Dennis M. Leavitt — Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Las Vegas, NV

Divorce / Family LawChild CustodyChild SupportSpousal SupportPost-Decree Modification

Dennis M. Leavitt — Divorce & Family Law Attorney, Las Vegas NV

Dennis Leavitt founded the Leavitt Law Firm in 1989 and has practiced exclusively Nevada family law ever since. He has appeared before all 20 Family Court judges in Las Vegas, serves as a court-appointed pro-tempore judge since 2012, and is the son of the late Justice Myron E. Leavitt of the Nevada Supreme Court. The firm now operates with Dennis alongside his son Frank and grandson, representing three generations of Las Vegas family law practice.

Dennis's primary focus is Divorce / Family Law. Dennis also handles Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support and Post-Decree Modification matters. Clients searching for a divorce attorney in Las Vegas benefit from working with someone who understands the specific procedural rules of Clark County Family Court, the judges in the local system, and the Nevada statutes that govern their case. Key statutes: NRS 125.020 (residency requirements), NRS 125.150 (property division), and NRS 125C (child custody).

Why Hire Dennis M. Leavitt for Divorce in Las Vegas?

Appeared before all 20 Family Court judges: Dennis has argued cases before every Family Court judge currently sitting in Las Vegas — a span of experience that gives him real insight into how each judge approaches custody, support, and property division differently.
Pro-tempore judge since 2012: Dennis serves as a court-appointed pro-tempore judge in Family Court — meaning he periodically sits as a judge himself. That dual perspective as both advocate and adjudicator gives him unusual insight into judicial decision-making.
Post-decree modification: When life circumstances change — job loss, relocation, remarriage — existing divorce orders for custody, support, or property can be modified. Dennis has handled post-decree modification cases throughout his 35+ year career.
Legacy family law practice: Leavitt Law Firm represents three generations of Las Vegas family law attorneys — founded by Dennis in 1989, continued by son Frank, and now joined by the third generation. Continuity of practice means clients benefit from decades of accumulated Clark County family court knowledge.

Divorce Law in Las Vegas — What You Need to Know

Nevada is one of the most favorable states for divorce proceedings. The state requires only six weeks of residency before filing (NRS 125.020), is a no-fault divorce state (meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing), and its community property laws (NRS 125.150) provide a clear framework for dividing marital assets. For divorce and family law cases in Clark County, proceedings take place in Clark County Family Court — a specialized court within the Eighth Judicial District focused exclusively on family matters.

Nevada's community property system means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage generally belong equally to both spouses. However, significant exceptions apply — separate property, inherited assets, gifts, and property owned before the marriage are generally protected. Properly identifying and documenting separate property early in the divorce process is critical. Dennis's 36 years of Nevada divorce practice means clients get timely, accurate guidance on what to expect throughout the Clark County Family Court process.

What to Expect Working with Dennis M. Leavitt

Most Nevada divorce attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. During that first meeting, you should expect Dennis to review the specific facts of your situation, explain the likely legal process and timeline, outline fee arrangements, and give you a realistic assessment of your options. See our guide on Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney for the exact questions you should ask any attorney before you hire them.

Fee structures in Nevada family law vary. Contested divorce cases are typically handled on an hourly basis, with retainers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of the case and the firm. Uncontested divorces may be handled at a flat fee. For detailed cost information, see our Divorce Attorney Costs in Las Vegas guide.

Clark County Courts Serving Dennis M. Leavitt's Clients

Divorce and family law proceedings in Las Vegas take place primarily in Clark County Family Court. Depending on your case, related proceedings may involve additional courts:

Clark County Family Court — Divorce, custody, child support, guardianship
Clark County District Court — Civil matters, property disputes exceeding Family Court jurisdiction
Las Vegas Justice Court — Temporary protective orders in some circumstances
Henderson Justice Court — Henderson-area civil and TPO matters

Nevada Legal Resources Related to Divorce & Family Law

Frequently Asked Questions — Divorce & Family Law in Nevada

What are Nevada's residency requirements to file for divorce?

Nevada requires at least one spouse to have been a resident of Nevada for a minimum of six weeks immediately before filing, under NRS 125.020. Clark County is typically the venue if either spouse lives there. The six-week requirement is shorter than most states, which is one reason Las Vegas is a popular jurisdiction for divorce. Your attorney will confirm residency with an affidavit at filing.

How is marital property divided in a Nevada divorce?

Nevada is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong equally to both spouses and are generally divided 50/50 at divorce under NRS 125.150. Separate property — assets owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts — is generally not subject to division. However, commingling separate and marital assets, or transmuting separate property into community property, can complicate the analysis. A Las Vegas divorce attorney can help you identify, classify, and protect your separate property.

How does a Nevada court determine child custody?

Nevada courts apply a best-interests-of-the-child standard under NRS 125C.0035, weighing 12 statutory factors: the child's wishes (if old enough), each parent's relationship with the child, each parent's ability to provide stability, any history of domestic violence, the child's ties to home/school/community, and others. Nevada also has a statutory presumption in favor of joint physical custody in most cases. Sole custody is awarded when joint custody is not in the child's best interest based on the 12-factor analysis.

How long does a Nevada divorce take?

An uncontested divorce (where both parties agree on all issues) can be completed in as little as three to six weeks in Clark County, since Nevada only requires six weeks of residency and allows summary divorce in some cases. A contested divorce — where custody, support, or property are disputed — typically takes six to eighteen months in Clark County Family Court, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court's scheduling. High-asset divorces with business valuations or discovery disputes can take longer.

Looking to compare? See our Top 3 Divorce Attorneys in Las Vegas — vetted recommendations for 2026.

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