Nevada Divorce Forms

Nevada divorce forms are standardized legal documents used to initiate and process divorce cases throughout the state's court system. The State of Nevada Self-Help Center (selfhelp.nvcourts.gov) provides most forms at no cost to the public. Each form serves a specific legal purpose in the divorce proceedings, from opening your case to finalizing your decree of divorce.

The specific forms required depend on your individual circumstances. Spouses who reach an agreement on all contested issues utilize different forms than those who cannot agree. Cases involving minor children require additional documentation compared to cases without children. Understanding these distinctions helps you gather the correct forms for your situation.

Two Primary Methods for Obtaining Nevada Divorce Forms

The State of Nevada Self-Help Center offers two distinct approaches for obtaining and completing your divorce forms.

Method One: Complete a Guided Interview That Creates Forms

The most efficient method for obtaining completed forms involves using automated online interview systems. These guided interviews pose questions about your specific situation, then automatically generate properly completed forms based on your responses. This Q&A form interview system is available through the State of Nevada Self Help Center website at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/forms/divorce-forms.

The guided interview that creates forms for you addresses topics including your marriage details, information about any children, property and debt division, and your specific requests from the divorce. Upon completing the interview, you receive fully prepared forms ready for printing and signing. This automated approach significantly reduces errors because the system populates information correctly based on your provided answers.

The advantages of using guided interviews include:

Forms are created based on your specific factual circumstances
Reduced likelihood of completing forms incorrectly
Greater efficiency compared to manual form completion
Available for use twenty-four hours daily via internet access
No cost to utilize the system

Method Two: Download and Complete Individual Forms Manually

Alternatively, you may download blank Nevada divorce forms and complete them independently. The State of Nevada Self Help Center website provides downloadable PDF versions of all required forms. Some forms are provided as fillable PDFs that allow you to type information directly into the document on your computer. Other forms must be printed and completed by hand using black ink.

When completing individual forms manually, download and save all forms to your computer before beginning the completion process. This practice ensures your information is preserved properly. Carefully review all accompanying instructions before completing any form to ensure you understand the information required.

Required Forms for Filing Together with a Joint Petition

When both spouses reach complete agreement on all contested issues, you file a joint petition for divorce. This filing method requires specific Nevada divorce forms, which can be obtained at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/divorce/filing-for-divorce-together.

Family Court Cover Sheet

The Family Court Cover Sheet is required for every divorce filing in Nevada. This form requests fundamental case information including:

Complete names and addresses of both spouses
Date and location where the marriage occurred
Names, birth dates, and ages of any minor children
Classification of the case type being filed
County where you are submitting the filing

The clerk of court uses this information to open your case file and assign a unique case number that identifies your case throughout the proceedings.

Joint Petition for Divorce

The Joint Petition for Divorce constitutes the primary document explaining your comprehensive agreement. This petition must address all contested issues including:

Legal and physical custody arrangements for any minor children
Detailed visitation schedule specifying when each parent has the children
Child support amounts and which parent bears payment responsibility
Complete division of all community property and separate property
Division of all community debts and separate debts
Whether either spouse will receive spousal support (alimony), the amount, and duration
Whether either spouse requests restoration of a former or maiden name

Both spouses must sign this form in the presence of a notary public. While you may sign separately before different notaries, you should attempt to sign on dates proximate to each other. Complete the notarization as close as possible to your intended filing date to ensure the information remains current.

Affidavit of Resident Witness

Nevada law requires that one spouse establish residency in the state for a minimum of six weeks before filing for divorce. The Affidavit of Resident Witness provides proof that this jurisdictional requirement has been satisfied.

A friend, coworker, or family member who observes you regularly (approximately three to four times weekly) must complete this form. This individual signs under penalty of perjury, attesting that they possess personal knowledge that you have resided in Nevada for at least six weeks. The witness cannot be either spouse involved in the divorce proceedings.

The witness should complete this form as close to your filing date as possible to ensure the testimony regarding your residency is current and accurate.

Decree of Divorce

The Decree of Divorce represents the final court order that formally dissolves your marriage. Separate versions exist for cases involving children and cases without children. You must utilize the appropriate version corresponding to your circumstances.

The decree incorporates all terms and conditions of your agreement as stated in the Joint Petition for Divorce. You submit this proposed decree to the assigned judge after filing your initial petition and other required forms. The judge reviews the decree and, if all provisions are proper and the agreement is approved, signs the document to make it a binding court order.

Confidential Information Sheet

This required form provides social security numbers for both spouses. The court maintains this information as confidential and does not make it part of the public record. This form is mandatory for all individuals filing for divorce and assists with child support enforcement mechanisms if such enforcement becomes necessary in the future.

Different versions of this form exist for cases involving children and cases without children. Select the version that corresponds to your situation.

Required Forms for Filing Independently with a Complaint

When spouses cannot reach agreement on contested issues, one spouse files a complaint for divorce independently. This filing method requires different Nevada divorce forms, available at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/divorce/filing-for-divorce-on-your-own.

Cover Sheet

The Cover Sheet serves the same function in contested cases as it does for joint petitions. You provide identical fundamental information about yourself, your spouse, and any children. In a contested filing, you are designated as the Plaintiff (the party initiating the action) and your spouse is designated as the Defendant (the party responding to the action).

Summons

The Summons constitutes an official court document that notifies your spouse that you have initiated divorce proceedings. This formal notice informs your spouse of several critical facts:

You have commenced a divorce case in the district court
They must file a written response within twenty-one days of being served
The court may enter a default judgment against them if they fail to respond timely
The specific court location where the case has been filed

The Summons must be personally served on your spouse together with copies of all other filed documents in accordance with the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure governing service of process.

Complaint for Divorce

This form articulates to both the judge and your spouse precisely what relief you seek from the divorce. The Complaint for Divorce includes designated sections addressing:

Legal custody (decision-making authority) for minor children
Physical custody (residential arrangements) for minor children
Comprehensive visitation schedule specifying parenting time
Child support calculations and payment obligations
Proposed division of all community property and debts
Requests for spousal support (alimony), including amount and duration
Requests for restoration of a former or maiden name

Complete every section thoroughly and specifically. Sections left blank create ambiguity regarding your requests, which may cause delays in your case, as the judge cannot determine what orders you seek.

Financial Disclosure Form

This comprehensive form details your complete financial circumstance,s including:

Gross income from all sources (employment, investments, rental property, etc.)
Monthly living expenses broken down by category
Complete inventory of all assets you own or have an interest in
Complete listing of all debts and financial obligations

Nevada law mandates that you file this form with the court and serve it on your spouse within forty-five days after your spouse receives service of the Summons and Complaint. This disclosure requirement ensures both parties and the court have complete financial information for making determinations about property division and support.

Affidavit of Resident Witness

This form operates identically to the version used in joint petition cases. A friend, coworker, or family member signs under penalty of perjury that you have resided in Nevada for at least six weeks, thereby establishing the court's jurisdiction to grant your divorce.

Forms for Responding to a Divorce Complaint

If your spouse has filed for divorce and served you with divorce papers, you must respond using appropriate Nevada divorce forms within the time specified by law.

Answer to Complaint

The Answer constitutes your formal response to your spouse's Complaint for Divorce. In your Answer, you may:

Admit to allegations in the Complaint that are accurate
Deny allegations in the Complaint that are inaccurate or that you dispute
State which portions of the requested relief you agree with
Indicate which portions of the requested relief you oppose

You must file your Answer within twenty-one days of being served with the divorce papers. Failure to respond timely may result in the court entering a default judgment against you, meaning your spouse may receive everything they requested without your input.

Counterclaim for Divorce

If you disagree with some or all of what your spouse requests in their Complaint, you should file a Counterclaim together with your Answer. The Counterclaim presents your own requests to the court regarding:

Your preferred custody and visitation arrangements
Your position on appropriate child support amounts
Your proposed division of property and debts
Your requests regarding spousal support
Any name change you desire

A guided interview that creates forms for both your Answer and Counterclaim is available through the State of Nevada Self Help Center at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/forms/divorce-forms.

Additional Nevada Divorce Forms You May Require

Depending on how your case proceeds, you may need to file additional forms during your divorce proceedings.

Certificate of Mailing

After the judge signs your Decree of Divorce, one spouse must mail a file-stamped copy to the other spouse. The Certificate of Mailing provides proof to the court that you properly served the other party with a copy of the filed decree. You file this certificate with the clerk's office after completing the mailing.

Notice of Entry of Order

This form provides formal notification to the other party that the judge has signed an order in your case. Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure require you to serve this notice together with a file-stamped copy of the signed order on all other parties to the case.

Request for Default

If your spouse fails to file a response to the divorce papers within twenty-one days of being properly served, you may file a Request for Default. This request asks the court to proceed with the case without your spouse's participation. The court may then grant you the relief you requested in your Complaint, though you must still prove the allegations in your Complaint are true.

Decree of Divorce for Contested Cases

Different decree forms are utilized for contested cases compared to joint petition cases. Ensure you use the version specifically designed for cases where a Plaintiff filed a Complaint against a Defendant. Do not use the joint petition decree form if you filed a Complaint for Divorce separately.

Specialized Forms for Cases Involving Minor Children

Divorce cases involving children under eighteen years of age require additional Nevada divorce forms to address child-related issues properly.

Child Support Worksheet

Nevada employs statutory guidelines to calculate appropriate child support obligations. The Child Support Worksheet assists in calculating the correct support amount based on several factors:

Gross monthly income of both parents from all sources
Number of children requiring support
Custody arrangement (primary physical custody versus joint physical custody)
Costs of health insurance coverage for the children
Necessary childcare expenses

The Nevada child support guidelines can be found in Nevada Administrative Code Section 425, and worksheets are available at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov.

Parenting Plan

Certain counties require submission of a detailed parenting plan that comprehensively addresses:

Regular custody schedule showing which parent has the children on each day
Holiday schedule specifying how major holidays are divided between parents
School vacation schedule for winter break, spring break, and summer vacation
Transportation arrangements including who transports and where exchanges occur
Allocation of decision-making authority for major decisions affecting the children

Consult your local district court to determine whether submission of a formal parenting plan is required in your county.

Forms for Requesting Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford the court filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver using specialized forms designed for this purpose.

Application for Waiver of Fees and Costs

This application requests that the court waive filing fees based on your financial circumstances. The form requires detailed information about:

Your gross monthly income from all sources
Your monthly living expenses by category
Assets you own and their approximate values
Debts and financial obligations you owe

You must demonstrate that payment of court fees would create substantial financial hardship for you or your family members who depend on you for support.

Affidavit in Support of Application for Fee Waiver

This affidavit provides detailed factual information supporting your request for fee waiver. You must complete this form honestly and thoroughly, as you sign under penalty of perjury attesting that all information provided is true and correct.

Different fee waiver forms exist for joint petition cases versus complaint cases. Please see filing fees and waivers information at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/filing-fees to obtain the correct forms corresponding to your filing type.

Locating Nevada Divorce Forms

Nevada divorce forms are available from multiple authorized sources throughout the state.

State of Nevada Self-Help Center

The State of Nevada Self-Help Center website (selfhelp.nvcourts.gov) provides comprehensive access to all divorce forms at no cost. Through this website, you may:

Complete guided interviews that automatically create completed forms
Download individual forms in PDF format for manual completion
Access fillable PDF forms that allow you to type information directly into the document
Review detailed instructions explaining how to complete each form properly

The website includes certain forms translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, to serve Nevada's diverse population.

Family Law Self-Help Center (Clark County)

Residents of Clark County may also access forms and services through the Family Law Self-Help Center website at familylawselfhelpcenter.org. This specialized resource provides:

Forms specifically designed for use in Clark County courts
County-specific instructions and procedural information
Guided interviews for automated form completion
Information about local court rules and procedures
Access to educational resources and classes

Local District Court Clerk's Offices

Each county district court maintains a clerk's office that provides forms to the public. You may:

Obtain printed forms in person during regular business hours
Request assistance from the clerk staff regarding which forms are required for your case
Receive information about local filing procedures and requirements

If you are uncertain about the location of your local district court, visit find my court at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/find-my-court to identify the appropriate court based on your county of residence.

Best Practices for Completing Nevada Divorce Forms

Following these guidelines helps ensure your forms are completed correctly and accepted by the court.

Review All Instructions Before Beginning

Before completing any form, thoroughly review all accompanying instructions. The State of Nevada Self Help Center provides comprehensive instructions for each form, explaining what information is required and how to present it properly. Understanding these requirements before you begin prevents errors and saves time.

Provide Complete and Accurate Information

Complete every section of every form. Courts may reject incomplete forms or require you to resubmit corrected versions, causing delays in your case. If a particular section does not apply to your circumstances, write "N/A" (not applicable) or "None" rather than leaving the section blank. This demonstrates you did not simply overlook the section.

Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting forms to the court. Ensure names are spelled correctly, dates are accurate, and all numbers (case numbers, social security numbers, dollar amounts) are entered correctly.

Use Black Ink for Hand-Written Forms

If completing forms by hand rather than typing, use only black ink. Black ink produces the clearest copies when forms are photocopied or scanned for the court's electronic filing system. Blue ink or other colors may not scan or copy legibly.

Maintain Copies of All Documents

Before filing your completed forms with the court, make complete photocopies for your personal records. Retain copies of all filed documents in an organized file throughout your case. You will need to reference these documents during subsequent proceedings and may need to provide copies to other parties or the court.

Save Electronic Versions Properly

If utilizing fillable PDF forms, save them to your computer's hard drive before beginning to type information into them. This prevents loss of information if your internet browser crashes or closes unexpectedly. Save your work frequently as you complete each form.

Filing Your Completed Nevada Divorce Forms with the Court

After completing all required forms, you must file them with the appropriate district court to initiate your divorce proceedings.

Determining the Proper Filing Location

File your Nevada divorce forms at the district court in the county where you meet the statutory filing requirements. Nevada Revised Statutes Section 125.020 specifies you may file in any county where:

You currently reside
Your spouse resides or may be found
You and your spouse last cohabited
The cause of action (grounds for divorce) occurred

Most individuals file in the county where they currently maintain their primary residence.

Available Filing Methods

Nevada district courts generally accept filings through three methods:

In-Person Filing

Present your completed forms to the clerk's office during regular business hours. A clerk will review your forms to ensure all required documents are included, collect the filing fee (or fee waiver application), stamp your documents with the filing date and case number, and return file-stamped copies to you for your records.

Filing by Mail

Mail your completed forms, together with payment (in the form of a cashier's check or money order) to the clerk's office. Include self-addressed stamped envelopes if you require file-stamped copies returned by mail. Allow additional processing time (typically two to four weeks) for mail filings.

Electronic Filing (eFiling)

Certain counties offer electronic filing through the eFileNV system. You must register for an account, pay a processing fee (approximately three dollars and fifty cents) in addition to the regular filing fee, and upload your documents as separate PDF files. Each form must be uploaded as an individual PDF file rather than combining all forms into a single document. Consult the court's electronic filing guide for specific instructions.

Filing Fees

District courts charge a filing fee when you submit your initial divorce papers. The fee amount varies by county but typically ranges from two hundred to three hundred dollars. If your financial circumstances prevent you from paying this fee, please see filing fees and waivers at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/filing-fees to learn how to apply for a fee waiver.

Utilizing Guided Interview Systems

The guided interview system represents a valuable tool provided at no cost by Nevada's court system to assist self-represented litigants.

How Guided Interview Systems Operate

Guided interviews present a series of questions online regarding your specific circumstances. The interview system poses questions about:

Fundamental information about you and your spouse
Information about any minor children of the marriage
Details about the property and debts are subject to division
Your specific requests regarding custody, support, property division, and other issues

Based on your responses, the system automatically populates the appropriate Nevada divorce forms with your information. Upon completion, you download fully prepared forms ready for printing, signing, and filing with the court.

Types of Guided Interviews Available

The State of Nevada Self Help Center offers several specialized Q&A form interviews located at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/forms/divorce-forms:

Joint Petition for Divorce DIY (for spouses filing together)
Complaint for Divorce DIY (for individuals filing separately)
Divorce Answer and Counterclaim DIY (for responding to a divorce complaint)

Select the interview corresponding to your specific situation. Most interviews require approximately thirty to sixty minutes to complete thoroughly.

Accessing Assistance with Nevada Divorce Forms

If you require assistance completing your forms, several resources are available throughout Nevada.

State of Nevada Self-Help Center Resources

The State of Nevada Self Help Center website at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov provides extensive resources, including:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for completing each form
Comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions
Educational materials regarding divorce overview and custody
Links to custody overview pages explaining legal and physical custody
Instructional videos demonstrating various aspects of the divorce process

Family Law Self-Help Center (Clark County)

Clark County residents may visit the Family Law Self-Help Center in person for assistance. Staff members can:

Help you determine which specific forms are required for your case
Explain general procedures for completing forms
Review completed forms for completeness (though they cannot provide legal advice about the content)
Provide information about court procedures and requirements

The Family Law Self-Help Center is located at 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. Additional information is available at familylawselfhelpcenter.org.

Legal Aid Organizations

Several organizations throughout Nevada provide free legal assistance to individuals who meet income eligibility requirements:

Nevada Legal Services (nevadalegalservices.org)
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (lacsn.org)
Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans

Visit the "Find Legal Help" page at selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/find-legal-help for contact information and eligibility requirements.

Private Family Law Attorneys

If your case involves complex issues, substantial assets, contested custody matters, or other complications, you should consider retaining a private family law attorney. An attorney can:

Provide legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances
Complete and file all required forms on your behalf
Represent you in court proceedings
Negotiate with your spouse or their attorney to reach favorable settlements

Many family law attorneys offer initial consultations at no charge to discuss your case and explain how they can assist you.

County-Specific Considerations and Requirements

While Nevada divorce forms are standardized throughout the state, certain counties impose additional local requirements.

Clark County Specific Requirements

Clark County mandates that parents with children under eighteen years of age complete an approved parenting education program. Both parents must file their Certificate of Completion with the court before the judge will sign the Decree of Divorce. The course costs approximately forty dollars per parent, though fee waivers are available for individuals who cannot afford the cost.

Washoe County Specific Requirements

Washoe County may maintain certain local forms or impose specific procedural requirements. Consult the Washoe County courts website at washoecourts.com or contact the clerk's office for county-specific information.

Rural County Considerations

Nevada's rural counties generally follow standard statewide procedures but may maintain different office hours, filing procedures, or local practices. Contact your local district court clerk's office for information specific to your county.

Post-Filing Procedures and Requirements

After filing your Nevada divorce forms with the court, additional steps are required depending on which filing method you utilized.

Procedures Following Joint Petition Filing

After filing your Joint Petition for Divorce and all required supporting forms:

Submit your proposed Decree of Divorce to the judge assigned to your case
Allow time for the judge to review your papers and approve your agreement
Wait for the judge to sign the Decree of Divorce
Ensure the signed Decree is filed with the clerk's office
Mail a file-stamped copy of the Decree to the other spouse
File a Certificate of Mailing with the court

Procedures Following Complaint for Divorce Filing

After filing your Complaint for Divorce and required supporting forms:

Arrange for proper service of process on your spouse
File proof of service (Affidavit of Service) with the court
Wait to determine whether your spouse will respond
If your spouse does not respond, request a default
If your spouse responds, engage in discovery and negotiation
Attend scheduled hearings and conferences
Submit a proposed final Decree when all issues are resolved

Critical Reminders Regarding Nevada Divorce Forms

Several important points merit emphasis to ensure the successful completion of your divorce case:

Regarding Forms and Documentation:

Always utilize current forms obtained directly from official Nevada court sources
Complete every section of every required form thoroughly
Maintain complete copies of all filed documents for your records
Save electronic versions of fillable PDFs before beginning to complete them

Regarding the Legal Process:

You are not legally divorced until the Decree of Divorce is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk of the court
Both spouses must sign and notarize the Joint Petition for Divorce
All required documents must be properly served on your spouse in accordance with the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure
All court-imposed deadlines must be met to avoid adverse consequences

Regarding Available Assistance:

Free forms and guided interviews are available through the State of Nevada Self-Help Center
Guided interview systems substantially simplify the form completion process
Self-help centers throughout the state provide valuable assistance
Legal aid organizations offer free services to eligible individuals
Private attorneys can provide representation for complex cases

If you require assistance with Nevada divorce forms, numerous resources are available including the State of Nevada Self Help Center website (which offers detailed instructions and educational materials), county-specific family law self-help centers (which provide in-person assistance), legal aid organizations (which offer free services to eligible individuals), and private family law attorneys (who can provide comprehensive representation).

Investing adequate time to understand which forms your case requires and how to complete them correctly prevents delays and complications. With proper preparation, access to appropriate Nevada divorce forms, and utilization of available resources, you can successfully navigate the divorce process and obtain the relief you seek from the court.