Uncontested Divorce in Las Vegas: Complete Guide 2026

If you're considering divorce in Las Vegas, you've probably heard the term "uncontested divorce" and wondered what it means. An uncontested divorce can be one of the fastest, most affordable, and least stressful ways to end your marriage in Nevada. But understanding the process, costs, and requirements is crucial to making the right decision for your family.

At Gastelum Attorneys, we've helped hundreds of Las Vegas couples navigate uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about uncontested divorce in Nevada—from start to finish.

WHAT IS AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE?

An uncontested divorce, also called a "no-fight divorce" or "amicable divorce," is a divorce where both spouses agree on all major issues. These issues include:

• Property division – How assets and debts are split

• Child custody – Where children will live and parental responsibilities

• Child support – Monthly financial support for children

• Spousal support (alimony) – If one spouse will pay the other

• Parenting time (visitation) – The schedule for time with children

When both spouses reach agreement on these points, the divorce process becomes significantly simpler, faster, and more cost-effective than a contested divorce where disagreements require litigation.

UNCONTESTED VS. CONTESTED DIVORCE: KEY DIFFERENCES

Understanding the difference between uncontested and contested divorce is essential before proceeding. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all major issues, timelines are 6-12 weeks, costs range $1,500-$3,500, court involvement is minimal, and stress levels are low.

In a contested divorce, disagreement exists, timelines extend 6-18 months or longer, costs range $5,000-$20,000 or more, court involvement is extensive with possible trials, and stress levels are high.

The key difference: In an uncontested divorce, you do the hard work of negotiating upfront. In a contested divorce, you let lawyers and judges work it out later—which costs significantly more time and money.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR UNCONTESTED DIVORCE IN LAS VEGAS

Step 1: Meet Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce in Las Vegas, Nevada law requires that at least one spouse must have lived in Nevada for a minimum of six weeks before filing. Additionally, if you have minor children, at least one child must have resided in Nevada for six months (or since birth, if the child is under six months old). After meeting the six-week requirement, you can file immediately.

Step 2: Attempt to Negotiate Terms

This is the most critical step in an uncontested divorce. Both spouses need to reach written agreements on property and debt division, child custody and parenting time, child support based on Nevada guidelines, and spousal support if applicable. Many couples find that working with a family law mediator can help reach agreements faster and more fairly than trying to negotiate alone.

Step 3: Gather Required Financial Documents

Nevada requires both spouses to complete a Financial Disclosure Form (FDF), which lists income from all sources, employment details, bank and investment accounts, real estate and other assets, debts and liabilities, monthly expenses, and tax returns (typically last 2 years).

Step 4: Complete the Divorce Paperwork

Your divorce petition must include the Joint Petition for Divorce, Proposed Judgment of Divorce, Parenting Plan (if children), Child Support Worksheet, Spousal Support Agreement (if applicable), Property Settlement Agreement, and Affidavit Regarding Child Custody (if children). We strongly recommend working with a family law attorney to ensure all documents are correctly prepared.

Step 5: File with the Family Court

Once all paperwork is complete, you'll file with the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County (Las Vegas). Filing includes submitting all divorce documents to the court, paying filing fees (approximately $300-$400), having both spouses sign the Joint Petition before a notary public, and obtaining a Case Number from the court. No service of papers is required because both spouses are filing jointly.

Step 6: Waiting Period & Court Processing

Nevada has a mandatory waiting period of 72 hours minimum after filing before the divorce can be finalized. This waiting period cannot be waived. During this time, the court reviews your documents for completeness and compliance with Nevada law.

Step 7: Receive Final Divorce Decree

Once approved, the court issues a Judgment of Divorce, which is the official court order ending your marriage. This document officially terminates your marriage as of the date the judgment is entered, specifies all custody, support, and property division terms, can be used to change your name (if desired), and can be used for Social Security, insurance, and other legal updates.

TOTAL TIMELINE FOR UNCONTESTED DIVORCE IN LAS VEGAS

If you're already a Nevada resident, an uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as 6-8 weeks. Total timeline includes establishing residency (6 weeks if not already resident), negotiating terms (2-4 weeks), gathering documents (1-2 weeks), preparing paperwork (1-2 weeks), filing with court (1 day), 72-hour waiting period (3 days), and court processing (1-4 weeks).

COST BREAKDOWN

One of the biggest advantages of an uncontested divorce is the lower cost. Court fees to Clark County District Court run $300-$450 for initial filing, service fees, and certified copies. Attorney fees typically range $800-$3,000 depending on complexity, with simple uncontested divorces at $1,200-$1,800, uncontested with one child at $1,800-$2,500, and uncontested with multiple children at $2,200-$3,000.

These fees typically include initial consultation, reviewing and explaining your agreement, preparing all court documents, filing with the court, responding to any court requests, and providing you with certified copies.

Total average cost is $1,500-$3,500. For comparison, a contested divorce in Las Vegas averages $5,000-$20,000 or more, with some complex cases reaching $50,000+.

WHY CHOOSE GASTELUM ATTORNEYS?

With a team of eight dedicated family law attorneys and over 25 years of combined experience, Gastelum Attorneys has guided hundreds of Las Vegas couples through uncontested divorces. We provide bilingual legal support in English and Spanish, transparent and honest pricing with no hidden fees, efficient process to get results fast, personalized attention from your attorney, flexible payment plans, and a team of specialists ready to handle complications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can we use one attorney for an uncontested divorce? Yes, Nevada allows one attorney to represent both spouses in an uncontested divorce, provided both spouses fully understand and consent in writing and there's no conflict of interest.

How long does an uncontested divorce take? If you're already a Nevada resident and have reached agreement, an uncontested divorce typically takes 6-12 weeks from filing to final decree.

Do I need to go to court? No. In most uncontested divorces, no court hearing is required. A judge reviews your agreement and issues the divorce decree administratively.

What happens if we can't agree on everything? If you start with an uncontested divorce but can't reach full agreement, the case can be converted to a contested divorce. You'll need separate attorneys, and the case will likely go to litigation.

Can an uncontested divorce be reversed? Once the Final Judgment of Divorce is entered by the court, it generally cannot be reversed. However, you can file a motion to modify specific terms if circumstances change significantly.

What about changing my name? You can request a name change as part of your divorce judgment. This is typically granted at no additional cost if requested in your original divorce paperwork.

Do I need to disclose all assets? Yes. Both spouses must complete a Financial Disclosure Form listing all assets, debts, and income. Hiding assets is illegal and can result in the divorce being set aside.

What if I have children but no custody agreement? You must establish a parenting plan and child support arrangement as part of your uncontested divorce before filing. If you haven't decided custody terms, you need to negotiate or mediate these issues.

Can we get an uncontested divorce in Las Vegas if we live in different states? Yes, as long as at least one spouse meets Nevada's residency requirements. You can file jointly even if one spouse lives out of state.

What if my spouse won't sign the Joint Petition? If your spouse refuses to cooperate, your divorce becomes contested. One spouse files a complaint, the other is served with legal papers, and the case proceeds through litigation.

For more information about uncontested divorce in Las Vegas, contact Gastelum Attorneys at 702.979.1455 or visit gastelumattorneys.com. Let our experienced family law team guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.