Patrick Mendes Files for Divorce in Nevada, Seeks Sole Custody of Daughter

Patrick Mendes Filed for Divorce on May 20, 2026, Seeking Sole Legal and Primary Physical Custody of His 3-Year-Old Daughter Under Nevada Law

90 Day Fiancé star Patrick Mendes filed for divorce from Thais Ramone in Nevada on May 20, 2026, after four years of marriage. According to TMZ, Mendes cited incompatibility as grounds and is seeking sole legal custody and primary physical custody of their daughter Aleesi, age 3. A domestic battery charge filed against Ramone was dropped by the District Attorney on May 24, 2026, just four days after the divorce filing.

Key Facts

Nevada Courts Prioritize the Best Interest of the Child in All Custody Determinations

Nevada family courts apply a strict best interest of the child standard when deciding custody arrangements. Under NRS § 125C.0035, judges must consider multiple factors including the wishes of the child (if of sufficient age), each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and community, and any history of domestic violence or abuse.

When one parent requests sole legal custody, Nevada courts require clear evidence demonstrating why joint decision-making would harm the child's welfare. Joint legal custody remains the default presumption in Nevada unless specific circumstances warrant deviation. The requesting parent carries the burden of proving that sole custody serves the child's best interests better than a shared arrangement.

Physical custody determinations follow similar analysis. Nevada recognizes two primary arrangements: joint physical custody (where the child resides with each parent at least 40% of the time) and primary physical custody (where one parent has the child more than 60% of the time). Under NRS § 125C.003, courts evaluate the practical ability of each parent to meet the child's daily needs.

Dropped Criminal Charges Have Limited Direct Impact on Nevada Custody Proceedings

The District Attorney's decision to drop the battery charge against Ramone on May 24, 2026, does not automatically affect custody proceedings in Nevada family court. Criminal cases and family law matters operate under different legal standards and evidentiary rules.

Nevada family courts apply a preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not) rather than the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. Under NRS § 125C.230, a court may still consider allegations of domestic violence even without a criminal conviction if the evidence presented in family court meets the lower civil threshold.

However, dropped charges mean no criminal record exists and no conviction can be cited as definitive proof of violence. The family court judge will independently evaluate any evidence of domestic incidents. Witness testimony, police reports, photographs, medical records, and other documentation may still be admissible in custody proceedings regardless of criminal case outcomes.

Nevada's Domestic Violence Considerations in Custody Cases Create a Rebuttable Presumption

Nevada law takes domestic violence allegations seriously in custody determinations. Under NRS § 125C.0035(5), if a court finds by a preponderance of evidence that a parent has committed domestic violence, there is a rebuttable presumption that sole or joint custody by the perpetrating parent is not in the child's best interest.

This presumption can be overcome, but the parent must demonstrate completion of treatment programs and the absence of further violence. The statute requires consideration of whether the perpetrating parent has successfully completed a program of intervention for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Without a conviction and with dropped charges, establishing domestic violence in family court becomes more challenging but not impossible. The petitioning party must present independent evidence meeting the civil standard. Temporary protective orders, verified witness statements, and documented patterns of behavior all factor into the court's analysis.

Practical Takeaways for Nevada Residents Facing Similar Custody Disputes

1. Understand that criminal case outcomes do not control family court decisions. Nevada judges independently evaluate evidence under the preponderance standard, meaning incidents may still affect custody even without criminal convictions.

2. Document everything if you have safety concerns. Police reports, medical records, photographs, text messages, and contemporaneous notes all serve as evidence in custody proceedings under Nevada Rules of Evidence.

3. Request a custody evaluation if disputes involve allegations of domestic violence. Under NRS § 125C.0045, courts may order professional evaluations to assess each parent's fitness and the child's best interests.

4. File for temporary custody orders immediately if you have safety concerns. Nevada courts can issue temporary orders under NRS § 125C.0045 within days of filing, establishing custody and visitation arrangements while the divorce proceeds.

5. Prepare for a detailed best interest analysis. Nevada judges examine 12 specific factors under NRS § 125C.0035, including each parent's mental and physical health, the child's existing relationships, and any history of parental abuse or neglect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dropped criminal charges still affect custody in Nevada?

Yes, dropped criminal charges can still impact Nevada custody proceedings. Family courts apply a preponderance of the evidence standard (51% likelihood) rather than the criminal beyond reasonable doubt standard. Police reports, witness testimony, and other evidence from the incident remain admissible under NRS § 125C.230 even without a conviction. Judges independently evaluate the evidence presented.

What does sole legal custody mean under Nevada law?

Sole legal custody under NRS § 125C.001 grants one parent exclusive authority to make major decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing without consulting the other parent. Nevada courts rarely award sole legal custody absent evidence of domestic violence, substance abuse, or demonstrated inability to cooperate on parenting decisions. The requesting parent must prove sole custody serves the child's best interests.

How long does a Nevada divorce with custody disputes typically take?

Nevada divorces involving contested custody typically take 6-12 months from filing to final decree. Uncontested divorces with agreed custody can finalize in as few as 30 days after filing. Under Nevada District Court rules, custody evaluations add 60-90 days. Discovery periods, mediation requirements, and trial scheduling extend contested cases. Emergency temporary orders can issue within 10 days of filing.

Does Nevada prefer mothers in custody decisions?

No, Nevada law explicitly prohibits gender-based preferences in custody determinations. Under NRS § 125C.0015, courts must not prefer a parent based solely on sex. Judges apply 12 gender-neutral best interest factors under NRS § 125C.0035. Statistical data shows Nevada courts award joint physical custody in approximately 40% of cases, with primary custody to mothers in about 35% and fathers in about 25%.

What happens to custody during a Nevada divorce proceeding?

Nevada courts issue temporary custody orders under NRS § 125C.0045 that remain effective throughout divorce proceedings. Either parent can request temporary orders at filing or anytime before final decree. Temporary orders establish residential schedules, decision-making authority, and child support obligations. Courts prioritize maintaining stability for children during litigation. Final orders replace temporary arrangements upon divorce decree entry.

Connect With a Nevada Family Law Attorney

Navigating custody disputes during divorce requires understanding Nevada's specific legal standards and court procedures. If you face similar circumstances, consulting with a qualified family law attorney helps protect both your rights and your children's welfare.

Find a Nevada divorce attorney on Divorce.law

This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.