1. In any action for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance, or any proceeding in which the support for or custody and visitation of a minor child is an issue, the district judge may appoint any person qualified by previous experience, training and demonstrated interest in domestic relations as referee.

2. Subject to the specifications and limitations stated in the order of appointment, the referee shall hear all disputed factual issues and make written findings of fact and recommendations to the district judge.

3. The proceedings before the referee must be conducted in the same manner as in the district court. The referee may rule upon the admissibility of evidence unless otherwise directed by the court. The referee may call the parties to the action and other witnesses and may examine them under oath.

4. The report of the referee must be furnished to each party or his or her attorney at the conclusion of the proceeding or as soon thereafter as possible. Within 10 days after receipt of the report, either party may file and serve upon the other party written objections to the report. If no objection is filed, the court shall accept the findings of fact unless clearly erroneous, and judgment may be entered thereon. If an objection is filed within the 10-day period, the court shall review the matter and enter such order, judgment or decree as is just, equitable and appropriate.

5. The compensation of a referee appointed pursuant to this section must not be taxed against the parties but must be fixed by the judge to be paid from appropriations made by the board of county commissioners for the expenses of the district court.

6. The provisions of this section apply only in judicial districts that do not include a county whose population is 700,000 or more.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 383; A 1991, 2179; 2011, 1149)