This article is being written to conclude and recap my series on how to file an emergency Motion with the Family Court in Las Vegas, Nevada. I considered it important to write on this topic as many individuals, for understandable reasons, are unsure as to how they should proceed when an emergency arises. Handling the process incorrectly, typically by engaging in self-help, can actually make one’s situation worse. I wrote this series, therefore, with the goal of providing information which can assist people with understanding how they should proceed. It was also my goal to provide information which would assist with the selection of a family law attorney. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I addressed multiple topics over my recent articles. Subjects with I discussed included:
- How to file an emergency Motion in Family Court
- Showing the Family Court that your situation is an emergency
- Attending an emergency Family Court hearing
- Litigating a child custody emergency
I addressed these topics for several reasons. First, when a Motion is filed with the Clerk’s office then the hearing will be set in the ordinary course of business. This means that a hearing will not typically be held for at least four to six weeks. If the situation is urgent, however, then it is possible to request “shortened time.” This can result in the matter being heard in as little as a few days. Second, it is important to remember that the Court’s definition of an “emergency” is often more narrow than that of the litigants. Disagreements over parenting, for example, will not be considered urgent. An imminent threat to a child’s safety will be. Third, the initial hearing on an emergency Motion will not be a trial and the parties will not testify. Instead, it will be a brief oral argument after which the Judge will often issue a temporary ruling before setting a trial date. Finally, understanding what to expect from the litigation process is important to moving your case forward.
A key point I stressed in each of these articles is the importance of contacting an attorney as soon as possible if you are in an emergency situation. Counsel will help you to present the matter to the Court in a way which demonstrates the urgency of the situation. This will include counsel knowing what arguments to make and what evidence to present. As a Las Vegas family lawyer who devotes her practice to the handling of domestic relations cases, I am familiar with such matters. If you believe that you have an urgent situation then contact us online or by telephone today to speak with an attorney. We look forward to being of assistance.