It may be possible to get divorced in as soon as one week if you and your spouse file a joint petition of divorce.
A joint petition divorce – also called an uncontested divorce – is when you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse file for divorce together because you already agree on every aspect of your separation.1
Since there are no issues for the judge to decide, the judge will simply review your joint petition and rubberstamp it as soon as it crosses their desk.
Your uncontested divorce case can be done within a week-long waiting period. Though in practice, these “quick divorces” usually take a longer amount of time – like two or three weeks – depending on how backed up the courts are.
How do I file for a joint petition for divorce?
First, you must have been a Nevada resident for at least six weeks. Then complete and file the following five documents in your local district family court.
- Family cover sheet
- Confidential information sheet (without minor children) or Confidential information sheet (with minor children)
- Resident witness affidavit (completed by someone who knows you fulfilled the six-week residency requirement)
- Joint petition for divorce (without minor children) or Joint petition for divorce (with minor children)
- Joint decree of divorce (without minor children) or Joint decree of divorce (with minor children)
(Since the divorce is uncontested, there is no need to file a “complaint for divorce” or counterclaims.)
The filing fee varies by court. In Clark County, it is $299. In Washoe County, it is $284.
After the court clerk processes the paperwork, ask the clerk for instructions on how to deliver the decree of divorce to the judge to look over.
After the judge reviews and signs your joint petition, the judge’s staff will contact you. Then once you receive the signed decree, ask the clerk if you need to file the decree (some judges file decrees for you). Then mail a copy of the divorce papers to your ex-spouse and file a certificate of mailing with the court.2
What if my spouse and I cannot agree?
Consider trying mediation. A trained mediator may be able to help you and your soon-to-be ex come to a settlement agreement you both can live with. If mediation is successful, then you can file a joint petition for divorce.
The benefits of an uncontested divorce are obvious in the state of Nevada. This type of divorce is easy, quick, cheap, and can be done without legal representation.
However, if your ex is trying to cheat you out of property rights, custody rights, and financial support that is rightfully yours, then you should consult with a Nevada divorce attorney. In the long term, it may be worth pursuing a contested divorce.
Joint petitions expedite the divorce process.
Contact our Las Vegas divorce and family law firm for legal advice. Our divorce lawyers practice in Las Vegas, NV and throughout the state, including Reno.
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Legal References
- NRS 125.182; NRS 125.183. Vaile v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Court, 118 Nev. 262, 270, 44 P.3d 506, 512 (2002). Kaur v. Singh (2020) .
- Family Law Self-Help Center, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.
