Nevada Divorce Laws: Residency, Waiting Period, Custody and Support
Nevada divorce rules: residency requirement, grounds, waiting period, filing fee, property division, alimony, custody, child support and uncontested divorce.
Quick answers for Nevada
- Residency requirement
- Either spouse must have been a Nevada resident for at least 6 weeks before the case is filed. NRS 125.020
- Dividing property
- Nevada is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is generally community property, and the court must, to the extent practicable, divide community property equally (it may make an unequal division if it finds a compelling reason and explains it in writing). NRS 125.150(1)(b); NRS 123.130; NRS 123.220
- Filing fee
- Filing fees are set by each county's district court clerk and depend on the type of case and document. In Clark County, the Family Law Self-Help Center refers filers to the Clerk's Filing Fee Chart. Family Law Self-Help Center (Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County), Filing Fees and Waivers
- When child support ends
- Nevada's child support security statutes define a "minor child" as a person under 18, or under 19 if enrolled in high school, or under a legal disability, and not declared emancipated. NRS 125B.200(2); NRS 125B.110; NRS 125B.100
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Filing for divorce
| Residency requirement | Either spouse must have been a Nevada resident for at least 6 weeks before the case is filed. Source: NRS 125.020 |
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| Grounds for divorce | Nevada allows divorce for incompatibility (no-fault), for living separate and apart for 1 year without cohabitation, or for insanity that has existed for 2 years before the case is filed. Source: NRS 125.010 |
| Filing fee | Filing fees are set by each county's district court clerk and depend on the type of case and document. In Clark County, the Family Law Self-Help Center refers filers to the Clerk's Filing Fee Chart. A fee waiver may be granted if you receive public assistance, your basic monthly expenses exceed your income, your household income is under 150% of the federal poverty level, or for another compelling reason; for a joint petition, each spouse must file a separate application. |
| Uncontested or simplified divorce | A summary divorce by joint petition is available when either spouse meets the residency rule, the spouses have lived apart for 1 year or are incompatible, there are no minor children of the relationship and the wife, to her knowledge, is not pregnant (or the spouses have signed an agreement on custody and child support), there is no community or joint property or they have signed a property agreement, they waive spousal support or have an agreement, and they waive notice of entry of the decree and rights to appeal or a new trial. Either spouse may revoke the joint petition before final judgment. The Clark County self-help center notes the divorce is final on the date the decree is filed with the clerk. |
| Divorce forms | The Nevada Supreme Court's Self-Help Center offers free statewide divorce forms: a Joint Petition for Divorce (with or without children) with a Joint Petition Divorce Decree, Family Cover Sheet, Confidential Information Sheet and Affidavit of Resident Witness for spouses filing together; a Divorce Complaint (with or without children), Summons and Family Cover Sheet for one spouse filing alone; an Answer or Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce; a Reply to Counterclaim; a Decree of Divorce; and service, default, Financial Disclosure Form and Child Support Worksheet forms. Free Q&A "DIY" interviews can prepare a Joint Petition for Divorce, Complaint for Divorce, Answer, Answer and Counterclaim, alternate-service or publication request, and Financial Disclosure Form. Clark County and Washoe County have their own self-help websites with specialized forms. |
Property and alimony
| Dividing property | Nevada is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is generally community property, and the court must, to the extent practicable, divide community property equally (it may make an unequal division if it finds a compelling reason and explains it in writing). Separate property includes property owned before marriage, property received by gift, bequest, devise or descent, personal injury awards, and the rents and profits from these. The compelling-reason exception is in NRS 125.150 at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-125.html |
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| Alimony (spousal support) | The court may award alimony to either spouse as a lump sum or periodic payments, as appears just and equitable. Factors include each spouse's financial condition and property, contributions to property, length of the marriage, each spouse's income, earning capacity, age and health, the marital standard of living, the recipient's career before marriage, education or skills gained during the marriage, homemaker contributions, the property award, and physical and mental condition. The statute does not set a duration formula. Source: NRS 125.150 |
Children: custody and support
| Child custody | The court's sole consideration is the child's best interest. There is a presumption that joint legal custody, and a preference that joint physical custody, is in the child's best interest if the parents agree or a parent has shown (or tried to show) intent to build a meaningful relationship with the child. The child's wishes are considered if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference; no specific age is set. A finding of domestic violence by clear and convincing evidence creates a rebuttable presumption against custody by the perpetrator. |
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| Emergency and temporary custody | While a custody case is pending, a parent can file a motion for temporary orders, including temporary custody. If there is an emergency, the parent can also file an Ex Parte Application for an Order Shortening Time asking the judge to hear the motion sooner, and must serve the other party with all filed papers and the notice of hearing within 3 days. Protection orders are a separate process. This self-help center serves the Eighth Judicial District Court (Clark County); procedures in other judicial districts may differ. |
| Parenting class or mediation | In Clark County, the court may require separating parents to attend a seminar for separating parents (the COPE class), and may order mediation through the Family Mediation Center when custody is disputed; only the assigned judge can waive mediation. |
| Grandparents' rights | Grandparents and great-grandparents (and other children of either parent) may seek reasonable visitation if a parent has died, the parents divorced or separated, an unmarried parent cohabited and is deceased or separated, or parental rights were relinquished or terminated. They may file only if a parent has denied or unreasonably restricted visits, and must then overcome a presumption that visitation is not in the child's best interests by clear and convincing evidence. Source: NRS 125C.050 |
Child support
| Child support | Nevada uses a percentage-of-gross-income model applied to the paying parent's monthly gross income in tiers. For one child: 16% of the first $6,000, 8% of the next $4,000, and 4% above $10,000. For two children: 22%, 11% and 6%; three children: 26%, 13% and 6%; four children: 28%, 14% and 7%; each additional child adds 2%, 1% and 0.5%. A separate low-income schedule based on federal poverty guidelines applies when income limits ability to pay. Source: NAC 425.140, 425.145 |
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| How to apply for child support | To apply for child support services from the Nevada Division of Social Services Child Support Enforcement program, download, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services and mail, fax or bring it to your local child support office. The Child Support Customer Service Portal also lets customers apply for services online. Questions can be emailed to cse@dwss.nv.gov. The page read does not state an application fee. |
| When child support ends | Nevada's child support security statutes define a "minor child" as a person under 18, or under 19 if enrolled in high school, or under a legal disability, and not declared emancipated. A parent must also support an adult child with a handicap that began before the age of majority until the child is no longer handicapped or becomes self-supporting. A parent who is behind on support when a child is emancipated must keep paying as ordered until the arrears are paid. |
| Changing a child support order | When a parent, legal guardian, the Division of Social Services or the district attorney files a request, the court must review a child support order at least every 3 years to decide whether it should be modified under the state guidelines. An order can also be reviewed at any time based on changed circumstances; a change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of a person subject to the order is considered a changed circumstance requiring review. Parents must be told at least every 3 years (or in the order) that they may request a review. Source: NRS 125B.145 |
| If child support isn't paid | If a parent is behind on support (or ignores a child support or paternity subpoena or warrant), the district attorney or other child support agency sends a notice; if the parent does not pay under an approved plan, comply, or request a hearing within 30 days, the parent's name is reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Wildlife for license suspension, and professional, occupational and recreational licenses can also be suspended. The state also matches accounts at financial institutions and can place liens and levies on a parent's assets. The program notes that, effective October 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of State began revoking passports of parents who owe $15,000 or more in past-due support. Passport notice: https://dwss.nv.gov/programs/child-support/ |
| State child support agency | Nevada's child support program is Child Support Enforcement, part of the Division of Social Services (DWSS). It establishes paternity, collects and distributes payments (including on a Way2Go prepaid debit card), handles income withholding and new hire reporting with employers, and changes the payee when needed. To apply, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services (English or Spanish) and mail, fax or deliver it to your local child support office. Payments can be made online through iPayOnline, and customers can view payments and notices, apply for services and update information in the Customer Service Portal. Phone: toll free (800) 992-0900; Northern Nevada (775) 684-7200; Southern Nevada (702) 486-1646. |
| Official child support calculator | The Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator is a free web tool, linked from the Nevada Division of Social Services' Child Support Guidelines page, that calculates the guideline obligation from the calculation year and the respondent's gross monthly income. The calculator says its results are for informational purposes only, are not legal advice, and that the court can make adjustments to any estimated obligation. State guidelines page: https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/child-support/child-support-guidelines/ |
Separation, annulment, records and marriage
| Legal separation | Nevada does not use the term legal separation in this chapter, but a spouse who has grounds for divorce, or who has been deserted for 90 days, may file for separate maintenance (permanent support) without seeking a divorce. Source: NRS 125.190 |
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| Annulment | Marriages between close relatives, or where a spouse had a living former spouse, are void. A marriage may be annulled for lack of required parent, guardian or court consent for a minor (filed within 1 year after turning 18, unless the couple freely cohabited after 18), want of understanding, fraud (unless the couple voluntarily cohabited after learning of it), or any ground for voiding a contract in equity. Source: NRS 125.290 to 125.350 |
| Common-law marriage | Not recognized for marriages after March 29, 1943. Consent alone does not create a marriage; it must be followed by solemnization, and a license is required. Marriage contracts in effect before that date are not invalidated. Source: NRS 122.010, 122.040 |
| Changing your name after divorce | In a divorce, the court may, for just and reasonable cause, change a party's name to any former name that party has legally borne. Source: NRS 125.130 |
Marriage and name changes
| Getting a marriage license | A license from the county clerk of any Nevada county is required (issued at the county seat or an authorized branch office). Each applicant must show proof of name and age, such as a driver's license or state ID, passport, military ID, immigration document, or a birth certificate with a secondary photo document; an applicant who clearly appears over 25 does not need proof of age. Applicants answer the license questions under oath and give a Social Security number or state that they have none. The license form states that it expires 1 year after issuance. By statute, the clerk collects a $21 license fee plus $10 for recording the certificate, $4 for the State and $50 for a domestic and sexual violence victims account, and counties may add other authorized fees. Source: NRS 122.040, 122.050, 122.060 |
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| Minimum marriage age | Two people who are at least 18 may marry. A 17-year-old may marry only with the consent of either parent or a legal guardian plus authorization from a district court, which may be granted only in extraordinary circumstances after an evidentiary hearing with sworn testimony from both parties, on clear and convincing evidence that both parties are Nevada residents and the marriage is in the minor's best interest. Pregnancy alone does not establish best interest. No one under 17 may marry. Source: NRS 122.020, 122.025 |
| Legal name change | An adult files a verified petition with the clerk of the district court where he or she lives, stating the current and desired names, the reason, and any felony conviction, with a signed statement under penalty of perjury that the change is not for a fraudulent purpose (fingerprints are required if there is a criminal record). Notice must be published at least once in a county newspaper, except when publication would put the applicant's safety at risk (records are then sealed) or the change is to conform to gender identity. If no written objection is filed within 10 days after publication (or filing, if no publication), the court orders the change on good reason; otherwise it holds a hearing. Source: NRS 41.270, 41.280, 41.290 |
Adoption, guardianship and paternity
| Adoption requirements | One or more adults may petition the district court of any county to adopt a child; the adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the child (unless the adopter is a relative within the third degree and the court approves), and a child over 14 must agree. A married person not lawfully separated needs the spouse's agreement. A specific consent to adoption or relinquishment is required from each living parent and any court-appointed guardian, unless rights were terminated or another exception applies; it must be signed no sooner than 72 hours after birth, acknowledged before a judge, clerk, notary or justice of the peace, and witnessed by two disinterested witnesses (one a social worker or caseworker). Unless the court waives it, a child-placing agency conducts a post-placement investigation and recommends for or against the adoption. Nevada's adoption law was recodified in 2025 from NRS chapter 127 into NRS chapter 127C. |
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| Stepparent adoption | Nevada's adoption statutes do not set out a separate stepparent procedure in the sections reviewed. A parent who wants to keep parental rights joins the petition as a joint petitioner and agrees to the adoption, and the other living parent must give a specific consent unless his or her rights were terminated or another exception applies. The court may waive the post-placement investigation and report. Whether a home study is required or routinely waived for stepparents was not confirmed. |
| Guardianship of a child | A proposed protected minor, a government agency, a nonprofit, or any interested person may petition the court to appoint a guardian of a minor. Parents are presumed suitable to care for their child unless a parent cannot meet the child's basic needs, poses a significant safety risk, or has not had care and custody of the child for the 6 months before the petition. The petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that a guardian is necessary and in the child's best interest, considering the child's wishes, any safety risk from the parent, the parent-child relationship, time out of the parent's care, the parent's ability to meet the child's needs, and any guardian ad litem recommendation. Source: NRS 159A.044, 159A.055, 159A.061 |
| Guardianship of an adult | A petition must include a needs assessment of the proposed protected person, and the statutes provide for appointing an attorney for that person. The petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that a guardianship is necessary. If the person is not incapacitated and does not need a guardian, the court dismisses the petition; if the person has limited capacity, the court may appoint a special guardian with specified powers; otherwise it may appoint a general guardian of the person, estate, or both. Temporary guardians are available for substantial and immediate risk of physical harm or financial loss. |
| Establishing paternity | Parents can sign a declaration for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or parentage on the State Board of Health form. Once the rescission period ends, it has the same effect as a court judgment of parentage, without court ratification. A signer may rescind within 60 days after both have signed, or before an administrative or court proceeding about the child in which that person is a party begins, whichever is earlier. After that it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, and support obligations generally continue during a challenge. Nevada's parentage chapter also provides for court actions and blood or genetic testing. Source: NRS 126.053, 126.121 |
| Emancipation of a minor | A minor at least 16 who is married or living apart from his or her parents or guardian, and who lives in the county, may petition the juvenile court for emancipation. The court advises the minor of the consequences and considers whether the parents consent, whether the minor can substantially support himself or herself, is mature enough to manage his or her affairs, and whether emancipation is in the minor's best interest. A decree treats the minor as an adult for contracts and debts, lawsuits, property, consenting to medical care, school enrollment and choosing a residence, and generally ends the parents' support duty, but age-based laws (such as alcohol, gaming, and marriage under 18) still apply. A decree can be voided if the minor becomes indigent or it was obtained by fraud. Source: NRS 129.080, 129.120, 129.130 |
Where to get help in Nevada
Divorce & Family Law FAQ
How long do you have to live in Nevada to file for divorce?
Either spouse must have been a Nevada resident for at least 6 weeks before the case is filed.
Is Nevada a no-fault divorce state?
Nevada allows divorce for incompatibility (no-fault), for living separate and apart for 1 year without cohabitation, or for insanity that has existed for 2 years before the case is filed.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Nevada?
Filing fees are set by each county's district court clerk and depend on the type of case and document. In Clark County, the Family Law Self-Help Center refers filers to the Clerk's Filing Fee Chart. A fee waiver may be granted if you receive public assistance, your basic monthly expenses exceed your income, your household income is under 150% of the federal poverty level, or for another compelling reason; for a joint petition, each spouse must file a separate application.
How do you get an uncontested divorce in Nevada?
A summary divorce by joint petition is available when either spouse meets the residency rule, the spouses have lived apart for 1 year or are incompatible, there are no minor children of the relationship and the wife, to her knowledge, is not pregnant (or the spouses have signed an agreement on custody and child support), there is no community or joint property or they have signed a property agreement, they waive spousal support or have an agreement, and they waive notice of entry of the decree and rights to appeal or a new trial. Either spouse may revoke the joint petition before final judgment. The Clark County self-help center notes the divorce is final on the date the decree is filed with the clerk.
Is Nevada a community property state?
Nevada is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is generally community property, and the court must, to the extent practicable, divide community property equally (it may make an unequal division if it finds a compelling reason and explains it in writing). Separate property includes property owned before marriage, property received by gift, bequest, devise or descent, personal injury awards, and the rents and profits from these.
How is alimony decided in Nevada?
The court may award alimony to either spouse as a lump sum or periodic payments, as appears just and equitable. Factors include each spouse's financial condition and property, contributions to property, length of the marriage, each spouse's income, earning capacity, age and health, the marital standard of living, the recipient's career before marriage, education or skills gained during the marriage, homemaker contributions, the property award, and physical and mental condition. The statute does not set a duration formula.
How is child custody decided in Nevada?
The court's sole consideration is the child's best interest. There is a presumption that joint legal custody, and a preference that joint physical custody, is in the child's best interest if the parents agree or a parent has shown (or tried to show) intent to build a meaningful relationship with the child. The child's wishes are considered if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference; no specific age is set. A finding of domestic violence by clear and convincing evidence creates a rebuttable presumption against custody by the perpetrator.
How is child support calculated in Nevada?
Nevada uses a percentage-of-gross-income model applied to the paying parent's monthly gross income in tiers. For one child: 16% of the first $6,000, 8% of the next $4,000, and 4% above $10,000. For two children: 22%, 11% and 6%; three children: 26%, 13% and 6%; four children: 28%, 14% and 7%; each additional child adds 2%, 1% and 0.5%. A separate low-income schedule based on federal poverty guidelines applies when income limits ability to pay.
Do you have to take a parenting class to divorce in Nevada?
In Clark County, the court may require separating parents to attend a seminar for separating parents (the COPE class), and may order mediation through the Family Mediation Center when custody is disputed; only the assigned judge can waive mediation.
Can you get a legal separation in Nevada?
Nevada does not use the term legal separation in this chapter, but a spouse who has grounds for divorce, or who has been deserted for 90 days, may file for separate maintenance (permanent support) without seeking a divorce.
What are the grounds for annulment in Nevada?
Marriages between close relatives, or where a spouse had a living former spouse, are void. A marriage may be annulled for lack of required parent, guardian or court consent for a minor (filed within 1 year after turning 18, unless the couple freely cohabited after 18), want of understanding, fraud (unless the couple voluntarily cohabited after learning of it), or any ground for voiding a contract in equity.
Does Nevada recognize common-law marriage?
Not recognized for marriages after March 29, 1943. Consent alone does not create a marriage; it must be followed by solemnization, and a license is required. Marriage contracts in effect before that date are not invalidated.
Do grandparents have visitation rights in Nevada?
Grandparents and great-grandparents (and other children of either parent) may seek reasonable visitation if a parent has died, the parents divorced or separated, an unmarried parent cohabited and is deceased or separated, or parental rights were relinquished or terminated. They may file only if a parent has denied or unreasonably restricted visits, and must then overcome a presumption that visitation is not in the child's best interests by clear and convincing evidence.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Nevada?
In a divorce, the court may, for just and reasonable cause, change a party's name to any former name that party has legally borne.
At what age does child support end in Nevada?
Nevada's child support security statutes define a "minor child" as a person under 18, or under 19 if enrolled in high school, or under a legal disability, and not declared emancipated. A parent must also support an adult child with a handicap that began before the age of majority until the child is no longer handicapped or becomes self-supporting. A parent who is behind on support when a child is emancipated must keep paying as ordered until the arrears are paid.
How do I file for child support in Nevada?
To apply for child support services from the Nevada Division of Social Services Child Support Enforcement program, download, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services and mail, fax or bring it to your local child support office. The Child Support Customer Service Portal also lets customers apply for services online. Questions can be emailed to cse@dwss.nv.gov.
What happens if you don't pay child support in Nevada?
If a parent is behind on support (or ignores a child support or paternity subpoena or warrant), the district attorney or other child support agency sends a notice; if the parent does not pay under an approved plan, comply, or request a hearing within 30 days, the parent's name is reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Wildlife for license suspension, and professional, occupational and recreational licenses can also be suspended. The state also matches accounts at financial institutions and can place liens and levies on a parent's assets. The program notes that, effective October 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of State began revoking passports of parents who owe $15,000 or more in past-due support.
How do you modify child support in Nevada?
When a parent, legal guardian, the Division of Social Services or the district attorney files a request, the court must review a child support order at least every 3 years to decide whether it should be modified under the state guidelines. An order can also be reviewed at any time based on changed circumstances; a change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of a person subject to the order is considered a changed circumstance requiring review. Parents must be told at least every 3 years (or in the order) that they may request a review.
How do you get emergency custody in Nevada?
While a custody case is pending, a parent can file a motion for temporary orders, including temporary custody. If there is an emergency, the parent can also file an Ex Parte Application for an Order Shortening Time asking the judge to hear the motion sooner, and must serve the other party with all filed papers and the notice of hearing within 3 days. Protection orders are a separate process.
How do you get a marriage license in Nevada?
A license from the county clerk of any Nevada county is required (issued at the county seat or an authorized branch office). Each applicant must show proof of name and age, such as a driver's license or state ID, passport, military ID, immigration document, or a birth certificate with a secondary photo document; an applicant who clearly appears over 25 does not need proof of age. Applicants answer the license questions under oath and give a Social Security number or state that they have none. The license form states that it expires 1 year after issuance. By statute, the clerk collects a $21 license fee plus $10 for recording the certificate, $4 for the State and $50 for a domestic and sexual violence victims account, and counties may add other authorized fees.
What is the legal age to get married in Nevada?
Two people who are at least 18 may marry. A 17-year-old may marry only with the consent of either parent or a legal guardian plus authorization from a district court, which may be granted only in extraordinary circumstances after an evidentiary hearing with sworn testimony from both parties, on clear and convincing evidence that both parties are Nevada residents and the marriage is in the minor's best interest. Pregnancy alone does not establish best interest. No one under 17 may marry.
What are the requirements to adopt a child in Nevada?
One or more adults may petition the district court of any county to adopt a child; the adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the child (unless the adopter is a relative within the third degree and the court approves), and a child over 14 must agree. A married person not lawfully separated needs the spouse's agreement. A specific consent to adoption or relinquishment is required from each living parent and any court-appointed guardian, unless rights were terminated or another exception applies; it must be signed no sooner than 72 hours after birth, acknowledged before a judge, clerk, notary or justice of the peace, and witnessed by two disinterested witnesses (one a social worker or caseworker). Unless the court waives it, a child-placing agency conducts a post-placement investigation and recommends for or against the adoption.
How does stepparent adoption work in Nevada?
Nevada's adoption statutes do not set out a separate stepparent procedure in the sections reviewed. A parent who wants to keep parental rights joins the petition as a joint petitioner and agrees to the adoption, and the other living parent must give a specific consent unless his or her rights were terminated or another exception applies. The court may waive the post-placement investigation and report.
How do you get guardianship of a child in Nevada?
A proposed protected minor, a government agency, a nonprofit, or any interested person may petition the court to appoint a guardian of a minor. Parents are presumed suitable to care for their child unless a parent cannot meet the child's basic needs, poses a significant safety risk, or has not had care and custody of the child for the 6 months before the petition. The petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that a guardian is necessary and in the child's best interest, considering the child's wishes, any safety risk from the parent, the parent-child relationship, time out of the parent's care, the parent's ability to meet the child's needs, and any guardian ad litem recommendation.
How do you get guardianship of an adult in Nevada?
A petition must include a needs assessment of the proposed protected person, and the statutes provide for appointing an attorney for that person. The petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that a guardianship is necessary. If the person is not incapacitated and does not need a guardian, the court dismisses the petition; if the person has limited capacity, the court may appoint a special guardian with specified powers; otherwise it may appoint a general guardian of the person, estate, or both. Temporary guardians are available for substantial and immediate risk of physical harm or financial loss.
How do you establish paternity in Nevada?
Parents can sign a declaration for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or parentage on the State Board of Health form. Once the rescission period ends, it has the same effect as a court judgment of parentage, without court ratification. A signer may rescind within 60 days after both have signed, or before an administrative or court proceeding about the child in which that person is a party begins, whichever is earlier. After that it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, and support obligations generally continue during a challenge. Nevada's parentage chapter also provides for court actions and blood or genetic testing.
How do you legally change your name in Nevada?
An adult files a verified petition with the clerk of the district court where he or she lives, stating the current and desired names, the reason, and any felony conviction, with a signed statement under penalty of perjury that the change is not for a fraudulent purpose (fingerprints are required if there is a criminal record). Notice must be published at least once in a county newspaper, except when publication would put the applicant's safety at risk (records are then sealed) or the change is to conform to gender identity. If no written objection is filed within 10 days after publication (or filing, if no publication), the court orders the change on good reason; otherwise it holds a hearing.
How does a minor get emancipated in Nevada?
A minor at least 16 who is married or living apart from his or her parents or guardian, and who lives in the county, may petition the juvenile court for emancipation. The court advises the minor of the consequences and considers whether the parents consent, whether the minor can substantially support himself or herself, is mature enough to manage his or her affairs, and whether emancipation is in the minor's best interest. A decree treats the minor as an adult for contracts and debts, lawsuits, property, consenting to medical care, school enrollment and choosing a residence, and generally ends the parents' support duty, but age-based laws (such as alcohol, gaming, and marriage under 18) still apply. A decree can be voided if the minor becomes indigent or it was obtained by fraud.
Where can I get divorce papers and forms in Nevada?
The Nevada Supreme Court's Self-Help Center offers free statewide divorce forms: a Joint Petition for Divorce (with or without children) with a Joint Petition Divorce Decree, Family Cover Sheet, Confidential Information Sheet and Affidavit of Resident Witness for spouses filing together; a Divorce Complaint (with or without children), Summons and Family Cover Sheet for one spouse filing alone; an Answer or Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce; a Reply to Counterclaim; a Decree of Divorce; and service, default, Financial Disclosure Form and Child Support Worksheet forms. Free Q&A "DIY" interviews can prepare a Joint Petition for Divorce, Complaint for Divorce, Answer, Answer and Counterclaim, alternate-service or publication request, and Financial Disclosure Form. Clark County and Washoe County have their own self-help websites with specialized forms.
Who handles child support in Nevada, and how do I contact them?
Nevada's child support program is Child Support Enforcement, part of the Division of Social Services (DWSS). It establishes paternity, collects and distributes payments (including on a Way2Go prepaid debit card), handles income withholding and new hire reporting with employers, and changes the payee when needed. To apply, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services (English or Spanish) and mail, fax or deliver it to your local child support office. Payments can be made online through iPayOnline, and customers can view payments and notices, apply for services and update information in the Customer Service Portal. Phone: toll free (800) 992-0900; Northern Nevada (775) 684-7200; Southern Nevada (702) 486-1646.
Is there an official child support calculator in Nevada?
The Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator is a free web tool, linked from the Nevada Division of Social Services' Child Support Guidelines page, that calculates the guideline obligation from the calculation year and the respondent's gross monthly income. The calculator says its results are for informational purposes only, are not legal advice, and that the court can make adjustments to any estimated obligation.
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