Reno Divorce Lawyer

In Nevada, it does not matter who files for divorce first. Although, If you go to trial, you will go first if your case goes that far. The court treats both spouses equally, regardless of who filed the divorce petition.

However, there are some practical implications of who files first. For example, the spouse who files first will be the "Petitioner," and the other spouse will be the "Respondent." The Petitioner will be responsible for serving the Respondent with the divorce paperwork and must pay the filing fee.

The Petitioner will also be responsible for setting the initial hearing date, which is the date when the court will first hear the case. The Respondent will be able to respond to the Petitioner's allegations at this hearing.

If you are considering filing for divorce in Nevada, speaking with an attorney to discuss your legal options and ensure you understand the process is essential.

How to File for Divorce in Reno, NV

Filing for divorce in Reno, NV involves several steps to ensure a smooth and legally sound process. Here's a brief guide on how to file for divorce in Reno:

1. Meet Residency Requirements: Before filing, ensure that either you or your spouse has been a resident of Nevada for at least six weeks. Reno is located in Washoe County, so your divorce proceedings will likely take place in the Washoe County Family Court.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Obtain the required divorce forms from the Washoe County Family Court or their website. Essential documents include the Complaint for Divorce (also known as the Petition) and related forms.
3. Complete Divorce Forms: Fill out the forms accurately and thoroughly. These documents will outline details about your marriage, assets, debts, and proposed arrangements for child custody and support, if applicable.
4. File the Documents: Submit the completed forms to the Washoe County Family Court along with the required filing fee. If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver.
5. Serve Divorce Papers: After filing, serve the divorce papers to your spouse according to Nevada's legal requirements. Proper service ensures that your spouse is aware of the divorce proceedings.
6. Await Response: Your spouse has a specific timeframe to respond to the divorce petition after being served. In uncontested cases, this step might be straightforward. In contested cases, further negotiations or legal proceedings may be necessary.
7. Financial Disclosures: Both parties must provide financial disclosures, detailing their income, assets, debts, and expenses. This information helps facilitate equitable property division.
8. Negotiate or Mediate: Work with your spouse to reach agreements on division of assets, alimony, child custody, and support. Mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes and come to mutual agreements.
9. Finalize the Divorce: If you and your spouse agree on all terms, submit the final paperwork to the court. A judge will review and approve the divorce decree, officially ending your marriage.
10. Contested Divorce: If disagreements persist, a contested divorce might involve hearings and legal proceedings to resolve outstanding issues.
11. Legal Advice: While you can file for divorce on your own, seeking legal counsel, especially in complex cases, can provide guidance, ensure compliance, and protect your interests throughout the process.

Our experienced Reno divorce lawyer can help. Contact us online today.