Nevada Divorce Checklist for Self-Represented Filers

Filing for divorce without a lawyer in Nevada is entirely legal, and the court system is set up to accommodate self-represented filers. But "the court allows it" and "the court makes it easy" are very different things. Clerks are prohibited under Supreme Court Rule 44 from helping you fix errors, explaining why your paperwork was rejected, or advising you on next steps.

This checklist covers the full filing sequence so you can track every requirement without backtracking.

Before Filing

• [ ] Confirm at least one spouse has lived in Nevada for six consecutive weeks (42 days) with intent to stay
• [ ] Identify a qualified resident witness — a Nevada adult (not your spouse) who sees you 3-4 times per week and will sign a notarized affidavit
• [ ] Determine your pathway: Joint Petition (complete agreement on all terms) or Complaint (unilateral filing)
• [ ] Gather financial records: six months of bank statements, credit card statements, retirement account values, property deeds, vehicle titles, and recent pay stubs
• [ ] Identify all community property and debts acquired during the marriage
• [ ] List separate property with documentation (premarital assets, inheritances, gifts)
• [ ] If children are involved, confirm they've lived in Nevada for six months (UCCJEA requirement for custody jurisdiction)
• [ ] Check for prior family court cases in your county — the "One Family, One Court" rule routes your case to the same department

Document Preparation

• [ ] Download official forms from the Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Center (selfhelp.nvcourts.gov) or your county's family court website
• [ ] Complete the Complaint for Divorce or Joint Petition (select "incompatibility" as grounds)
• [ ] Prepare the Family Court Cover Sheet
• [ ] If filing a Complaint: prepare the Summons
• [ ] Prepare the Affidavit of Resident Witness — have your witness sign before a notary
• [ ] If children are involved: draft a detailed parenting plan with specific weekly schedules, holiday rotations, vacation terms, and transportation arrangements
• [ ] Prepare your proposed Decree of Divorce with terms matching your Complaint or Joint Petition
• [ ] Prepare the Confidential Information Sheet
• [ ] Redact all financial account numbers to show only the last four digits

Filing Day

• [ ] Verify current filing fees with your county clerk (Clark: $328-$364; Washoe: $284)
• [ ] If you can't afford fees: file Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with your initial documents
• [ ] E-file through eFileNV (Clark County) or eFlex (Washoe County), or file in person at the courthouse
• [ ] Upload each form as a separate PDF (Clark County rejects combined documents)
• [ ] Use the correct filing code for each document (Summons = "SEI" in Clark County)
• [ ] Note your assigned case number and judicial department

After Filing (Complaint Path Only)

• [ ] Arrange service of process within 120 days — sheriff, private process server, or disinterested adult over 18
• [ ] Or have your spouse sign an Acceptance of Service
• [ ] File the Affidavit of Service or Acceptance of Service with the court
• [ ] Track the 21-day response window from date of service
• [ ] If children are involved: both parents complete a court-approved parenting class within 45 days of service (Clark: $40-$50; Washoe: $50-$95)
• [ ] File parenting class completion certificates with the court

Financial Disclosures (Contested Cases)

• [ ] Complete and serve the General Financial Disclosure Form (GFDF) within 30 days of service
• [ ] Attach three most recent pay stubs
• [ ] Exchange six months of bank, investment, and credit card statements
• [ ] Exchange retirement account and pension statements
• [ ] Exchange real property deeds and mortgage statements
• [ ] Update disclosures within 10 judicial days if new information surfaces

Final Decree Submission

• [ ] Submit proposed Decree of Divorce (terms must match original filing)
• [ ] Include Affidavit of Resident Witness
• [ ] Include Confidential Information Sheet
• [ ] For default: file Request for Default first, then Summary Disposition Packet
• [ ] After judge signs: get decree file-stamped by clerk
• [ ] Mail file-stamped copy to ex-spouse
• [ ] File Certificate of Mailing with court
• [ ] Order certified copies for post-divorce tasks (name change, bank accounts, title transfers)

The Nevada Divorce Filing Process Guide expands every item on this checklist with detailed instructions, county-specific steps, and worksheets for property division, parenting plans, and financial disclosures.

See more Nevada guides →