Reno sits in Washoe County, and every divorce filed by a Reno resident goes through the Second Judicial District Court, Family Division. The Family Court building stands at 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd floor, in downtown Reno near the Truckee River, a few blocks from the National Automobile Museum and the courthouse district off Virginia Street. Whether you live in Midtown, Old Southwest, Somersett, or out toward Sparks, this is the courthouse that handles your case. Below is exactly how the process works locally, what it costs, and which Nevada statutes govern the outcome.
Key Facts: Filing for Divorce in Reno (Washoe County)
| Detail | Reno / Washoe County |
|---|---|
| County | Washoe County |
| Filing court | Second Judicial District Court, Family Division |
| Court address | 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501 (physical: 1 S. Sierra St., 3rd floor) |
| Filing fee range | $326-$364 (verified March 2026) |
| Residency requirement | 6 weeks (42 days) in Nevada — NRS 125.020 |
| Waiting period | None after residency is met |
| Property model | Community property (equal division) — NRS 125.150 |
How do I file for divorce in Reno, Nevada?
To file for divorce in Reno you submit a verified complaint (or a joint petition if both spouses agree) to the Second Judicial District Court at 75 Court Street, pay the $326-$364 filing fee, and meet Nevada's 6-week residency requirement under NRS 125.020. Most Reno cases cite incompatibility, the no-fault ground used in roughly 98% of Nevada divorces.
There are two routes. A joint petition under NRS 125.181 is the fastest when you and your spouse agree on property, debt, and any children; a judge can sign the decree within days of filing. A contested complaint requires serving your spouse, who then has time to answer before the case proceeds toward a hearing or settlement. Self-represented filers can get court-approved forms and packets from the court's Resource Center on the 3rd floor at One South Sierra Street, (775) 325-6731.
Where do I file for divorce in Reno? (which courthouse)
You file at the Second Judicial District Court, Family Division. The physical building is at 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd floor, Reno, NV 89501, while the filing office mailing address is 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501, reachable at (775) 328-3110. This downtown Reno courthouse serves the entire Washoe County area, including Sparks, Incline Village, and the surrounding communities.
If you mail your filing fee, the court accepts a law firm check, cashier's check, or money order — personal checks are rejected. E-filing adds roughly $3.50 per document. The Resource Center on the same floor functions as a self-help "one stop shop" for unrepresented parties, offering general procedural information, court-approved forms, filing assistance, and referrals to free legal resources. Reach it at ResourceCenter@washoecourts.us or (775) 325-6731.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Reno?
A divorce lawyer in Reno typically charges $250-$400 per hour, and an uncontested Nevada divorce runs $700-$6,000 in total, while a contested case with custody or property disputes climbs well beyond that. The court filing fee itself is $326-$364 in Washoe County (verified March 2026), plus about $50-$125 for process service if you are not filing jointly.
Your total cost depends heavily on conflict. A joint petition where both spouses agree may need only a few hours of attorney time to prepare and review documents. A contested matter involving a custody evaluation, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order for retirement accounts, or disputed business assets can require depositions, expert witnesses, and multiple hearings. Many Reno attorneys offer flat fees for uncontested filings and hourly billing for litigation. To estimate your own exposure, the divorce cost estimator breaks down filing, service, and attorney costs.
How long does a divorce take in Reno?
A divorce in Reno can finalize in as little as 1-3 weeks for an uncontested joint petition, because Nevada imposes no mandatory cooling-off or waiting period once the 6-week residency requirement is satisfied. This makes Washoe County one of the fastest places in the nation to dissolve a marriage when both spouses agree.
Contested cases take far longer. Once your spouse is served with a complaint, they have 21 days to file an answer, and the case then moves through disclosure, possible mediation, temporary orders, and ultimately a trial if no settlement is reached. Custody disputes, business valuations, and disagreements over alimony commonly stretch a contested Reno divorce to 6-12 months or more. The single biggest driver of timeline is whether you and your spouse can reach agreement on the terms.
What are the residency requirements to file in Washoe County?
To file in Washoe County, at least one spouse must have lived in Nevada for a minimum of 6 weeks — 42 consecutive days — immediately before filing, under NRS 125.020. Only one party needs to meet this threshold, one of the shortest residency requirements in the United States.
Physical presence alone is not enough. Nevada law requires proof of intent to remain a resident, so the filing spouse must submit an Affidavit of Resident Witness signed by a third party — a friend, neighbor, employer, or family member — who attests under penalty of perjury that the spouse has lived in Nevada with the intent to make it a permanent home. This affidavit is filed alongside the divorce paperwork at the Second Judicial District Court. If neither spouse meets the 42-day rule and the cause of action did not arise in the county while both were domiciled there, the court lacks jurisdiction to grant the divorce.
How is property divided in a Reno divorce?
Nevada is a community property state, so under NRS 125.150 the Second Judicial District Court divides community property and debt equally between spouses to the extent practicable. A judge may order an unequal split only when there is a compelling reason, and must explain that reasoning in writing.
Community property generally means assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property — items owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance — stays with the original owner. The same statute governs alimony, which the court may award to either spouse as a just and equitable amount, and addresses the disposition of pensions and retirement benefits. A 20% or greater change in the paying spouse's gross monthly income is treated as changed circumstances justifying a review of alimony. To model potential support, see the alimony estimator.
How is child custody decided in Reno?
Child custody in Reno is governed by Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 125C, and the sole consideration is the best interest of the child under NRS 125C.0035. The court gives no preference to a parent based solely on whether they are the mother or father, and joint physical custody is favored when it serves the child's interests.
Nevada uses the terms legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). Courts weigh factors including the child's wishes if old enough, the mental and physical health of each parent, the level of conflict between them, the child's developmental needs, and any history of abuse or domestic violence. A documented history of domestic violence triggers a statutory presumption against awarding custody to the offending parent. Child support is calculated separately under Nevada's guidelines; estimate it with the child support calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Reno?
Filing a divorce at the Second Judicial District Court in Reno costs $326-$364 as of March 2026, depending on whether you file a complaint or a joint petition. Add roughly $50-$125 for process service if not filing jointly, plus about $3.50 per document for e-filing.
Can I get the Reno filing fee waived?
Yes. Washoe County waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers. You submit an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with your petition, attaching pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of public assistance. Waivers are typically granted if your household income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level, and courts decide within 3-5 business days.
Do both spouses have to live in Nevada to divorce in Reno?
No. Under NRS 125.020, only one spouse must have resided in Nevada for at least 6 weeks (42 consecutive days) before filing. The other spouse can live anywhere. The Nevada resident must file an Affidavit of Resident Witness confirming residency and intent to remain in the state.
Is Nevada a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Nevada is a no-fault state under NRS 125.010, and roughly 98% of divorces cite incompatibility, requiring no proof of wrongdoing. The other two grounds are living separate and apart for one year without cohabitation, and insanity existing for two years before filing.
How long do I have to wait after filing for divorce in Reno?
There is no mandatory waiting period in Nevada. Once the 6-week residency requirement is met and papers are filed, a judge can sign an uncontested joint petition decree within days. Contested cases take longer because the served spouse has 21 days to answer before litigation proceeds.
Where exactly is the Reno divorce courthouse?
The Second Judicial District Court, Family Division, sits at 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd floor, in downtown Reno near the Truckee River. The filing office mailing address is 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501, and the main phone line is (775) 328-3110. The self-help Resource Center is on the same floor.
Is property split 50/50 in a Reno divorce?
Generally yes. Nevada is a community property state, and NRS 125.150 directs courts to divide community property and debt equally. A judge may order an unequal division only with a compelling reason stated in writing. Separate property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance is not divided.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Reno?
No, you can file without an attorney, especially for an uncontested joint petition. The court's Resource Center at One South Sierra Street, (775) 325-6731, provides court-approved forms and filing assistance. However, contested cases involving custody, retirement accounts, or significant assets typically benefit from a Reno divorce lawyer.