Nevada Divorce Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Establish Residency

• Either party must live in Nevada for at least 6 weeks before filing
• Document residency start date: lease agreement, utility bills, employer letter, Nevada driver's license
• Identify the Nevada county (where you've established residency)
• Identify your Resident Witness — someone who has known you in Nevada for the 6 weeks

Phase 2 — Choose Your Path

• Joint Petition (both agree): Both spouses sign; fastest path; no service required
• Solo Complaint (one filing): Must serve the Respondent after filing

Phase 3 — Financial Inventory

Nevada is a community property state — all marital property is 50/50. Gather:

• All bank and investment account statements (identify separate vs community)
• Retirement account statements (identify pre-marital/separate portion if applicable)
• Real estate values and mortgage balances
• Vehicle values and loan balances
• All debt statements
• Business interest documentation
• Pre-marital asset documentation (to establish separate property)
• Evidence of any inherited or gifted property (separate property)

Phase 4 — Complete Forms

• Joint Petition for Divorce — OR — Complaint for Divorce (solo)
• Resident Witness Affidavit — signed and notarized by your Nevada resident witness
• Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) — if property or debts; both parties sign
• If children: Parenting Plan; Child Support Worksheet per Nevada Guidelines
• Fee waiver application if needed

Sources:

• Clark County (Las Vegas): clarkcountycourts.us/self-help
• Statewide: nevadalawhelp.org

Phase 5 — File at District Court

• File at Nevada District Court in the county where you established 6-week residency
• Pay $284–$320 filing fee
• No waiting period — court processes when ready

Phase 6 — Service (Solo Complaint Only)

• Joint Petition: no service required
• Solo Complaint: serve Respondent by Sheriff, process server, or Acceptance of Service
• Respondent has 20 days to file an Answer (Nevada)

Phase 7 — Decree of Divorce Entered

• Judge reviews papers (or hearing if contested)
• Decree of Divorce signed by judge
• No waiting period after filing — Decree entered when paperwork is complete and approved

Phase 8 — Post-Decree Steps

• Obtain certified copies of Decree of Divorce from District Court Clerk
• Real estate: record Grant Deed or Quitclaim Deed at Nevada County Recorder
• QDRO for employer retirement plans (file after Decree is entered)
• Vehicle titles: Nevada DMV title transfer
• Name change: Nevada DMV → Social Security Administration → financial institutions
• Update beneficiary designations: life insurance, retirement, payable-on-death accounts

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 6-week residency | Resident Witness Affidavit required | No waiting period | Community property 50/50 | Joint Petition = no service | Decree of Divorce | nevadalawhelp.org | clarkcountycourts.us/self-help

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.