Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
A child abuse or neglect allegation can be overwhelming for a family. A report to Child Protective Services (CPS) may lead to interviews, an investigation, court involvement, or custody decisions.
Many parents and guardians don’t know what happens next or what their rights are. Speaking with a Las Vegas child neglect lawyer early can help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and make sure your side of the story is heard.
At Gina Corena & Associates , our attorneys help families understand their legal options in Nevada child protection cases.
Nevada law takes child abuse and neglect seriously because they involve a child’s safety and well-being.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 432B.020), child abuse or neglect can include:
Neglect does not always mean someone meant to hurt a child. Under NRS 432B.140, it can involve failing to provide proper care, supervision, shelter, education, medical care, or other basic needs.
Nevada law also allows criminal charges for certain types of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment under NRS 200.508. The consequences depend on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the harm.
A report, a CPS investigation, and a criminal charge are not the same thing. A report does not automatically mean someone is guilty.
When CPS receives a report of suspected abuse or neglect, the agency reviews the information. It then decides whether the report needs further investigation.
A CPS investigation may include:
The goal is to gather information and find out whether the child may be at risk.
A CPS investigation is not the same as a finding of guilt. It is a process for gathering facts and checking a child’s safety.
Statements made during an investigation can still affect what happens next. A Las Vegas CPS lawyer can explain what information you may need to provide and how to communicate with investigators.
For more information about Nevada child protection services, visit the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services.

A CPS case can move quickly. Waiting too long to get legal help can make things harder.
A child protection services attorney in Las Vegas can help you:
Some allegations are false. Others may come from a simple misunderstanding. Either way, it helps to know what to say and what steps to take.
Hiring a lawyer does not mean you did something wrong. It means you have someone helping you understand the case and protect your family.
Every case is different. What happens next depends on the facts, the evidence, and the child’s safety.
Possible outcomes include:
A lawyer can explain what each outcome means and what you may need to do.
|
Legal Stage |
What Happens |
How a Lawyer Helps |
| CPS Investigation | CPS reviews the report and gathers facts | Helps you respond and protects your rights |
| Court Proceedings | A judge reviews concerns about the child | Helps prepare papers and explain your side |
| Custody Decisions | The court decides where the child will stay | Helps protect your custody rights |
| Reunification Process | Parents may need to complete certain steps before the child returns home | Explains what you need to do and helps track your progress |

A CPS case can be scary. Parents may make mistakes because they are worried or upset.
Some common mistakes include:
These mistakes can cause problems during the CPS case or in court.
What you say, what you share, and how you respond can all matter in a neglect case.
Keep communication professional, save important records, and follow the legal steps that apply to your case.
Child abuse and neglect claims can be hard on the whole family. At Gina Corena & Associates , our attorneys help families deal with CPS investigations, court hearings, and other legal issues.
The legal team can help you:
Every case is different. Getting legal help early can help you know what to expect and what to do next.
A child neglect lawyer helps parents understand their rights, deal with CPS, prepare for court, and respond to abuse or neglect claims.
Every case is different. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you avoid mistakes while CPS investigates the claim.
In some emergency cases, CPS may remove a child to keep the child safe. Longer-term custody decisions may then go before a judge.
Child abuse can involve physical or mental harm. Neglect can involve failing to give a child proper care, supervision, or basic needs.
Yes. A lawyer can explain what you need to do, help with court papers, and represent you during custody proceedings.
A child abuse or neglect allegation can affect your family, your custody rights, and your future. Understanding what CPS is doing and how Nevada law applies can make the process easier to handle.
Consulting an experienced child neglect lawyer can help you understand your options and respond to the case.
The attorneys at Gina Corena & Associates represent families dealing with CPS investigations and neglect allegations in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. Getting legal advice early can help you avoid mistakes and prepare for the next steps.
For more details on child protection laws, visit the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. All references to Nevada statutes are sourced from official legislative records.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.