How to File a Do it Yourself Divorce in Nevada

Part One: Establishing Residency

1. 1
   Live in Nevada for at least 6 weeks. Before you can file for divorce in Nevada, 1 spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 6 weeks.
2. 2
   Obtain a driver's license, rent or buy a home or have utilities turned on in your name at a Nevada address. These are acceptable ways to demonstrate your Nevada residency to the court.
3. 3
   Provide a local Nevada address for your court documents. This will substantiate your residency and prevent any delays in your divorce proceeding.

Part Two: Completing Paperwork

1. 1
   Download the forms you need from the Nevada Judiciary Law Library (nevadajudiciary.us). You can also pick up a printed copy of those forms from your local courthouse.
   • Make sure you gather all the required forms for your specific county. Your courthouse will have the right paperwork, and on the Law Library website you can pick your county of residence to access the correct forms.
2. 2
   Complete the Civil (Family-Related) Cover Sheet for Nevada. Each Nevada County will provide one. Make sure you list the County name at the top of the form if it is not pre-printed for you.
   • Provide your name, contact information and date of birth as well as your spouse's. You will be considered the Plaintiff or Petitioner if you are filing for divorce and your spouse will be considered the Defendant or the Respondent.
   • Specify the nature of your complaint. You will check off the box for "divorce without children" or "divorce with children" depending on whether you have any kids who are younger than 18 years of age. If you are filing the divorce together with your spouse, check the "joint petition" box.
   • List the names of any children who are involved, as well as their dates of birth.
   • Sign and date your cover sheet.
3. 3
   Complete your Complaint for Divorce. This can be downloaded from the Nevada Supreme Court (nevadajudiciary.us), or you can obtain the printed form from your courthouse.
   • Fill in all the required information, such as contact information, the date you were married and information on any children. Sign and date the form.
4. 4
   Make at least 3 copies of your cover form and Complaint. You will file the original, have 1 served to your spouse and keep the third copy for your own files.

Part Three: Filing and Serving the Divorce Complaint

1. 1
   File your Complaint for Divorce with your local county clerk's office.
2. 2
   Pay the required fee to file your divorce. The clerk will review your paperwork to make sure everything is in order.
3. 3
   Serve the divorce filing to your spouse through regular mail, process server, the sheriff or in person.
   • Ensure your spouse signs the Acceptance of Service. This verifies he or she received the divorce filing. Your spouse will have 20 days to respond.
4. 4
   Prepare for your hearing. Once your divorce has been filed, you and your spouse will attend a hearing before a judge where matters of property, custody and child support will be decided.
   • Try mediation before the hearing if the divorce is contested. This will save time and money and may have a more favorable outcome for both parties.