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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Nevada

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Nevada: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about an uncontested divorce in Nevada and hoping to avoid a long, expensive court battle? You’re not alone. Nevada is one of the best states for a fast, paperwork-driven divorce when both spouses agree, but only if you follow the correct Nevada procedure and file a complete packet.

In Nevada, the “power move” for most cooperative couples is filing together using a Joint Petition. Many counties treat this as a summary proceeding (often called a Joint Petition for Summary Decree of Divorce) when you agree on everything. Filing jointly typically avoids service of process (no sheriff, no process server), which can save both time and money.

This guide explains how an uncontested divorce in Nevada works in plain English: who qualifies, how the joint petition process works, what the resident witness must do, the submission “hard stops” that can stall a case, typical timelines, common costs, and where a DIY kit can help you stay organized.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and this article is general legal information, not legal advice. Divorce law, court rules, and forms can change. If you need advice about your specific situation, talk to a Nevada family law attorney or legal aid organization.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Nevada

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Nevada?

In Nevada, a divorce is “uncontested” when both spouses agree the marriage should end and they have already worked out all the important details: property, debts, spousal support (if any), and (if they have children) custody, parenting time, and child support.

For most couples, the simplest uncontested path is a Joint Petition. Many counties use language like Joint Petition for Summary Decree of Divorce for agreed cases handled as a summary proceeding. The practical benefit is that you file together, and in most situations that means you do not have to pay for service of process.

What you get at the end is a Decree of Divorce (Nevada courts issue a “Decree,” not a “Judgment”). The divorce is final only after the judge signs the Decree and it is file-stamped/entered by the clerk.

By contrast, if you file a Complaint for Divorce (one spouse files alone), you usually must complete formal service and wait for response deadlines, which is often slower and more expensive.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Nevada?

Residency: Nevada’s famous 6-week requirement

To file for divorce in Nevada, at least one spouse must be a Nevada resident for at least 6 weeks before filing. Nevada commonly requires proof of this residency through a third-party resident witness form. Depending on the county, this may be titled an Affidavit of Resident Witness or a Declaration of Resident Witness.

This is a major Nevada pain point for DIY filers: a third party (not either spouse) signs a sworn statement confirming they personally know the spouse has lived in Nevada for the required time.

Grounds: “no-fault” incompatibility

Nevada is a no-fault state. The most common ground for an uncontested divorce is incompatibility, meaning the marriage relationship can’t be repaired.

When a Joint Petition is a good fit

  • At least one spouse meets the 6-week Nevada residency requirement (and you can complete the resident witness form required by your county).
  • Both spouses want the divorce and agree the marriage should end.
  • You have a complete agreement on:
    • Property and debts (including vehicles, bank accounts, credit cards, and any retirement accounts).
    • Spousal support (alimony), or a clear agreement that no support will be paid.
    • If you have children: custody, parenting time, child support, and medical insurance responsibilities.
  • Both spouses are willing to sign the joint petition documents as required by your county (some forms require notarization, some are signed under penalty of perjury).

When an uncontested divorce may not be safe or realistic

  • There is domestic violence, intimidation, stalking, or safety concerns.
  • One spouse controls the finances or information and the other cannot negotiate freely.
  • There is a serious dispute about children, relocation, or safety.
  • You have complex assets (business, multiple properties, major retirement plans) and you’re unsure what’s fair.
  • Immigration status, taxes, or benefits could be significantly affected.

In these situations, consider getting legal advice before signing anything, even if you still hope to settle outside of court.

3. Step-by-Step: Nevada Joint Petition Divorce (The “No Service” Path)

Below is a practical roadmap for the typical Nevada uncontested case filed as a Joint Petition. County procedures vary, so always follow your local district court’s instructions and packet for your county.

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility (and line up your resident witness)

  • Confirm the 6-week residency requirement is met.
  • Identify a resident witness who can truthfully complete the required affidavit/declaration form.
  • Confirm you and your spouse agree on all major terms (property, debts, support, and children if applicable).

Step 2 – Put your full agreement in writing

In Nevada joint petitions, many couples include the full agreement directly in the joint petition and related attachments. The key is that nothing important is left “to figure out later.” The judge needs a complete, workable package.

Step 3 – Prepare the Nevada-specific forms (do not skip the cover sheet)

Most Joint Petition packets include these core items (titles can vary by county):

  • Family Court Cover Sheet or Family Court Information Sheet (this is the data form used to open the case).
  • Confidential Information Sheet (filed separately to protect private identifiers).
  • Joint Petition for Divorce or Joint Petition for Summary Decree of Divorce (with or without children, depending on your situation).
  • Affidavit of Resident Witness or Declaration of Resident Witness proving the 6-week residency.
  • Decree of Divorce (your proposed final order for the judge to sign).
Hard Stop #1: The Cover Sheet
The clerk generally cannot open your case without the Family Court Cover Sheet (or county equivalent). If it’s missing, your filing may be rejected.

Step 4 – File the Joint Petition package with the court

Once your packet is complete, file it with the district court clerk in the appropriate Nevada county and pay the filing fee (unless the court approves a fee waiver).

Step 5 – Skip service (this is the Joint Petition advantage)

Because both spouses are filing together, service of process is usually avoided. You’re both petitioners asking the court to approve an agreed divorce.

If you file as a Complaint case instead, you normally must complete service using legally approved methods, which is a common source of delays and extra fees in Nevada.

Step 6 – Submit for review (the “Request for Submission” hard stop)

Many Nevada joint petition cases are decided on paperwork, without a hearing. But there is a critical administrative reality: filing the joint petition alone does not always put your case on a judge’s desk.

Depending on the county, you may need a separate Request for Submission (sometimes packaged as “Request for Submission and Index of Exhibits”) or another required submission step that tells the clerk the file is ready to be routed for judicial review.

Hard Stop #2: The Submission Step
If your county requires a Request for Submission (or similar submission cover form) and you skip it, your case can sit pending with no decree issued. Always follow your county’s joint petition instructions for how to get the file submitted for signature.

Step 7 – Submit your Decree of Divorce (county-specific handling)

In many counties, you must submit a proposed Decree of Divorce for the judge to sign. Some courts require the decree to be delivered to the assigned department for review after the filing is accepted. Follow your county’s instructions closely, because submitting the decree the wrong way can delay review.

Step 8 – Receive your file-stamped Decree of Divorce

Your divorce is final when the Decree of Divorce is signed by the judge and file-stamped/entered by the clerk. Get at least one certified copy for your records if you will need it for name changes, benefits, or remarriage documentation.

4. Special Issues When You Have Children

When a Nevada divorce involves minor children, the judge still has an independent duty to protect the children’s best interests, even if both parents agree.

  • Custody & parenting time: Clearly spell out where the children live, schedules, holidays, school breaks, and how exchanges work.
  • Child support: The court expects support terms that follow Nevada’s guidelines or clearly explain any deviation.
  • Medical insurance & unreimbursed costs: Address who carries insurance and how out-of-pocket expenses are split.
  • Jurisdiction: If the children recently moved, “home state” rules can complicate the case. Consider legal advice if jurisdiction is unclear.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Nevada?

Nevada does not have a long built-in “cooling off” waiting period for joint petitions beyond the 6-week residency requirement. The timeline is mostly about paperwork quality, county workflow, and whether you correctly complete the submission step that routes the case for review.

  • Faster cases: A complete packet is filed correctly, the resident witness form is valid, and the submission step is completed promptly.
  • Common delays: Missing the cover sheet, missing the resident witness form, inconsistent information across forms, or skipping the submission step required to get a decree signed.
  • If you file as a Complaint case: Service and response timelines can slow everything down.

The best way to keep a Nevada uncontested divorce moving is to file a complete, consistent packet the first time and follow your county’s instructions for getting the proposed decree submitted for signature.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Nevada?

The total cost of a Nevada uncontested divorce typically includes:

  • Court filing fee: Varies by county. For example, Clark County commonly lists $299 for a joint petition filing, and Washoe County commonly lists $284.
  • E-filing upload fee (if filing online): Some counties allow online filing through Nevada’s e-filing system (eFileNV), which may add an upload fee (for example, Clark County self-help materials note a $3.50 upload fee when filing online).
  • Notary/copying costs: Common for certain forms, depending on whether your county uses affidavits or declarations.
  • Certified copies: If you need certified copies of the final decree.

Money-saving tip: A joint petition is often the least expensive route because it usually avoids service of process costs.

Always confirm current fees with your county clerk before you file because court fees can change.

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY forms can save money, but they are not safe or appropriate for every situation. Consider getting legal advice if:

  • There is domestic violence, threats, stalking, or safety concerns.
  • One spouse is pressuring the other to sign quickly or unfairly.
  • You have complex assets (business, multiple properties, major retirement accounts) and you are unsure what is fair.
  • Immigration, disability benefits, or major tax consequences could be affected.
  • You are worried your agreement is very one-sided or you do not understand what you are giving up.

8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Nevada’s official self-help resources provide forms and guided interviews, but many people still get stuck on: (1) the resident witness requirement, (2) the cover sheet and confidential information forms, and (3) the submission step that routes the file for judicial review.

A Nevada self-help kit is designed to sit on top of the official forms and help you:

  • Choose the correct path: Joint Petition vs. Complaint.
  • Handle the resident witness requirement correctly (without last-minute panic).
  • Stay organized with checklists so your packet is complete the first time.
  • Track the submission step (such as a Request for Submission or your county’s decree-submission process) so your paperwork actually reaches the judge for review.

Download Our Nevada Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you and your spouse agree on everything, Nevada offers one of the most streamlined uncontested paths in the U.S., but only if you use Nevada’s local process and do not miss the administrative “hard stops.”

  • Confirm the 6-week residency rule and line up a valid resident witness.
  • File the required Family Court Cover Sheet (or county equivalent) and the Confidential Information Sheet.
  • Use the correct joint petition title for your county (often Joint Petition for Summary Decree of Divorce in summary proceedings).
  • Do not skip the submission step (often a Request for Submission or a required decree-submission procedure) that routes the file for review.
  • Wait for the file-stamped Decree of Divorce before treating the divorce as final.

Reminder: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice. This guide is general legal information. Always verify current forms, filing methods, and fees with your local district court clerk before you file.

10. Nevada Uncontested Divorce FAQ

What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Nevada?

It is a divorce where both spouses agree the marriage should end and they agree on all major terms (property, debts, support, and children issues if applicable), so the court can approve a complete packet without a long contested process.

Do we have to go to court for a joint petition in Nevada?

Many joint petition cases are handled by paperwork review, but county procedures vary. The safest approach is to follow your county’s joint petition instructions and make sure you complete the submission step that routes the proposed decree for signature.

How long does a joint petition divorce take after we file?

There is no long statewide waiting period beyond meeting the 6-week residency requirement. How fast it moves depends on whether your packet is complete and whether you completed the cover sheet and submission step correctly.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Nevada?

Filing fees vary by county. Some counties also allow online filing and may charge an additional upload or transaction fee. Notary, copies, and certified copies can add smaller extra costs.

Can we file jointly if we have children?

Often yes, but you must include complete child-related terms (custody, parenting time, child support, and medical coverage). Judges review child provisions carefully to ensure they protect the children’s best interests.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.