Nevada Joint Custody Agreement

STIPULATION AND ORDER FOR JOINT CUSTODY

IN THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE [____] JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [________________________________]

PART I — PARTIES, CHILDREN, AND JURISDICTION

1.1 Identification of Parents

Parent A: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________], Nevada [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]

Parent B: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________], Nevada [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]

1.2 Minor Child(ren) Subject to This Agreement

1.3 Context of This Agreement

This Joint Custody Agreement is filed in connection with:

☐ Complaint for Divorce (NRS Chapter 125)
☐ Complaint for Custody (unmarried parents — NRS Chapter 125C)
☐ Paternity Action (NRS Chapter 126)
☐ Post-decree modification
☐ Other: [________________________________]

1.4 Nevada Jurisdictional Requirements

The parties represent that:

☐ At least one parent has been a bona fide resident of Nevada for a minimum of six (6) weeks prior to filing (NRS 125.020 — Nevada's unique short residency requirement for divorce jurisdiction)
☐ Nevada is the home state of the child(ren) under the UCCJEA (NRS 125A.085) — child(ren) have resided in Nevada for six (6) consecutive months or since birth
☐ Both parents consent to the jurisdiction of the [________________________________] Judicial District Court, [________________________________] County, Nevada

1.5 Recitals and Statutory Basis

A. Both parents are the natural and legal parents of the child(ren) identified above.
B. Nevada law establishes a presumption favoring joint legal custody when both parents agree or when a parent has demonstrated intent to establish a meaningful relationship with the child (NRS 125C.002).
C. Nevada law provides that if joint physical custody would be in the best interest of the child, the court may grant physical custody jointly (NRS 125C.0035(1)).
D. Under NRS 125C.0025, joint physical custody means each parent has physical custody for not less than 40 percent of the time.
E. The parents agree that joint custody — both legal and physical — serves the best interests of the child(ren) and enter this Agreement voluntarily.

PART II — JOINT LEGAL CUSTODY (NRS 125C.002)

2.1 Grant of Joint Legal Custody

Both parents shall share joint legal custody of the child(ren). Under NRS 125C.002, there is a presumption that joint legal custody is in the child's best interest because:

☐ Both parents have agreed to joint legal custody
☐ Each parent has demonstrated intent to establish a meaningful relationship with the child(ren)

2.2 Joint Decision-Making Responsibilities

Both parents shall consult with each other and jointly make all major decisions affecting the child(ren)'s welfare, including but not limited to:

2.3 Emergency Decision-Making

The parent who has physical custody at the time of a medical or safety emergency may authorize emergency treatment without prior consultation with the other parent. The authorizing parent shall notify the other parent as soon as reasonably possible and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the emergency.

2.4 Dispute Resolution for Major Decisions

If parents cannot reach agreement on a major decision after good-faith consultation:

Step 1: Parents shall discuss the issue in person or by telephone within seven (7) days.
Step 2: If unresolved, parents shall engage a qualified Nevada family mediator within thirty (30) days.
Step 3: If mediation fails, either parent may file a motion with the Family Division of the District Court, [________________________________] County, requesting a ruling.

☐ Tie-breaker authority (optional): In the event of impasse on the following specific category, Parent [____] shall have final decision-making authority for [________________________________], subject to the other parent's right to seek Court review.

PART III — JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY AND TIMESHARING (NRS 125C.0025)

3.1 Joint Physical Custody — 40% Minimum

Under NRS 125C.0025, "joint physical custody" means each parent has physical custody of the child for not less than 40 percent of the time, calculated on an annual basis. The timesharing schedule below is designed to meet or exceed this statutory threshold.

3.2 Regular Timesharing Schedule

Select one schedule or create a custom arrangement:

☐ Option A — Alternating Weeks (50/50)
Parent A: Monday morning (school drop-off or 8:00 AM) through the following Monday morning
Parent B: The following week on the same schedule
Alternating weekly throughout the year.

☐ Option B — 2-2-3 Rotation (50/50)
Week 1: Parent A has Monday-Tuesday; Parent B has Wednesday-Thursday; Parent A has Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Week 2: Parent B has Monday-Tuesday; Parent A has Wednesday-Thursday; Parent B has Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Pattern repeats.

☐ Option C — 5-2-2-5 Rotation (50/50)
Parent A has every Monday and Tuesday.
Parent B has every Wednesday and Thursday.
Weekends (Friday through Sunday) alternate between parents.

☐ Option D — 3-4-4-3 Rotation (50/50)
Week 1: Parent A Monday-Wednesday; Parent B Thursday-Sunday
Week 2: Parent A Thursday-Sunday; Parent B Monday-Wednesday

☐ Option E — Custom Schedule
Parent A's custodial time: [________________________________]
Parent B's custodial time: [________________________________]

Annual timesharing calculation:
Parent A: approximately [____]% ([____] overnights per year)
Parent B: approximately [____]% ([____] overnights per year)

3.3 Exchanges

Regular exchange location: [________________________________]
☐ At child(ren)'s school (on school days)
☐ At [________________________________] (neutral location)
☐ At receiving parent's residence
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Exchange times:
Weekday exchanges: [________________________________]
Weekend exchanges: [________________________________]

Transportation responsibility:
☐ Receiving parent picks up child(ren)
☐ Parents share transportation equally
☐ Other arrangement: [________________________________]

Late exchange protocol: If a parent will be more than fifteen (15) minutes late for an exchange, that parent shall notify the other parent immediately. If a parent is more than sixty (60) minutes late without notice or good cause, the waiting parent may treat the scheduled custodial time as forfeited for that period.

3.4 Holiday Schedule

Holidays supersede the regular timesharing schedule. The following holidays shall be allocated as indicated and shall alternate annually unless otherwise noted:

Note: Nevada Day is a state holiday unique to Nevada (NRS 236.015) and should be accounted for in any parenting plan.

3.5 Summer Schedule

☐ Regular timesharing schedule continues through summer
☐ Modified summer schedule as follows:

Each parent shall have [____] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the child(ren) during summer break, subject to the following conditions:

• Written notice of vacation dates must be given to the other parent by [________________________________] (date) each year
• Parent A's vacation selection has priority in ☐ even / ☐ odd years; Parent B in the alternate year
• Vacation weeks shall not include the other parent's designated holiday time
• Neither parent shall schedule back-to-back vacation weeks that would deny the other parent contact for more than [____] consecutive days

3.6 Right of First Refusal

If either parent is unable to personally care for the child(ren) for a period exceeding [____] consecutive hours during that parent's scheduled custodial time, the unavailable parent shall first offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child(ren) before making alternative childcare arrangements.

The other parent shall respond within [____] hours of receiving the offer. If the other parent declines or does not respond, the offering parent may arrange alternative childcare.

3.7 Primary Residence for School Enrollment

For purposes of school enrollment and mailing address, the child(ren)'s primary address shall be:

☐ Parent A's residence at [________________________________]
☐ Parent B's residence at [________________________________]

Both parents shall be listed as contacts on all school records and both shall have full access to school information, parent-teacher conferences, and school events.

PART IV — COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

4.1 Parent-to-Parent Communication

Parents shall communicate regarding the child(ren) through:
☐ Telephone and text message
☐ Email
☐ Court-approved co-parenting application (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

All communication shall be respectful, child-focused, and free of hostility or personal attacks.

4.2 Parent-Child Communication During Other Parent's Time

Each parent shall facilitate reasonable telephone and/or video contact between the child(ren) and the other parent during custodial time. Contact shall occur:

☐ Daily at approximately [________________________________]
☐ At least [____] times per week
☐ At reasonable times upon request
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Neither parent shall monitor, record, or restrict the child(ren)'s private communications with the other parent absent a court order authorizing such restriction.

4.3 Non-Disparagement

Neither parent shall make negative, derogatory, or disparaging remarks about the other parent, the other parent's family, or the other parent's household in the presence or hearing of the child(ren). Neither parent shall allow others in their household or social circle to do so.

4.4 Social Media

Neither parent shall post photographs, videos, or information about the child(ren) on social media if the other parent objects in writing, unless the parents reach a separate agreement or obtain a court order.

PART V — RELOCATION (NRS 125C.006-007)

5.1 Notice Requirement

If either parent intends to relocate to a residence that would substantially impair the ability of the other parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child(ren), the relocating parent must:

(a) Attempt to obtain the written consent of the other parent (NRS 125C.006); and
(b) If consent is refused, petition the Court for permission to relocate with the child(ren)

5.2 Relocation Factors (NRS 125C.007)

The relocating parent bears the burden of proving relocation is in the child's best interest. The Court considers:
(a) A sensible, good-faith reason for the move, not designed to deprive the other parent of time
(b) The child's best interests are served by the relocation
(c) The child and relocating parent will benefit from an actual advantage
(d) Whether the relocating parent's motives are honorable
(e) Whether realistic substitute visitation can preserve the parent-child relationship
(f) Any other necessary factors

5.3 Relocation Defined

For purposes of this Agreement, "relocation" means a move to a location that is:
☐ Outside the State of Nevada
☐ More than [____] miles from the other parent's current residence
☐ Sufficient to substantially impair the current timesharing schedule

5.4 Consequences of Unauthorized Relocation

A parent who relocates with a child without written consent or court permission is subject to the provisions of NRS 200.359 (unlawful removal or concealment of a child — a category D felony) and may face sanctions, including modification of custody.

PART VI — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISCLOSURES (NRS 125C.0035(4)(k))

6.1 Disclosures

☐ Neither parent has a history of domestic violence as defined under NRS 33.018
☐ A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) has been issued — Details: [________________________________]
☐ An Extended Protective Order (EPO) has been issued — Details: [________________________________]
☐ A criminal conviction for domestic violence exists — Details: [________________________________]

6.2 Presumption Against Joint Custody

If the Court determines by clear and convincing evidence that a parent has engaged in one or more acts of domestic violence, there is a rebuttable presumption that sole or joint physical custody by the perpetrator is not in the child's best interest (NRS 125C.0035(5)). This presumption must be overcome by the offending parent before joint custody can be awarded.

PART VII — COPE CLASS AND MEDIATION REQUIREMENTS

7.1 COPE Seminar (Children of Parents in Conflict Education)

Both parents are required to complete the Seminar for Separating Parents (COPE class) as ordered by the Court. This applies in all divorce, custody, and paternity cases involving minor children.

Approved COPE Providers:

• In Clark County: Classes available through court-approved providers (in-person and online); contact the Family Court Self-Help Center at (702) 455-1500
• In Washoe County: Classes available through the Second Judicial District Court Resource Center at (775) 328-3110
• Online options available through court-approved distance learning providers

☐ Parent A completed COPE class on [__/__/____] — Certificate filed with Court
☐ Parent B completed COPE class on [__/__/____] — Certificate filed with Court
☐ Waiver of COPE class granted for [________________________________]

7.2 Mediation

☐ The parties have completed mandatory mediation
☐ The parties are referred to mediation through the Court's Family Mediation Center
☐ Mediation is waived due to domestic violence (NRS 125C.0035(5))

PART VIII — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO CUSTODY

8.1 Health Insurance

☐ Parent A shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the child(ren)
☐ Parent B shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the child(ren)
☐ Both parents shall maintain insurance; primary through Parent [____]

8.2 Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

Unreimbursed and uncovered medical, dental, orthodontic, optical, and mental health expenses shall be allocated:
Parent A: [____]%
Parent B: [____]%

8.3 Extracurricular Activities and Education Expenses

☐ Mutually agreed-upon extracurricular expenses shall be shared equally
☐ Mutually agreed-upon extracurricular expenses shall be shared: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
☐ Each parent is responsible for activities enrolled during their custodial time
☐ Other arrangement: [________________________________]

8.4 Child Support

☐ Child support is addressed in a separate order
☐ Due to equal timesharing, the parties stipulate to [________________________________] regarding child support
☐ Child support shall be calculated pursuant to NRS 125B.070 and NRS 125B.080

Note: Under Nevada law, joint physical custody does not automatically eliminate a child support obligation. The court considers each parent's income, the timesharing percentage, and the child(ren)'s needs.

PART IX — ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

9.1 Substance-Use Restriction

Neither parent shall consume alcohol to the point of impairment or use any illegal or controlled substance (except as lawfully prescribed) during custodial time or within twelve (12) hours prior to custodial time.

9.2 Firearms Safety

All firearms in either parent's home shall be stored unloaded in a locked container with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the child(ren).

9.3 Introduction of New Romantic Partners

Neither parent shall introduce a new romantic partner to the child(ren) until the relationship has been stable for at least [____] months. Overnight stays by a new romantic partner while the child(ren) are present shall not occur until [________________________________].

9.4 Consistency Across Households

Parents shall make reasonable efforts to maintain consistent rules regarding homework, bedtime, screen time, and discipline across both households.

9.5 Travel Documentation

Each parent shall cooperate in obtaining and renewing passports and travel documents for the child(ren). Neither parent shall withhold consent for passport issuance unreasonably.

9.6 Child Abduction Warning (NRS 200.359)

Both parents acknowledge that under NRS 200.359, it is a category D felony to take, detain, conceal, or entice away a child from the other parent or person having lawful custody in violation of a custody order.

PART X — MODIFICATION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Modification Standard

This Agreement may be modified only upon a showing that: (1) a substantial change in circumstances has occurred affecting the welfare of the child(ren), and (2) modification would serve the child(ren)'s best interests (NRS 125C.0045).

10.2 Annual Review

Parents agree to review this Agreement annually on or near [________________________________] and discuss whether modifications are advisable based on the child(ren)'s changing needs.

10.3 Severability

If any provision is held unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

10.4 Integration

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parents regarding joint custody and supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral.

10.5 Counterparts and Electronic Signatures

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each deemed an original.

PART XI — SIGNATURES AND COURT ORDER

PARENT A

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

PARENT B

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY APPROVAL (if represented)

Attorney for Parent A:
[________________________________], Esq.
Nevada Bar No. [________________________________]
Signature: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

Attorney for Parent B:
[________________________________], Esq.
Nevada Bar No. [________________________________]
Signature: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ORDER OF THE COURT

The Court, having reviewed the foregoing Stipulation and Order for Joint Custody, having considered the factors set forth in NRS 125C.0035 and NRS 125C.002, and finding that joint legal and physical custody is in the best interests of the minor child(ren), and good cause appearing therefor:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parents shall share joint legal custody and joint physical custody of the minor child(ren) as set forth in this Agreement.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that both parents shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth herein.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that pursuant to NRS 125C.0045(7), both parents are advised that NRS 200.359 makes it a category D felony to take, detain, conceal, or entice away a child from the other parent or person with lawful custody in violation of a custody order.

DATED this [____] day of [________________________________], 20[____].

[________________________________]
District Judge, Department [____]
Family Division, [________________________________] Judicial District Court
[________________________________] County, Nevada

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• NRS Chapter 125C — Custody and Visitation: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-125c.html
• NRS 125C.002 — Joint legal custody; presumption favoring joint legal custody
• NRS 125C.0025 — Joint physical custody defined (not less than 40% timesharing)
• NRS 125C.0035 — Best interests of child; 11 statutory factors; domestic violence presumption
• NRS 125C.006-007 — Relocation; consent, petition, and factors
• NRS 125C.0045 — Court orders; modification and termination
• NRS 125A.085 — UCCJEA; home state jurisdiction (six months)
• NRS 125.020 — Nevada residency requirement (six weeks for divorce jurisdiction)
• NRS 125B.070-080 — Child support guidelines
• NRS 200.359 — Unlawful removal or concealment of a child; category D felony
• NRS 33.017-33.100 — Domestic violence; protection orders
• NRS 236.015 — Nevada Day holiday
• Clark County Family Court (Eighth Judicial District): https://www.clarkcountycourts.us/departments/judicial/family-division/
• Washoe County Family Court (Second Judicial District): https://www.washoecourts.com
• Nevada Judiciary Self-Help Center: https://selfhelp.nvcourts.gov
• COPE Class Information: https://www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org/self-help/custody-paternity-child-support/mandatory-mediation-and-mandatory-co-parenting-cope-class