Nevada Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/nevada/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
1 to 3 months for uncontested joint petition divorces, 8 to 12 weeks for uncontested default divorces (Complaint filed, no response), and 6 to 18 months for contested divorces requiring mediation, discovery, or trial in Nevada. Nevada has no mandatory waiting period — the only prerequisite is the 6-week residency requirement before filing under NRS 125.020.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Affidavit of Resident Witness
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children(if applicable)
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- Social Security Cards
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Court Orders from Other Jurisdictions(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Last 3 Months of Pay Stubs
- Bank Account Statements (Last 12 Months)
- Retirement and Investment Account Statements
- Real Property Deeds and Mortgage Statements
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
- Credit Card and Debt Statements
- Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies
- Business Ownership Documents(if applicable)
- Monthly Budget and Expense Worksheet
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Nevada Residency Requirements
- Determine Whether to File Jointly or Individually
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Create a Safety Plan If Domestic Violence Is Present
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Required Divorce Filing Forms
- File the Divorce Papers with the District Court
- Serve the Divorce Papers on Your Spouse
3. After Filing
- Wait for Respondent's Answer Within 21 Days
- File the Financial Disclosure Form Under NRCP 16.2
- Complete the COPE Parenting Class If Children Are Involved
- Attend Mandatory Mediation for Custody Disputes
- Attend the Case Management Conference
- Negotiate a Settlement or Prepare for Trial
- Submit the Final Decree of Divorce for Judicial Approval
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Nevada, you must first establish residency for at least 6 weeks (42 days) under NRS 125.020, proven by a notarized Affidavit of Resident Witness. You can file a Joint Petition for Divorce (both spouses sign, agreeing on all terms under NRS 125.181) or a Complaint for Divorce (one spouse files and serves the other). File your papers with the District Court in your county — filing fees vary by county, ranging from approximately $217 to $364, with fee waivers available for low-income filers. If filing a Complaint, serve your spouse through personal service within 120 days under NRCP 4(e). The respondent has 21 calendar days to file an Answer. Both parties must file a Financial Disclosure Form under NRCP 16.2 within 30 to 45 days. If minor children are involved, both parents must complete the COPE parenting class and file certificates of completion before the judge will sign the final Decree. Contested custody cases require mandatory mediation in Clark and Washoe Counties under NRS 3.475. Nevada has no mandatory waiting period — uncontested divorces can finalize in as few as 30 days.