SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Nevada Divorce Papers
Ending a marriage is rarely simple, and the paperwork can feel like its own maze. If you're starting a divorce in Nevada, the good news is that the state offers a clear set of standardized forms and, for many couples, one of the fastest paths to finalization in the country. This guide walks you through which Nevada divorce forms exist, what each one does, where to find them, and how the process generally unfolds.
Nevada is a little unusual: the Nevada Supreme Court's Self-Help Center publishes statewide divorce forms, but the two most populous counties — Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) — run their own self-help centers with county-specific forms and local rules. We'll point you to both so you know where to look based on where you live.
Think of this as a friendly map, not a set of marching orders. Everyone's situation is different, and this page is informational only. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Nevada Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you'll encounter depend on whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether one person is filing alone, and whether minor children are involved. Nevada doesn't use form numbers — forms are identified by name only — so we've grouped them below by what they actually do. Nevada also offers two procedural paths: a Joint Petition when both spouses agree on all terms (typically no hearing required, and historically the fastest route), and a Complaint for Divorce when one spouse files and the case may involve hearings or trial.
Starting the Case
Joint Petition for Divorce (No Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Joint Petition for Divorce (With Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Complaint for Divorce (No Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when no minor children are involved.
Complaint for Divorce (With Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when minor children are involved.
Summons
Issued with the Complaint to formally notify the other spouse of the divorce action; used in one-party filings.
Family Cover Sheet
An administrative cover sheet providing basic identifying information about the parties and children; used in all cases.
Confidential Information Sheet (No Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information; filed separately from the public record.
Confidential Information Sheet (With Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information in cases involving minor children.
Affidavit of Resident Witness
A third-party affidavit proving that one spouse has been a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing.
Responding to a Divorce
Answer Only
A response filed by the non-filing spouse to acknowledge the divorce action without raising counterclaims.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (No Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case with no minor children.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (With Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case involving minor children.
Reply to Counterclaim
Filed by the original petitioner in response to a counterclaim raised by the other spouse.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
In contested cases, both parties must file a financial disclosure within 30 days of the Answer being filed.
Financial Disclosure Form (General)
Discloses employment, income, expenses, property, and debts.
Financial Disclosure Form (Detailed)
An extended version of the financial disclosure with more detailed asset and liability information for complex financial situations.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Worksheet
Calculates the child support obligation using Nevada's statutory guidelines. Note that Nevada uses a worksheet rather than a single numbered form, and it's used in cases involving minor children.
Child Residence Appendix
Documents the parenting time and custody schedule and where children will reside; used alongside the child support calculation.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In the Joint Petition path, the terms both spouses agree to — property division, debts, and any custody and support arrangements — are written directly into the petition and final decree rather than on a separate standalone settlement form in the statewide system. Couples who reach agreement document those terms within the petition and decree documents described here. Because each county may handle agreement documents differently, filers in Clark or Washoe County should check their local self-help center for any additional forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage in cases with no minor children.
Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, visitation, and child support in cases involving minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when there are no minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when minor children are involved.
Request for Submission
Asks the judge to review and sign the final decree without requiring an in-person hearing; used primarily in uncontested joint petition cases.
Default
Filed when the other spouse fails to respond within the required time; allows the case to proceed without their participation.
Where to Get Nevada Divorce Forms
The Official State Courts Site
Nevada's statewide divorce forms are published by the Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Center. You can download them directly at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov. These are the standardized, statewide versions identified by name rather than form number.
Your County Clerk or Court Self-Help Center
If you live in Clark County (Las Vegas) or Washoe County (Reno) — the state's two most populous counties — those courts operate their own self-help centers with county-specific forms and local rules. Filers in those counties are generally directed to use county resources instead of, or in addition to, the statewide forms. Check the Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center at familylawselfhelpcenter.org or Washoe County Courts at washoecourts.com for the forms that apply where you file.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The court self-help centers above offer free informational guidance and form access. They can explain what a form is for, though they don't provide legal advice tailored to your situation.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through which version of each form applies to you, an online service can guide you step by step. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and prepares your Nevada paperwork based on your answers — helpful when you're navigating the difference between the statewide and county-specific forms.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or contested custody, working with a Nevada family law attorney may be the right fit. An attorney can review your specific circumstances and handle filings on your behalf.
The Nevada Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing — the shortest residency requirement in the country. Residency is proved by an Affidavit of Resident Witness, in which a third party attests under penalty of perjury. Where the marriage took place doesn't matter.
2. File the Opening Documents
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (when both spouses agree) or a Complaint for Divorce (when one spouse files alone), along with the Family Cover Sheet, the appropriate Confidential Information Sheet, and the Affidavit of Resident Witness.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
In a one-party filing, the Summons and Complaint are formally delivered to the other spouse to notify them of the action. In a Joint Petition, both spouses have already signed on, so formal service generally isn't part of the path.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
In contested cases, both parties file a Financial Disclosure Form within 30 days of the Answer being filed, sharing income, expenses, property, and debts.
5. Address Responses, Hearings, or Waiting Period
The non-filing spouse may file an Answer Only, an Answer and Counterclaim, or — if they don't respond in time — a Default may be filed. Importantly, Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization, which is part of why the state has historically been known for quick divorces.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
The case ends when the judge signs the appropriate Decree of Divorce. In uncontested joint petition cases, a Request for Submission can ask the judge to review and sign the decree without an in-person hearing. Once the decree is entered, certified copies serve as your legal record of the divorce.
Nevada-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: One spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing, proven by an Affidavit of Resident Witness. The location of the marriage is irrelevant.
Property regime: Nevada is a community property state, which generally means property and debts acquired during the marriage are treated as jointly owned. How that applies depends on the specifics of each case.
Grounds for divorce: Nevada recognizes two no-fault grounds — incompatibility (NRS 125.010(3)), and living separate and apart for one year without cohabitation (NRS 125.010(2)). There is also one fault ground: insanity existing for two years prior to filing, with corroborating evidence required (NRS 125.010(1)). Misconduct is not itself grounds for divorce but may be considered in custody determinations.
Waiting period: None. Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization.
Parenting education (COPE): Many Nevada district courts — particularly Clark County Family Court — require a Children of Parents in Conflict Education (COPE) class before a judge will sign a final decree in cases involving minor children. Both parents typically must file proof of completion. The class runs roughly three to five hours, costs about $40–$45 per person, and is available in person and online. This requirement varies by county and individual judge.
Other notes: Nevada does not offer covenant marriage. Name restoration to a former name is available as part of the divorce decree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong County's Forms
Because Clark and Washoe Counties maintain their own forms and rules, filing the statewide versions in those counties — or vice versa — can cause delays. Confirm which set applies where you live.
Mixing Up the Two Paths
The Joint Petition and Complaint for Divorce are different routes with different forms. Choosing forms from the wrong path can stall your case.
Grabbing the Wrong "With/Without Children" Version
Many Nevada forms come in separate versions for cases with and without minor children. Using the version that doesn't match your situation is a common slip-up.
Skipping the COPE Class
In counties where it applies, a judge may not sign the final decree in a case with minor children until both parents file proof of completing the parenting class.
Missing the Financial Disclosure Deadline
In contested cases, the Financial Disclosure Form is due within 30 days of the Answer being filed. Letting that window slip can hold up the process.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Nevada's two-path system and county-specific forms can be a lot to keep straight. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by asking simple questions and preparing the right paperwork for your situation, so you're not left wondering which version of each form you need. Here's what you get:
A guided questionnaire that selects the correct Nevada forms for your path and circumstances
Completed, ready-to-file documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step instructions for filing in your county
An affordable, lower-stress alternative to sorting through forms on your own
Support designed for uncontested and joint-petition divorces
Which Nevada Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you'll encounter depend on whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether one person is filing alone, and whether minor children are involved. Nevada doesn't use form numbers — forms are identified by name only — so we've grouped them below by what they actually do. Nevada also offers two procedural paths: a Joint Petition when both spouses agree on all terms (typically no hearing required, and historically the fastest route), and a Complaint for Divorce when one spouse files and the case may involve hearings or trial.
Starting the Case
Joint Petition for Divorce (No Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Joint Petition for Divorce (With Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Complaint for Divorce (No Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when no minor children are involved.
Complaint for Divorce (With Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when minor children are involved.
Summons
Issued with the Complaint to formally notify the other spouse of the divorce action; used in one-party filings.
Family Cover Sheet
An administrative cover sheet providing basic identifying information about the parties and children; used in all cases.
Confidential Information Sheet (No Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information; filed separately from the public record.
Confidential Information Sheet (With Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information in cases involving minor children.
Affidavit of Resident Witness
A third-party affidavit proving that one spouse has been a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing.
Responding to a Divorce
Answer Only
A response filed by the non-filing spouse to acknowledge the divorce action without raising counterclaims.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (No Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case with no minor children.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (With Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case involving minor children.
Reply to Counterclaim
Filed by the original petitioner in response to a counterclaim raised by the other spouse.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
In contested cases, both parties must file a financial disclosure within 30 days of the Answer being filed.
Financial Disclosure Form (General)
Discloses employment, income, expenses, property, and debts.
Financial Disclosure Form (Detailed)
An extended version of the financial disclosure with more detailed asset and liability information for complex financial situations.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Worksheet
Calculates the child support obligation using Nevada's statutory guidelines. Note that Nevada uses a worksheet rather than a single numbered form, and it's used in cases involving minor children.
Child Residence Appendix
Documents the parenting time and custody schedule and where children will reside; used alongside the child support calculation.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In the Joint Petition path, the terms both spouses agree to — property division, debts, and any custody and support arrangements — are written directly into the petition and final decree rather than on a separate standalone settlement form in the statewide system. Couples who reach agreement document those terms within the petition and decree documents described here. Because each county may handle agreement documents differently, filers in Clark or Washoe County should check their local self-help center for any additional forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage in cases with no minor children.
Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, visitation, and child support in cases involving minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when there are no minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when minor children are involved.
Request for Submission
Asks the judge to review and sign the final decree without requiring an in-person hearing; used primarily in uncontested joint petition cases.
Default
Filed when the other spouse fails to respond within the required time; allows the case to proceed without their participation.
Where to Get Nevada Divorce Forms
The Official State Courts Site
Nevada's statewide divorce forms are published by the Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Center. You can download them directly at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov. These are the standardized, statewide versions identified by name rather than form number.
Your County Clerk or Court Self-Help Center
If you live in Clark County (Las Vegas) or Washoe County (Reno) — the state's two most populous counties — those courts operate their own self-help centers with county-specific forms and local rules. Filers in those counties are generally directed to use county resources instead of, or in addition to, the statewide forms. Check the Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center at familylawselfhelpcenter.org or Washoe County Courts at washoecourts.com for the forms that apply where you file.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The court self-help centers above offer free informational guidance and form access. They can explain what a form is for, though they don't provide legal advice tailored to your situation.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through which version of each form applies to you, an online service can guide you step by step. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and prepares your Nevada paperwork based on your answers — helpful when you're navigating the difference between the statewide and county-specific forms.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or contested custody, working with a Nevada family law attorney may be the right fit. An attorney can review your specific circumstances and handle filings on your behalf.
The Nevada Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing — the shortest residency requirement in the country. Residency is proved by an Affidavit of Resident Witness, in which a third party attests under penalty of perjury. Where the marriage took place doesn't matter.
2. File the Opening Documents
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (when both spouses agree) or a Complaint for Divorce (when one spouse files alone), along with the Family Cover Sheet, the appropriate Confidential Information Sheet, and the Affidavit of Resident Witness.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
In a one-party filing, the Summons and Complaint are formally delivered to the other spouse to notify them of the action. In a Joint Petition, both spouses have already signed on, so formal service generally isn't part of the path.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
In contested cases, both parties file a Financial Disclosure Form within 30 days of the Answer being filed, sharing income, expenses, property, and debts.
5. Address Responses, Hearings, or Waiting Period
The non-filing spouse may file an Answer Only, an Answer and Counterclaim, or — if they don't respond in time — a Default may be filed. Importantly, Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization, which is part of why the state has historically been known for quick divorces.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
The case ends when the judge signs the appropriate Decree of Divorce. In uncontested joint petition cases, a Request for Submission can ask the judge to review and sign the decree without an in-person hearing. Once the decree is entered, certified copies serve as your legal record of the divorce.
Nevada-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: One spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing, proven by an Affidavit of Resident Witness. The location of the marriage is irrelevant.
Property regime: Nevada is a community property state, which generally means property and debts acquired during the marriage are treated as jointly owned. How that applies depends on the specifics of each case.
Grounds for divorce: Nevada recognizes two no-fault grounds — incompatibility (NRS 125.010(3)), and living separate and apart for one year without cohabitation (NRS 125.010(2)). There is also one fault ground: insanity existing for two years prior to filing, with corroborating evidence required (NRS 125.010(1)). Misconduct is not itself grounds for divorce but may be considered in custody determinations.
Waiting period: None. Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization.
Parenting education (COPE): Many Nevada district courts — particularly Clark County Family Court — require a Children of Parents in Conflict Education (COPE) class before a judge will sign a final decree in cases involving minor children. Both parents typically must file proof of completion. The class runs roughly three to five hours, costs about $40–$45 per person, and is available in person and online. This requirement varies by county and individual judge.
Other notes: Nevada does not offer covenant marriage. Name restoration to a former name is available as part of the divorce decree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong County's Forms
Because Clark and Washoe Counties maintain their own forms and rules, filing the statewide versions in those counties — or vice versa — can cause delays. Confirm which set applies where you live.
Mixing Up the Two Paths
The Joint Petition and Complaint for Divorce are different routes with different forms. Choosing forms from the wrong path can stall your case.
Grabbing the Wrong "With/Without Children" Version
Many Nevada forms come in separate versions for cases with and without minor children. Using the version that doesn't match your situation is a common slip-up.
Skipping the COPE Class
In counties where it applies, a judge may not sign the final decree in a case with minor children until both parents file proof of completing the parenting class.
Missing the Financial Disclosure Deadline
In contested cases, the Financial Disclosure Form is due within 30 days of the Answer being filed. Letting that window slip can hold up the process.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Nevada's two-path system and county-specific forms can be a lot to keep straight. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by asking simple questions and preparing the right paperwork for your situation, so you're not left wondering which version of each form you need. Here's what you get:
A guided questionnaire that selects the correct Nevada forms for your path and circumstances
Completed, ready-to-file documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step instructions for filing in your county
An affordable, lower-stress alternative to sorting through forms on your own
Support designed for uncontested and joint-petition divorces
Which Nevada Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you'll encounter depend on whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether one person is filing alone, and whether minor children are involved. Nevada doesn't use form numbers — forms are identified by name only — so we've grouped them below by what they actually do. Nevada also offers two procedural paths: a Joint Petition when both spouses agree on all terms (typically no hearing required, and historically the fastest route), and a Complaint for Divorce when one spouse files and the case may involve hearings or trial.
Starting the Case
Joint Petition for Divorce (No Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Joint Petition for Divorce (With Children)
Used when both spouses agree on all terms and there are minor children; initiates the joint, uncontested divorce path.
Complaint for Divorce (No Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when no minor children are involved.
Complaint for Divorce (With Children)
Filed by one spouse alone to initiate a contested or one-party divorce when minor children are involved.
Summons
Issued with the Complaint to formally notify the other spouse of the divorce action; used in one-party filings.
Family Cover Sheet
An administrative cover sheet providing basic identifying information about the parties and children; used in all cases.
Confidential Information Sheet (No Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information; filed separately from the public record.
Confidential Information Sheet (With Children)
Collects Social Security numbers and other confidential identifying information in cases involving minor children.
Affidavit of Resident Witness
A third-party affidavit proving that one spouse has been a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing.
Responding to a Divorce
Answer Only
A response filed by the non-filing spouse to acknowledge the divorce action without raising counterclaims.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (No Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case with no minor children.
Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce (With Children)
A response filed by the non-filing spouse that also asserts their own claims in a case involving minor children.
Reply to Counterclaim
Filed by the original petitioner in response to a counterclaim raised by the other spouse.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
In contested cases, both parties must file a financial disclosure within 30 days of the Answer being filed.
Financial Disclosure Form (General)
Discloses employment, income, expenses, property, and debts.
Financial Disclosure Form (Detailed)
An extended version of the financial disclosure with more detailed asset and liability information for complex financial situations.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Worksheet
Calculates the child support obligation using Nevada's statutory guidelines. Note that Nevada uses a worksheet rather than a single numbered form, and it's used in cases involving minor children.
Child Residence Appendix
Documents the parenting time and custody schedule and where children will reside; used alongside the child support calculation.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In the Joint Petition path, the terms both spouses agree to — property division, debts, and any custody and support arrangements — are written directly into the petition and final decree rather than on a separate standalone settlement form in the statewide system. Couples who reach agreement document those terms within the petition and decree documents described here. Because each county may handle agreement documents differently, filers in Clark or Washoe County should check their local self-help center for any additional forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage in cases with no minor children.
Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final order signed by the judge that legally dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, visitation, and child support in cases involving minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (No Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when there are no minor children.
Joint Petition Decree of Divorce (With Children)
The final decree specific to the joint, uncontested path when minor children are involved.
Request for Submission
Asks the judge to review and sign the final decree without requiring an in-person hearing; used primarily in uncontested joint petition cases.
Default
Filed when the other spouse fails to respond within the required time; allows the case to proceed without their participation.
Where to Get Nevada Divorce Forms
The Official State Courts Site
Nevada's statewide divorce forms are published by the Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Center. You can download them directly at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov. These are the standardized, statewide versions identified by name rather than form number.
Your County Clerk or Court Self-Help Center
If you live in Clark County (Las Vegas) or Washoe County (Reno) — the state's two most populous counties — those courts operate their own self-help centers with county-specific forms and local rules. Filers in those counties are generally directed to use county resources instead of, or in addition to, the statewide forms. Check the Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center at familylawselfhelpcenter.org or Washoe County Courts at washoecourts.com for the forms that apply where you file.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The court self-help centers above offer free informational guidance and form access. They can explain what a form is for, though they don't provide legal advice tailored to your situation.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through which version of each form applies to you, an online service can guide you step by step. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and prepares your Nevada paperwork based on your answers — helpful when you're navigating the difference between the statewide and county-specific forms.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or contested custody, working with a Nevada family law attorney may be the right fit. An attorney can review your specific circumstances and handle filings on your behalf.
The Nevada Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing — the shortest residency requirement in the country. Residency is proved by an Affidavit of Resident Witness, in which a third party attests under penalty of perjury. Where the marriage took place doesn't matter.
2. File the Opening Documents
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (when both spouses agree) or a Complaint for Divorce (when one spouse files alone), along with the Family Cover Sheet, the appropriate Confidential Information Sheet, and the Affidavit of Resident Witness.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
In a one-party filing, the Summons and Complaint are formally delivered to the other spouse to notify them of the action. In a Joint Petition, both spouses have already signed on, so formal service generally isn't part of the path.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
In contested cases, both parties file a Financial Disclosure Form within 30 days of the Answer being filed, sharing income, expenses, property, and debts.
5. Address Responses, Hearings, or Waiting Period
The non-filing spouse may file an Answer Only, an Answer and Counterclaim, or — if they don't respond in time — a Default may be filed. Importantly, Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization, which is part of why the state has historically been known for quick divorces.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
The case ends when the judge signs the appropriate Decree of Divorce. In uncontested joint petition cases, a Request for Submission can ask the judge to review and sign the decree without an in-person hearing. Once the decree is entered, certified copies serve as your legal record of the divorce.
Nevada-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: One spouse must be a bona fide Nevada resident for at least six weeks before filing, proven by an Affidavit of Resident Witness. The location of the marriage is irrelevant.
Property regime: Nevada is a community property state, which generally means property and debts acquired during the marriage are treated as jointly owned. How that applies depends on the specifics of each case.
Grounds for divorce: Nevada recognizes two no-fault grounds — incompatibility (NRS 125.010(3)), and living separate and apart for one year without cohabitation (NRS 125.010(2)). There is also one fault ground: insanity existing for two years prior to filing, with corroborating evidence required (NRS 125.010(1)). Misconduct is not itself grounds for divorce but may be considered in custody determinations.
Waiting period: None. Nevada has no mandatory waiting or cooling-off period between filing and finalization.
Parenting education (COPE): Many Nevada district courts — particularly Clark County Family Court — require a Children of Parents in Conflict Education (COPE) class before a judge will sign a final decree in cases involving minor children. Both parents typically must file proof of completion. The class runs roughly three to five hours, costs about $40–$45 per person, and is available in person and online. This requirement varies by county and individual judge.
Other notes: Nevada does not offer covenant marriage. Name restoration to a former name is available as part of the divorce decree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong County's Forms
Because Clark and Washoe Counties maintain their own forms and rules, filing the statewide versions in those counties — or vice versa — can cause delays. Confirm which set applies where you live.
Mixing Up the Two Paths
The Joint Petition and Complaint for Divorce are different routes with different forms. Choosing forms from the wrong path can stall your case.
Grabbing the Wrong "With/Without Children" Version
Many Nevada forms come in separate versions for cases with and without minor children. Using the version that doesn't match your situation is a common slip-up.
Skipping the COPE Class
In counties where it applies, a judge may not sign the final decree in a case with minor children until both parents file proof of completing the parenting class.
Missing the Financial Disclosure Deadline
In contested cases, the Financial Disclosure Form is due within 30 days of the Answer being filed. Letting that window slip can hold up the process.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Nevada's two-path system and county-specific forms can be a lot to keep straight. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by asking simple questions and preparing the right paperwork for your situation, so you're not left wondering which version of each form you need. Here's what you get:
A guided questionnaire that selects the correct Nevada forms for your path and circumstances
Completed, ready-to-file documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step instructions for filing in your county
An affordable, lower-stress alternative to sorting through forms on your own
Support designed for uncontested and joint-petition divorces
Ending a marriage is rarely simple, and the paperwork can feel like its own maze. If you're starting a divorce in Nevada, the good news is that the state offers a clear set of standardized forms and, for many couples, one of the fastest paths to finalization in the country. This guide walks you through which Nevada divorce forms exist, what each one does, where to find them, and how the process generally unfolds.
Nevada is a little unusual: the Nevada Supreme Court's Self-Help Center publishes statewide divorce forms, but the two most populous counties — Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) — run their own self-help centers with county-specific forms and local rules. We'll point you to both so you know where to look based on where you live.
Think of this as a friendly map, not a set of marching orders. Everyone's situation is different, and this page is informational only. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Nevada keeps divorce relatively straightforward, with statewide standardized forms, no mandatory waiting period, and the shortest residency requirement in the country — just six weeks. The biggest thing to get right is matching your forms to your path (Joint Petition or Complaint for Divorce) and to your county, since Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) run their own self-help centers with county-specific forms.
You can download the statewide forms directly from the Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Center at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov. If you'd rather have your paperwork prepared for you step by step, Divorce.com can guide you through it.
This guide is informational only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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