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24
Apr 2013
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce in Nevada?

Nevada has a reputation for “quickie” divorces. This is due to the short amount of time in which Nevada will take jurisdiction over a party for purposes of filing a divorce and historically liberal divorce laws. Unfortunately, this is not an accurate reflection of the judicial process as it now exists in Nevada. Most other states have loosened harsh divorce laws since the early twentieth century, when Reno was known as the Divorce Capital.  While the history of Divorce in Nevada is certainly an entertaining tale, the “quickie” divorce is a distant memory.

If you are divorcing in Nevada, you probably want to know how long it takes to obtain the divorce.  This is a question we are asked near daily. Unfortunately, there is no good answer.  Every case is different. Some require more negotiation and Court proceedings while others settle relatively quickly. The timeline for completing a divorce can also be impacted by the location where it is filed and the Judge that is assigned.

In Washoe County, most divorces are finalized within about six weeks from the date the Decree of Divorce is submitted to the Court for review. This can of course vary depending on the Judge assigned and any complications that arise.

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley, and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Divorce

01
Apr 2013
Posted by bethluna
1 comment

Why You Should Attend Parenting Classes During Your Nevada Child Custody Case or Divorce?

We commonly advise clients involved in child custody cases to consider attending parenting classes. While this may not feel necessary, it is often a good way to further educate yourself about co-parenting and improve your parenting skills. Attending a parenting class also shows the Court that you are interested and willing to take steps to improve your parenting and improve your co-parenting relationship with the other parent.

Parenting classes can be especially valuable if you are the parent who did less of the parenting during the relationship. It isn’t uncommon when there are two parents in the home for one parent to take on more of the parenting duties. If the other parent is expressing concern that your parenting skills are lacking, signing up and completing a parenting class can help alleviate that concern.

If there is a step-parent or significant other involved with your children, this individual can and perhaps should enroll and complete a class designed to educate them on their role with your children. It is not uncommon for parents to end up back in court after a new significant other enters the picture. A step-parent who understands their role and the importance of a good co-parenting relationship between the biological parents can be an asset when a child custody case arises.

If you are involved in a child custody action in Nevada, you should consider enrolling in and attending parenting classes. The Court often requires attendance at a co-parenting course during the case; however, there are other classes that may be of further benefit to you. The Children’s Cabinet in Reno, Nevada provides a number of classes that benefit your family. They produce a schedule on a regular basis; however you should sign up early as the classes frequently fill up.

The current schedule through June 30, 2013 for classes at the Children’s Cabinet is can be found here.  You can also learn more about the Children’s Cabinet by going to their website: www.childrenscabinet.org

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Child Custody

26
Mar 2013
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Supreme Court Begins Hearings on Same Sex Marriage

The United States Supreme Court will start hearings on same-sex marriage on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.   The two day hearings involve the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8.    This case has been highly anticipated and is considered by many to be a historic moment of great significance.  It could redefine marriage in the United States.  Although the Court will hear arguments over the next two days, experts believe a ruling will not be issued until June 2013.

Nevada has recently allowed domestic partnerships for both same-sex couples.  Nevada domestic partnerships are available for both opposite sex and same-sex couples.  Registration is done through the Secretary of State office.   Even those couples who are considered domestic partners in other states must register in Nevada in order to have their marriage recognized here.

The case before the Supreme Court may very well address a state’s right to allow for same-sex marriage.  This could impact Nevada’s domestic partnerships as well.  For additional updates, please feel free to check our website and the below links.  Included in the below links is information on both sides of the arguments and the timeline to the Supreme Court arguments.  For more information on the arguments, including a review of both sides, visit http://www.oyez.org/ssm/.  Additional information may also be found at http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/26/politics/same-sex-marriage-court/?hpt=us_c1.

The Luna Law Firm handles family law including domestic partnerships in the state of Nevada.

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Legal Announcements

07
Mar 2013
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Fun Ideas for Your Child Custody and Visitation Time

Between homework, doctors’ appointments, bath time, and soccer practice, it’s important to find activities to share and enjoy with your child.  The Reno-Sparks area is full of fun, educational, and inexpensive opportunities to do just that.  Each week we will post about a local event or activity to enjoy with your family.

This Saturday March 8, 2013 is Second Saturday at the Nevada Museum of Art.  On the second Saturday of each month, admission to the museum is free, courtesy of the Nightingale Family Foundation.

In addition, the museum offers their Hands On program, sponsored by the Terry Lee Wells Foundation, Leonette Foundation, the Mathewson CLAT #5, the Sato Foundation, Art4Moore, City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission, and Western Nevada Supply.

This month, Hands On celebrates the “Art of Music” with art-projects, performance, and storytelling.  These activities are free for children.

The Nevada Museum of Art is located near downtown Reno at 160 West Liberty Street in Reno, between Sierra Street and Hill Street.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at:

www.nevadaart.org

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Child Custody

26
Feb 2013
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Facebook Is Not Your Friend

Facebook is not your friend when it comes to child custody, divorce and family law matters. Nevada custody and divorce cases often involve evidence that has been obtained from Facebook.com.   Although the Luna Law Firm cautions clients to avoid disclosing information on Facebook during litigation, it isn’t uncommon for photos, newsfeeds or other information to be presented in court. This could include the behavior of a parent, information related to the waste of assets, and embarrassing photos posted by friends.

It is becoming a more widely recognized issue that the information you post on Facebook can be damaging. Recently, while listening to NPR in Reno, Nevada, I overheard a piece on employers firing employees over Facebook posts. In some cases prospective employers are even researching applicant’s Facebook pages prior to hiring. It is clear that Facebook is becoming a common tool for learning more about employees, job applicants and yes, even your former spouse and/or child’s parent.

Your child custody and/or divorce case can have a significant impact on your custodial rights and your life going forward following the case.  The last thing you or your attorney want is for damaging information posted in a public space such as Facebook to be discovered by the opposing party.

If I could urge one rule regarding Facebook, it is don’t open an account if you don’t already have one during your case. If you do have an account, avoid posting photos, comments or even liking items you might regret.  You should carefully monitor your account and ensure that friends and family members don’t post comments or photos that are damaging to your case. You should set your privacy settings to prevent posting without your approval.

Often clients tell me their Facebook page is private.  While you may have privacy settings set high, the friends on your page sometimes do reveal your information to the opposing party. It is best to assume that everything you place on that page will be reported to the opposing party in your case. You should also change your password no matter how certain you are that the other side may not have it.  Simply put, caution is the best policy.

For more information including NPR pieces on the subject of Facebook, please see

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/03/21/149095385/a-job-at-what-cost-when-employers-log-in-to-dig-in

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/10/169029734/companies-invest-in-new-employees-corporate-watchdogs

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Miscellaneous

13
Feb 2013
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Washoe County Legal Advice – Free Drop Ins – Lawyer in the Library

Reno, Nevada Family Law Clinics:

Individuals in Washoe County, Reno, Nevada are fortunate to have access to free family law advice through the Lawyer in the Library Program.   This program also includes free advice in probate law, family law, and a general law session. Sessions provide a brief consultation lasting five to ten minutes.  Advice is limited and the attorney is not required to take your case, but can provide basic information.  Participants can sign up starting at 4:30 p.m. and draw numbers to determine the order in which they will speak to the lawyer.

Lawyer in the Library is held at the Washoe County Law Library located 75 Court Street, Reno, Nevada.  Dates and times can be found on the Second Judicial Court website and are listed below for the upcoming sessions in February 2013.

  • February 5, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (Family Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 6, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (General Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 12, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (Family Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 13, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (General Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 19, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (Family Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 20, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (General Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 20, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (Probate Law) – 5:00PM to 7:00PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 26, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (Family Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library
  • February 27, 2013 – Lawyer in the Library (General Law) – 4:30PM — 75 Court St., Law Library

For more information, please visit the Washoe County Court website. 

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Legal Announcements

07
Nov 2012
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Nevada Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Child Custody Case Involving Same Sex Partners

A Nevada child custody case involving same sex partners has been appealed and argued before Nevada’s Supreme Court.  Arguments took place on Monday, November 5, 2012 on an appeal from the Family Court of  Clark County.   The case is now before the Supreme Court for decision.

This case involves the issues related to custody and visitation in a same sex couple.  The facts show that the parties, who are lesbians, agreed to have a child together. Damon had her eggs removed and fertilized. Those eggs were placed in St. Mary’s who carried the minor child to full term giving birth on June 6, 2008.  Only St. Mary was listed on the birth certificate; however the parties entered in a co-parenting agreement prior to the implantation of the embryos.   The parties did not have a domestic partnership filed in the State of Nevada.

In 2009, both parties’ names were placed on the birth certificate pursuant to a Stipulation and Order filed with the District Court. That same year a court action was initiated by St. Mary to establish custody, visitation and support.  The lower court determined that Damon was the biological mother of the minor child and that St. Mary was entitled to third party visitation rights only.  This decision was appealed on April 27, 2011.

Nevada’s Supreme Court considered the following issues in this case:

“(1) Is St. Mary a legal mother under the Nevada Uniform Parentage Act (UPA)? (2) Was the parties’ co-parenting agreement unenforceable?  (3) Did the district court abuse its discretion in limiting the scope of the evidentiary hearing to the issue of third-party visitation?”

See Nevada Supreme Court Oral Arguments.

Nevada now has domestic partnerships; however in this case one did not exist.  The outcome of this case could give some precedent for future cases where there is no domestic partnership but same sex couples facing the issues of Nevada custody and visitation.

For more information on this case or other cases before the Nevada Supreme Court, Visit the Nevada Supreme Court Website.  Information regarding the facts and details of this case was obtained from the Nevada Supreme Court website and the pleadings on file.

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Child Custody

06
Nov 2012
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Nevada Announces Candidates to Replace Retiring Judge Gamble from the Ninth Judicial District

After serving twenty-five years, the Honorable Judge Gamble has announced his retirement from service in the Ninth Judicial District, Douglas County, Nevada.  Judge Gamble will retire on January 6, 2013.  Seven individuals have applied for consideration of the appointment.  They are as follows:

  • Caren Cafferata-Jenkins, 54, Carson City, with Nevada Commission on Ethics
  • James R. Hales, 53, Minden, with Rowe Hales Yturbide LLP
  • Mark B. Jackson, 49, Gardnerville, with Douglas County District Attorney’s Office
  • Mark J. Lenz, 61, Reno, with Piscevich & Fenner
  • Marc P. Picker, 55, Reno, with Marc Picker, Esq.
  • Gina C. Session, 54, Carson City, with Office of the Attorney General
  • Nathan Tod Young, 54, Minden, with Law Offices of Nathan Tod Young

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection will narrow this group down to three following a background investigation, interviews and public comment.  The Governor will select one of the three finalist for the seat.  Public comment is being taken until November 16, 2012 and may be sent to:

Robin Sweet
Secretary, Commission on Judicial Selection
Nevada Supreme Court
201 S. Carson St.
Carson City, Nevada, 89701

For more information about the judicial selection process and the candidates, please see http://www.nevadajudiciary.us/index.php/supnews/1693-seven-attorneys-apply-to-succeed-nevadas-longest-sitting-district-judge

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Legal Announcements

06
Nov 2012
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

Reno, Nevada Family Law Case Makes National News

The Second Judicial Court has made national news with an issue involving a 32 year old mentally handicapped woman.  According to reports, approximately thirteen weeks ago, Elizabeth Bauer wandered away from her group home in Reno, Nevada.  Following her return, it was discovered that Ms. Bauer had become pregnant.  The circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are unknown.  The Court has appointed a Guardian ad Litem for Ms. Bauer.  Ms. Bauer’s adopted parents and legal guardians have filed a Motion for Stay in regards to the proceedings.

This case is receiving national attention for its similarity to the Massachusetts’s case earlier this year, wherein the Massachusetts Appeals Court overturned a lower court’s ruling that would have forced a mentally ill woman to undergo abortion and sterilization.  The facts of this case appear to be substantially different and no such order has been made with regard to Ms. Bauer.

The  Judge in Ms. Bauer’s case has determined that he has the authority to hear and  make the decision regarding the abortion.  A request has been made to allow the Second Judicial Court in Reno, Nevada to go forward on this issue.  Nevada’s Supreme Court has not made any decision regarding the request to stay or go forward with the hearing as scheduled.

Click on the following links for more information on the Nevada Couple Fights Judge Daughters Pregnancy case and the Nevada Judge Seeks Go-Ahead in Abortion Case.

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This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Legal Issues

22
Oct 2012
Posted by bethluna
0 comments

What are the Purple Ribbons Around Nevada All About?

If you have been out and about in the State of Nevada this month, you have probably noticed purple ribbons hanging on public buildings. This is especially true in Carson City, the Nevada state capital.  So what do all those purple ribbons mean?  October is domestic violence awareness month.  The purple ribbons are to raise awareness of domestic violence.

For more information on domestic violence in Nevada and where to find help see http://www.nnadv.org/members.html

This article is not meant to be all-inclusive or a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your own jurisdiction.  If you are involved in a legal matter and have questions, you should contact a competent attorney in your own jurisdiction.

K. Beth Luna, Esq. is licensed in Tennessee, Florida and Nevada.  The information provided is based upon Nevada law only.  If you are looking for information for another jurisdiction, please contact an attorney in that area.  The Luna Law Firm handles annulment matters on a regular basis in the Reno, Carson, Nevada area.  We also represent individuals in Yerington, Minden, Fernley and Fallon, Nevada.

View our weekly legal articles by The Luna Law Firm – Family Law Blog. View a full listing of The Luna Law Firm Areas of Practice. Contact the Luna Law Firm today 775-686-2490 to schedule a consultation to discuss your Nevada family law matter.

Posted in: Miscellaneous