Quick Reference
Clark County Family Court is a specialized division of the Eighth Judicial District Court. It has exclusive jurisdiction over all family law matters in Clark County: divorce (NRS 125), child custody (NRS 125C), child support (NRS 125B), domestic violence protective orders (NRS 33.018), guardianship, paternity, and adoption. A self-help center assists pro se litigants. Domestic violence emergency protective orders are available same-day.
Court Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Clark County Family Court (Division of Eighth Judicial District Court) |
| Address | 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101 |
| Phone | (702) 455-2590 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.clarkcountycourts.us |
| eFiling | eflex.nvcourts.gov |
| Self-Help Center | On-site at 601 N. Pecos Rd. (hours vary) |
| Filing fee (divorce petition) | ~$299 |
| Filing fee (custody petition) | ~$270 |
Jurisdiction: What Clark County Family Court Handles
Clark County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family law matters arising within Clark County. Cases handled include:
| Matter | NRS Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce / dissolution of marriage | NRS 125 | Contested and uncontested; 6-week Nevada residency required |
| Legal separation | NRS 125 | Alternative to divorce; preserves some marital benefits |
| Child custody (legal and physical) | NRS 125C | Best interest of child standard; joint custody presumption |
| Child support | NRS 125B | Guidelines-based calculation; income of both parents |
| Paternity | NRS 126 | Can be established voluntarily or by court order |
| Domestic violence protective orders | NRS 33.018 | Emergency (same-day), Temporary (up to 30 days), Extended (up to 2 years) |
| Guardianship of minors | NRS 159A | For children when parents are unable to care for them |
| Adoption | NRS 127 | Stepparent, agency, and private adoptions |
| Termination of parental rights | NRS 128 | High burden of proof; often precedes adoption |
Divorce and Child Custody in Clark County
Nevada is a no-fault divorce state — a spouse need only allege incompatibility (NRS 125.010) to obtain a divorce. There is no requirement to prove wrongdoing by either party. Nevada requires at least 6 weeks of residency in the state before filing for divorce (NRS 125.020) — one of the shortest residency requirements in the country, which contributes to Nevada's large volume of divorce filings.
For child custody matters, Nevada courts apply a "best interest of the child" standard (NRS 125C.0035). Nevada law presumes that joint physical and legal custody is in a child's best interest unless evidence shows otherwise. Factors considered include the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to provide a stable home, any history of domestic violence, and the child's own preference if the child is of sufficient age and maturity.
Nevada Child Support Guidelines (NRS 125B)
Nevada uses an income shares model for child support calculations. Child support is based on the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children. The court may deviate from guidelines based on factors including special medical needs, extraordinary expenses, and the parenting time arrangement. Use the Nevada Child Support Formula as a starting point — an attorney can help calculate accurate amounts.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders (NRS 33.018)
Clark County Family Court can issue protective orders in domestic violence situations. The process involves three levels of protection:
- Emergency Protective Order (EPO): Issued same-day by a judge without notice to the abuser if immediate danger is demonstrated. Lasts up to 30 days.
- Temporary Protective Order (TPO): Issued after the respondent has been served and typically lasts until a full hearing can be scheduled.
- Extended Protective Order: Issued after a hearing where both parties may present evidence. Can last up to 2 years and may be renewed.
Domestic Violence Resources in Las Vegas
In addition to Family Court, domestic violence victims can contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for emergency assistance. The Nevada Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-500-1556 (24 hours). SafeNest Las Vegas provides shelter, advocacy, and legal assistance: (702) 646-4981.
The Family Law Self-Help Center
Recognizing that many litigants cannot afford attorneys, Clark County Family Court operates a self-help center at 601 N. Pecos Rd. The center provides:
- Assistance completing court-approved family law forms (divorce, custody, child support, protective orders)
- Information about court procedures and filing requirements
- Document review to check for completeness (but not legal advice)
- Referrals to legal aid and pro bono resources
Self-help center staff are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice — they assist with forms and procedures only. For complex contested cases involving property division, high-conflict custody, or domestic violence, retaining a Las Vegas family law attorney is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clark County Family Court is located at 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Phone: (702) 455-2590. Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. It is a separate location from the main Regional Justice Center at 200 Lewis Ave.
Family Court handles all family law matters in Clark County: divorce (NRS 125), legal separation, child custody (NRS 125C), child support (NRS 125B), paternity (NRS 126), domestic violence protective orders (NRS 33.018), guardianship of minors (NRS 159A), adoptions (NRS 127), and termination of parental rights (NRS 128).
Yes. The Family Law Self-Help Center at 601 N. Pecos Rd. assists pro se (self-represented) litigants with completing court forms and understanding procedures. Staff can help with divorce, custody, and child support forms but cannot provide legal advice. Check clarkcountycourts.us for current hours.
Yes. Domestic violence emergency protective orders (EPOs) are available at Family Court. A judge can issue an EPO the same day you apply if you demonstrate immediate danger from domestic violence. The EPO lasts up to 30 days. A Temporary Protective Order and Extended Protective Order can provide longer-term protection following a hearing.