Nevada Divorce Filing Checklist 2025

Filing for divorce in Nevada offers significant advantages over most other states. Nevada requires only 6 weeks of residency—one of the shortest requirements in the nation—and has NO mandatory waiting period after filing. This means your decree can be final within weeks if you qualify for a joint petition. Nevada also offers a streamlined joint petition (summary) divorce option when both spouses agree on all terms. Understanding Nevada's $284 filing fee (in Washoe County), incompatibility grounds, and e-filing requirements will help you navigate this process efficiently. For a broader overview, see our comprehensive divorce checklist. This Nevada divorce filing checklist covers every essential step for 2025.

Nevada's Ultra-Short 6-Week Residency

Nevada stands out with one of the nation's shortest residency requirements. Under NRS 125.020, at least one spouse must have been a Nevada resident for 6 weeks (42 days) immediately before filing. This is significantly shorter than the 6-month or 1-year requirements common in other states.

You must prove residency with a Resident Witness Affidavit—a notarized statement from a Nevada resident who has observed you living in the state for the required 6 weeks. This corroborating witness confirms your presence and intent to remain in Nevada.

File in the District Court (Family Division where available) for the county where either spouse resides. Clark County (Las Vegas) uses the Eighth Judicial District Court, while Washoe County (Reno) uses the Second Judicial District Court.

No Waiting Period: Nevada's Major Advantage

Unlike most states that impose 30- to 90-day "cooling-off" periods after filing, Nevada has NO mandatory waiting period. Once you satisfy the 6-week residency requirement and file your papers, the court can enter your divorce decree as soon as the judge signs it and it's filed with the clerk.

This makes Nevada one of the fastest states for finalizing a divorce—particularly attractive for joint petition cases where both spouses agree on all terms.

Two Filing Options: Joint Petition vs. Complaint

Nevada offers two distinct divorce tracks:

Joint Petition (Summary Divorce) – Fastest Option

If you meet all conditions under NRS 125.181, you can file a joint petition signed by both spouses. This summary procedure requires:

• Both spouses agree on grounds (incompatibility or 1-year separation)
• Either no minor children, or a signed custody/support agreement
• Either no community property, or a signed property division agreement
• Both waive spousal support or have a written alimony agreement
• Both waive rights to appeal and certain post-judgment motions

Joint petitions are typically approved quickly without appearing before a judge—often within 30-90 days.

Complaint for Divorce – Traditional Track

If you cannot meet joint petition requirements, file a Complaint for Divorce and serve your spouse. They have 21 days after service to respond. This track allows for temporary orders, discovery, and trial if needed. Most cases still settle before trial.

Grounds for Divorce

Under NRS 125.010, Nevada recognizes three grounds for divorce:

1. Incompatibility (no-fault)—by far the most common; simply means you no longer get along
2. Living separate and apart for 1 year without cohabitation (no-fault)
3. Insanity existing for 2 years before filing (rarely used)

Nearly all modern Nevada divorces cite incompatibility—you don't need to prove fault or wrongdoing.

Required Documents and Forms

Your Nevada divorce filing checklist includes:

For Joint Petition (Summary) Cases:

• Joint Petition for Divorce (signed under oath by both spouses)
• Resident Witness Affidavit
• Settlement Agreement (property/custody/support)
• Proposed Decree of Divorce

For Complaint Cases:

• Complaint for Divorce
• Summons (issued by clerk)
• Family Court Cover Sheet
• Financial Disclosure Form (GFDF per NRCP 16.2)
• Resident Witness Affidavit

Access fillable forms and guided interviews at the Nevada Self-Help Center, which offers step-by-step form generation based on your situation.

E-Filing System

Nevada requires electronic filing in most counties:

Clark County (Las Vegas):
File through Odyssey File & Serve at the Eighth Judicial District Court. The system handles both initial filings and subsequent documents.

Washoe County (Reno):
E-filing is mandatory for nearly all family cases at the Second Judicial District Court. Register and upload your documents as PDFs.

Both systems collect filing fees online by credit card or eCheck, plus a small provider fee (approximately $3.50 per envelope).

Filing Fees and Costs

Filing fees are county-specific:

• Washoe County: $284 (posted on court website)
• Clark County: Varies; check current fee schedule
• Provider fees: ~$3.50 per e-filing envelope

Additional costs may include service of process ($75-150), mandatory parent education ($30-60 if children are involved), and mediation fees (if custody is contested).

Financial Planning for Your Nevada Divorce

Understanding your complete costs helps you budget appropriately. Beyond the filing fee, expect potential costs for service, mediation (if contested), and attorney fees (if you choose representation). Learn more about strategies to reduce divorce costs. Use our divorce cost calculator below to estimate Nevada-specific expenses:

Conclusion

This Nevada divorce filing checklist provides your roadmap for 2025. Nevada's 6-week residency requirement and zero waiting period make it one of the fastest states for divorce. If both spouses agree, the joint petition (summary) track can finalize your divorce in 30-90 days. Use the Nevada Self-Help Center for forms, e-file through Odyssey or your county's system, and budget for the $284+ filing fee (county-dependent).

The divorce cost calculator above helps you plan financially. For complex cases involving significant assets, custody disputes, or business interests, consider consulting a Nevada family law attorney for personalized guidance.