Judge Henderson Faces Criticism Over Performance Metrics (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Clark County — Two experienced attorneys have entered the primary race for Family Court Department R, aiming to unseat incumbent Judge William Henderson. The contest carries high stakes, as a primary winner claiming a majority avoids a general election runoff. Henderson’s tenure has come under fire due to a 47% reversal rate on appeals tracked since 2009, fueling challengers’ arguments for fresh leadership in a court that handles deeply personal matters like custody and divorce.
Judge Henderson Faces Criticism Over Performance Metrics
Henderson secured his seat in 2008 and has held it through three terms. Data from Our Nevada Judges revealed that 98 appeals against his rulings resulted in reversals nearly half the time, a pattern that persisted into his current term. Attorney feedback in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Judging the Judges survey painted a similarly mixed picture, with Henderson earning a 50.5% retention score.
Respondents expressed concerns about his grasp of case records, with fewer than half agreeing he stayed familiar with them. Only 31% felt he kept proceedings efficient, while 45% believed he applied the law accurately. A notable controversy arose in 2024 when the parents of Ashley Prince, killed by her father-in-law during a custody deposition, faulted Henderson for overlooking warning signs in their daughter’s case. He declined comment, bound by judicial ethics.
Marilyn Caston Pushes for Broader Family Law Expertise
Marilyn Caston, a 2008 graduate of UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, brings general family law experience to the race after a narrow primary loss for another department in 2020. She positions herself as the candidate best equipped to handle the full spectrum of cases, from divorces and custody disputes to terminations and support modifications. Caston pointed out gaps left by recent judges transitioning from narrower specialties.
Her platform emphasizes restoring courtroom integrity with compassion and tackling chronic delays. She advocates starting hearings earlier to reduce no-shows that waste litigants’ time and supports expanding informal family law trials pioneered by Judge Gregory Gordon. These trials relax rules for self-represented parties, allowing judges to guide evidence and witnesses more flexibly. Caston also proposes a specialized track for complex financial divorces, akin to business court, to address intricate fiduciary issues.
Nick Petsas Draws on Advocacy for At-Risk Families
Nick Petsas maintains a private practice while serving as appointed counsel for 150 to 170 parents entangled in Child Protective Services cases in Clark County. Previously, he represented children through the Children’s Advocacy Project, voicing their needs in court. A former teacher, Petsas described his work as demanding yet fulfilling, especially amid heavy topics like family crises.
He highlighted his edge with pro se litigants, who make up an estimated 85% of Family Court participants based on 2023 figures. Petsas stressed helping these individuals comprehend proceedings, meet court expectations, and begin healing. His decade-plus in Southern Nevada and Willamette University law degree underscore his local roots and commitment to public service. Such experience, he argued, equips him to bridge gaps for unrepresented families navigating tough decisions.
Campaign Funds and Backing Reveal Race Dynamics
Fundraising disparities emerged in the first quarter reports. Petsas led with nearly $123,000 raised and about $53,000 remaining, bolstering his outreach. Caston reported $11,650 collected, with roughly $8,400 left, while she openly disliked soliciting donations and expected to trail financially. Henderson raised $5,500, holding around $6,900 on hand.
| Candidate | Funds Raised (Q1) | Cash on Hand |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Petsas | $122,XXX | ~$53,000 |
| Marilyn Caston | $11,650 | ~$8,400 |
| William Henderson | $5,500 | ~$6,900 |
Endorsements added layers to the contest. Petsas gained support from the Clark County Prosecutors Association. Henderson drew backing from Veterans in Politics, the Armed Forces Chamber, and the Nevada Veterans Association. Caston ran without major group alignments mentioned, framing herself as a non-politician focused solely on the bench.
As Clark County voters weigh these options, the primary outcome could reshape Family Court Department R’s approach to its most vulnerable cases. Challengers promise targeted reforms amid documented shortcomings, while Henderson’s incumbency offers continuity. The race underscores tensions between experience, accountability, and innovation in a system touching countless lives.
