spousal support and alimony

Nevada does not use a fixed alimony formula. Courts weigh factors under NRS 125.150 including length of marriage, each spouse’s financial condition, the marital standard of living, and the time needed for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting. We represent both payors and recipients in initial determinations, modifications, and terminations.

→ Spousal support attorney Las Vegas | Nevada alimony calculator

Adoption

Nevada adoption proceedings require a home study, background checks, a placement period, and a final hearing before Clark County Family Court under NRS Chapter 127. We handle stepparent adoption, private domestic adoption, and adult adoption. Termination of parental rights — necessary when the biological parent does not consent — requires a separate petition and clear and convincing evidence.

→ Adoption attorney Las Vegas

Guardianship

Guardianship of a minor in Nevada is governed by NRS Chapter 159A. A guardian is appointed by Clark County Family Court when a child’s parents are unable to provide care due to death, incapacity, incarceration, or other circumstances. Guardianship does not terminate parental rights — it suspends parental authority while the guardian serves. We handle emergency petitions, contested proceedings, and annual reporting requirements.

→ Guardianship attorney Las Vegas

Legal separation and annulment

Legal separation allows spouses to divide assets and establish custody arrangements without terminating the marriage — useful when religious beliefs, insurance coverage, or military benefits make divorce inadvisable. Annulment declares a marriage void from the beginning under grounds including fraud, bigamy, incapacity, or underage marriage. Both require Clark County Family Court proceedings. Learn more about legal separation in Nevada.

Family lawyers near you in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas

Gastelum Attorneys practices exclusively in Clark County. Whether you are looking for a family law firm in Las Vegas, a family lawyer near you in Henderson, or representation in North Las Vegas, all Clark County family law matters are heard in the same court — the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division. Our attorneys appear there regularly, regardless of which city you live in.

How to choose the best family lawyer in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has dozens of family law firms. The differences between them matter significantly to the outcome of your case. Here is what to evaluate before hiring:

1. Confirm they practice exclusively or primarily in family law. A generalist handling criminal, personal injury, and family matters interchangeably will have less Clark County Family Court depth than a firm focused exclusively on family law. Every attorney at Gastelum Attorneys handles only family law matters.
2. Verify they appear regularly in Clark County Family Court specifically. Nevada family law cases are heard in the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division. Your lawyer should know this court’s judges, departments, local rules, and procedures — not courts in Reno or other jurisdictions.
3. Check State Bar of Nevada license status. Verify any attorney’s license is active and in good standing at nvbar.org before scheduling any consultation.
4. Confirm attorneys — not paralegals — appear in court on your behalf. At some firms, paralegals or junior staff handle most in-court appearances. Ask directly: “Who will appear at my hearings?” At Gastelum Attorneys, attorneys — not support staff — appear in court for every client.
5. Assess current Nevada law knowledge. Nevada family law changed significantly in 2025. SB 432 (family court privacy, effective October 2025), SB 275 (custody and domestic violence, effective July 2025), and Martinez v. Martinez (2024) all affect active cases. Your attorney should be current on all three.
6. Consider bilingual representation if relevant. If you are more comfortable in Spanish, confirm the firm has full bilingual attorney representation — not translation services through a third party — so your legal strategy is communicated accurately from day one.

Why Las Vegas families choose Gastelum Attorneys

• Exclusively family law in Clark County. Every case we take is a family law matter. No criminal, no PI, no immigration. Our family law attorneys know Clark County Family Court because it is the only court we appear in.
• Bilingual representation. Our team is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Las Vegas has the fourth-largest Spanish-speaking population of any U.S. metro area. We serve that community with full attorney-client representation in Spanish — not an interpreter service.
• Six attorneys, one managing attorney. Gastelum Attorneys has six attorneys. Jennifer Setters, J.D. manages all cases personally. Larger matters, contested cases, and cases requiring specialized expertise benefit from a team approach with consistent managing attorney oversight.
• Current Nevada law — applied to your case. Our team stays current on every Nevada family law development. SB 432 (court privacy, October 2025), SB 275 (custody and domestic violence, July 2025), and Martinez v. Martinez (travel costs in child support, 2024) are all applied actively in how we advise clients and structure cases.
• No free consultations. We do not offer free consultations. Case evaluations are paid professional engagements. This ensures the time we spend with you is focused and substantive — not a sales call.

Frequently asked questions — family lawyers in Las Vegas

What does a family lawyer do in Las Vegas?

A family lawyer in Las Vegas represents clients in legal matters affecting families — divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, guardianship, legal separation, and annulment. All of these matters are heard in Clark County Family Court (Eighth Judicial District). Family lawyers file petitions, prepare financial disclosures, negotiate settlements, draft parenting plans, and appear in court on behalf of their clients. At Gastelum Attorneys, every attorney handles only family law matters in Clark County — no other practice areas.

Do I need a family lawyer for my case in Las Vegas?

Nevada permits self-representation (pro se) in family court matters. However, self-represented parties in contested cases — divorce, custody, support — are held to the same legal standards as attorneys and must comply with all procedural rules. Errors in financial disclosures, property division, or child support calculations under NAC 425.140 can be difficult or impossible to correct after a decree is entered. In contested cases or any matter involving children, real estate, retirement accounts, or a history of domestic violence, professional representation significantly affects outcomes.

Can I represent myself in family court in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada allows self-representation in all family court matters. The Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center provides forms and procedural guidance for pro se filers, particularly for straightforward uncontested divorces with no children and limited assets. For contested matters, cases with children, or cases involving property division disputes, self-representation carries meaningful risk. The most common call we receive is from someone who filed pro se months ago and needs help correcting something the court already finalized.

What happens at family court in Las Vegas?

Clark County Family Court (Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division) handles all divorce, custody, support, adoption, and guardianship matters in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Cases begin with a filed petition, proceed through financial disclosures and potential mediation, and may result in temporary orders before a final hearing or trial. As of October 1, 2025, all Clark County family court hearings are open to the public under SB 432 unless a judge orders a narrow closure for a specific compelling reason. See our detailed guide: Nevada family court privacy law — SB 432 explained.

How much does a family lawyer cost in Las Vegas?

Family lawyer fees in Las Vegas vary by case type. Uncontested divorces with minimal assets typically cost $1,500–$3,500 in attorney fees. Contested custody cases range from $5,000–$25,000 or more depending on the number of hearings and issues in dispute. Most Las Vegas family law attorneys charge $250–$450 per hour plus a retainer. Clark County filing fees are approximately $299 for most initial petitions. See our full breakdown: How much does divorce cost in Nevada?

How long does a family law case take in Clark County?

Timeline varies by case type and whether the parties can reach agreement. Uncontested divorces: 10 days to six weeks. Contested divorces: 6–18 months. Child custody modifications: weeks if stipulated, 6–12 months if contested (including possible custody evaluation). Adoption: 6–12 months from petition to final hearing. Emergency orders — custody or protection — can be entered the same day with appropriate showing. The single largest factor in timeline is whether the parties can agree.

What is the difference between a family lawyer and a divorce lawyer in Las Vegas?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different scopes. A divorce lawyer focuses specifically on the dissolution of marriage. A family lawyer handles the full spectrum of family legal matters — including custody and support cases that arise outside of divorce, adoptions, guardianships, legal separations, and post-decree modifications. Gastelum Attorneys handles all of these matters exclusively in Clark County. If your legal need falls anywhere in the family law spectrum, we handle it.

Can a family lawyer help with child support modification in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada child support orders can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances — typically a change in either parent’s income of 20% or more, a change in the child’s needs, or a change in physical custody. A family lawyer files a motion to modify, presents evidence of the change, and recalculates support under NAC 425.140. Under Martinez v. Martinez (Nev. 2024), travel costs for long-distance parenting may also be factored into the modification. See: Child support attorney Las Vegas.

Do Las Vegas family lawyers handle cases in Henderson and North Las Vegas?

Yes. Henderson and North Las Vegas are both in Clark County, and all family law matters in Clark County are heard in the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division — the same court that handles Las Vegas cases. Gastelum Attorneys appears regularly before that court regardless of which Clark County city a client lives in. See: Henderson divorce lawyer | North Las Vegas divorce lawyer.

What family law matters might I not know a Nevada court can handle?

In addition to divorce and custody, Clark County Family Court handles: paternity establishment and disestablishment; name changes for adults and minors; domestic violence Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs); grandparent visitation rights; surrogacy agreement enforcement; and international custody disputes under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. If you are unsure whether your situation falls under family law in Clark County, a case evaluation will identify the correct filing and court.

What should I look for in a family law firm in Las Vegas?

Look for a firm that practices exclusively or primarily in family law — not a generalist practice. Confirm the attorneys appear regularly in Clark County Family Court specifically, verify the managing attorney’s State Bar of Nevada status at nvbar.org, and ask directly whether attorneys (not paralegals) will appear at your hearings. Bilingual capability matters in Las Vegas if Spanish is your primary language. And confirm the firm is current on 2025 Nevada family law changes — SB 432, SB 275, and Martinez v. Martinez all affect active cases.

How do I get started with Gastelum Attorneys?

Call (702) 979-1455 or use the link below to schedule a case evaluation. We do not offer free consultations — case evaluations are paid professional engagements. During the evaluation, we will review your situation, explain your legal options under current Nevada law, and give you a clear picture of the timeline and process for your specific case type. Bilingual evaluations are available in Spanish.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.

Practice areas:
Divorce attorney Las Vegas |
Uncontested divorce Nevada |
Contested divorce Nevada |
Child custody lawyer Las Vegas |
Child support attorney Las Vegas |
Spousal support attorney Las Vegas |
Adoption attorney Las Vegas |
Guardianship attorney Las Vegas |
Legal separation Nevada |
Henderson divorce lawyer |
North Las Vegas divorce lawyer |
Nevada family court privacy law |
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