Case library
Nevada family-law decisions, briefed for practice.
Practitioner summaries with key holdings, posture, disposition, and the statutes cited - up front, where you need them. Every summary links to the full opinion.
34 results for “NRCP 4(e)(2)”
IN RE: PARENTAL RIGHTS AS TO T.M.R.
May 27, 2021137 Nev. Adv. Op. 23 (2021) · 81032 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed.The opinion resolves an ambiguity in Nevada's civil discovery framework as applied to parental-rights terminations. The Court reviews a denial of a motion in limine for abuse of discretion under State ex rel. Department…
SMITH VS. SMITH (DIVORCE)
Oct 26, 196682 Nev. 384, 419 P.2d 295 (1966) · 5093 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed.Thompson, J. The issue was whether the premature entry of a default divorce decree renders it void or merely voidable. The court held the decree voidable. Personal jurisdiction attached when the defendant was served…
PEARSON VS. PEARSON (CHILD CUSTODY)
May 22, 202525-22824 · 89033-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Reversed and remanded.**Standard of review.** The court reviewed the custody and relocation determination for abuse of discretion, noting that district courts enjoy "broad discretionary powers to determine child custody matters," which will…
IN RE: GUARDIANSHIP OF H.B. III
Apr 3, 2025141 Nev. Adv. Op. 15 (2025) · 87887 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed with instructions.The court reviewed the statutory-interpretation question de novo. State v. Catanio, 120 Nev. 1030, 1033, 102 P.3d 588, 590 (2004). When statutory text is unambiguous, it is given its plain meaning, Firestone v. State,…
CRISTOS VS. TOLAGSON (CHILD CUSTODY)
Apr 20, 202323-12301 · 84167-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Judgment of the district court AFFIRMED but REMANDED for the limited purpose of correcting the clerical error.Standard of review: After a bench trial, the court reviews legal conclusions de novo and upholds factual findings supported by substantial evidence, citing Vegas United Inv. Series 105, Inc. v. Celtic Bank Corp., 135…
ARZOLA VS. ESTRADA
Dec 22, 202222-40144 · 83941-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirming in part and reversing in part (Docket No. 83251-COA), reversing (Docket No. 83941-COA) and remanding.The court reviewed the child custody order, the child support and relocation decisions, and the attorney fees award all for abuse of discretion, citing Wallace v. Wallace, 112 Nev. 1015, 1019, 922 P.2d 541, 543 (1996);…
DURAN VS. ARMAS
Aug 26, 202525-37358 · 87593-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. (Order of Affirmance.)**Standard of review.** The court reviewed child custody determinations, legal-custody modifications, child support decisions, and continuance rulings for abuse of discretion. *Ellis v. Carucci*, 123 Nev. 145, 149, 161…
IN RE: PARENTAL RIGHTS AS TO M.M.L., JR.
May 11, 2017133 Nev. Adv. Op. 21 (2017) · 69210 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed.Standard of review: The grant or denial of a continuance lies within the district court's discretion and will not be reversed "except for the most potent reasons." S. Pac. Transp. Co. v. Fitzgerald, 94 Nev. 241, 243,…
LEE VS. PERRY (CHILD CUSTODY)
May 20, 202626-23130 · 90830-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.**Due process challenge.** The court restated that "[P]rocedural due process requires notice and an opportunity to be heard," Callie v. Bowling, 123 Nev. 181, 183, 160 P.3d 878, 879 (2007), and that "[d]ue process is…
MYERS VS. HASKINS (CHILD CUSTODY)
Jun 30, 2022138 Nev. Adv. Op. 51, 513 P.3d 527 (Ct. App. 2022) · 83576-COA · Nevada Supreme Court
Reversed and remanded with instructions.Standard of review: A district court's decision to deny a motion to modify physical custody without an evidentiary hearing is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Bautista v. Picone, 134 Nev. 334, 338, 419 P.3d 157, 160…
SAVARD VS. SAVARD (CHILD CUSTODY)
Apr 14, 202626-17099 · 89248-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")**Jurisdiction over the amended decree.** The court applied NRAP 4(a)(2) and NRAP 4(a)(6), holding that "[a] notice of appeal filed after the court announces a decision or order—but before the entry of the judgment or…
TOLIVER VS. TOLIVER (CHILD CUSTODY)
Nov 29, 202323-38770 · 85877-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("It is so ORDERED." affirming the district court's order.)The Court of Appeals reviewed the child custody modification against the settled standard that a district court has broad discretion in custody matters, but its findings must be supported by substantial evidence —…
EGGLESTON VS. CLARK CNTY. DEP'T OF FAMILY SERV.
Dec 10, 202424-47196 · 87583-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")**Jurisdiction / service.** The court first addressed DFS's threshold challenge to subject matter jurisdiction. Nevada's APA (NRS Chapter 233B) governs judicial review of administrative decisions. Liberty Mut. v.…
ROWBERRY VS. ROWBERRY (CHILD CUSTODY)
Aug 28, 202323-27999 · 85076-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Reversed and remanded. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court REVERSED and REMANDED.")The Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's custody and relocation determinations for abuse of discretion. Ellis v. Carucci, 123 Nev. 145, 149, 161 P.3d 239, 241 (2007); Flynn v. Flynn, 120 Nev. 436, 440, 92 P.3d…
DAVIS VS. TROTTA (CHILD CUSTODY)
Apr 3, 202626-15252 · 90587-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed.The Court of Appeals reviewed the denial of an NRCP 60(b)(1) motion for an abuse of discretion, citing Rodriguez v. Fiesta Palms, LLC, 134 Nev. 654, 656, 428 P.3d 255, 257 (2018), holding modified by Willard v.…
GRIGALANZ VS. DIST. CT. (COPAS) (FAMILY)
Aug 6, 202525-34394 · 91066 · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Petition denied.The court applied the familiar standard that writ relief is extraordinary and discretionary, and that the petitioner bears the burden of demonstrating entitlement to such relief. Pan v. Eighth Jud. Dist. Ct., 120 Nev.…
ARZOLA VS. ESTRADA (CHILD CUSTODY)
Dec 22, 202222-40141 · 83251-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part and reversed in part (Docket No. 83251-COA); reversed (Docket No. 83941-COA) and remanded.The Court of Appeals reviewed the child custody order, child support determination, relocation question, and attorney fees award for abuse of discretion. *Wallace v. Wallace*, 112 Nev. 1015, 1019, 922 P.2d 541, 543…
Rivero v. Rivero
Oct 30, 2008125 Nev. 410, 216 P.3d 213 (2009) · 46915 · Nevada Supreme Court
Reversed and remanded in part (custody determination and child support); affirmed in part (the district court's orders regarding the recusal, disqualification, and attorney fees).Standards of review: custody decisions, including visitation schedules, are reviewed for abuse of discretion (Wallace v. Wallace, 112 Nev. 1015, 1019, 922 P.2d 541, 543 (1996)); factual findings must be supported by…
FREELOVE VS. FREELOVE
Feb 7, 202323-03755 · 82732-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part and reversed in part and remanded.**Standard of review.** The court reviews child support orders for an abuse of discretion. Romano v. Romano, 138 Nev., Adv. Op. 1, 501 P.3d 980, 985 (2022). A district court abuses its discretion when its findings are…
CAMBRA VS. LANDINO (CHILD CUSTODY)
Oct 24, 202323-34663 · 85093-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.The Court of Appeals reviewed the custody and relocation determinations for abuse of discretion (Ellis v. Carucci, 123 Nev. 145, 149, 161 P.3d 239, 241 (2007); Flynn v. Flynn, 120 Nev. 436, 440 n.6, 92 P.3d 1224, 1227…
JENSEN VS. PETERSON (CHILD CUSTODY)
Nov 12, 202525-49409 · 90580-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")The Court of Appeals reviewed the evidentiary ruling for an abuse of discretion, which will not be disturbed "absent a showing of palpable abuse." M.C. Multi-Fam. Dev., L.L.C. v. Crestdale Assocs., Ltd., 124 Nev. 901,…
IN RE: GUARDIANSHIP OF M.J.V. C/W 87710
May 22, 202525-22815 · 86816-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")Standard of review. The court applied abuse-of-discretion review to the guardianship determination: "Absent a showing of abuse, we will not disturb the district court's exercise of discretion concerning guardianship…
WOOTEN VS. WOOTEN (CHILD CUSTODY)
Apr 12, 202424-12781 · 87208-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("we ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")**Service of process (waiver).** The court applied the rule that an objection to personal jurisdiction, process, or service of process is waived if not raised as a defense in an answer or pre-answer motion under NRCP…
NGUYEN VS. BOYNES (CHILD CUSTODY)
Jun 22, 2017133 Nev. Adv. Op. 32 (2017) · 69166 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed.Standard of review. The Court reviewed application of the equitable adoption doctrine de novo as a question of law, citing Rennels v. Rennels, 127 Nev. 564, 569, 257 P.3d 396, 399 (2011). It reviewed the parentage…
SHAHROKHI VS. BURROW C/W 81978
May 12, 202222-15092 · 82245 · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Appeal in Docket No. 83726 dismissed in part; judgments of the district court affirmed.Constitutional issues are reviewed de novo. Jackson v. State, 128 Nev. 598, 603, 291 P.3d 1274, 1277 (2012). The court held that the constitutional challenge to NRS 125C.0035 fails because, between two fit parents, the…
FOLLETT VS. FOLLETT (FAMILY)
Apr 14, 202626-17096 · 90905-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")The Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's divorce-related decisions for an abuse of discretion, citing Williams v. Williams, 120 Nev. 559, 566, 97 P.3d 1124, 1129 (2004), and Davitian-Kostanian v. Kostanian,…
JEFFERY VS. BECKWITH (CHILD CUSTODY)
Jul 24, 202525-32417 · 89155-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, vacated in part, and remanded. (The court states it "affirm[s] the district court's physical custody determination, but we reverse the court's custody decree as it pertains to child support and health insurance, vacate the decree with respect to arrears, and remand this matter for proceedings consistent with this order.")**Custody — standard and framework.** The court reviewed the custody determination for abuse of discretion. Ellis v. Carucci, 123 Nev. 145, 149, 161 P.3d 239, 241 (2007). "An abuse of discretion occurs when a district…
ROE VS. ROE (CHILD CUSTODY)
May 18, 202323-15702 · 84893-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, vacated, and remanded. The court states: "we AFFIRM the district court's modification of custody, REVERSE as to the parenting time allocation and improper delegation of the district court's authority, VACATE the award of attorney fees and costs, and REMAND the case for reassignment to a different district court judge and proceedings consistent with this order."**Standard of review.** A district court's child custody order is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Wallace v. Wallace, 112 Nev. 1015, 1019, 922 P.2d 541, 543 (1996). Factual findings are upheld if supported by…
Johnson et al v. Parker
Jun 30, 202690848-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed. ("ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.")The Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's child custody determinations - including physical custody, relocation, and legal custody - for an abuse of discretion, affirming factual findings supported by…
YOUNG VS. YOUNG (CHILD CUSTODY)
Dec 18, 202424-48643 · 88014-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
"ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED."Standard of review: The Court of Appeals reviews child custody decisions for an abuse of discretion, Ellis v. Carucci, 123 Nev. 145, 149, 161 P.3d 239, 241 (2007), and will affirm the district court's factual findings…
LORENZO VS. GENDEBIEN (CHILD CUSTODY)
Jun 18, 2026142 Nev. Adv. Op. 46 (Ct. App. 2026) · 90082-COA · Nevada Supreme Court
Reversed and remanded.**Standard of review.** The court reviewed the NRCP 12(b)(5) dismissal de novo, applying the "rigorous standard of review" from Buzz Stew, LLC v. City of North Las Vegas, 124 Nev. 224, 227-28, 181 P.3d 670, 672 (2008),…
ROE VS. ROE (CHILD CUSTODY)
Jul 27, 2023139 Nev. Adv. Op. 21, 535 P.3d 274 (Ct. App. 2023) · 84893-COA · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, vacated in part, and remanded.**Standard of review.** Child custody orders are reviewed for abuse of discretion. Wallace v. Wallace, 112 Nev. 1015, 1019, 922 P.2d 541, 543 (1996). Factual findings stand if supported by substantial evidence. Ellis v.…
GARCIA VS. SHAPIRO (CHILD CUSTODY)
Aug 17, 202222-25740 · 83992-COA · Nevada (SCOTN/COA)
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.The court reviewed evidentiary, custody, and child-support rulings for abuse of discretion, applying the standard that a court abuses its discretion when "no reasonable judge could reach a similar conclusion under the…
KOGOD VS. CIOFFI-KOGOD C/W 71994
Apr 25, 2019135 Nev. 64, 439 P.3d 397 (2019) · 71994 · Nevada Supreme Court
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded with instructions.Standard of review. The court reviews divorce-decree decisions, including alimony and community property dispositions, for abuse of discretion. Buchanan v. Buchanan, 90 Nev. 209, 215, 523 P.2d 1, 5 (1974); Wolff v.…
Every summary is independently verified against the source opinion; summaries are informational research aids, not legal advice, and no substitute for reading the decision. Topic groupings are derived automatically from each case’s category tag and cited statutes; a case may appear under two topics.