Divorce Law in Nevada
How to Find a Nevada Divorce Attorney
Though in our optimistic youth we don’t like to think about marriage as a gamble, we all take a gamble when we get married. We gamble that marriage will make our lives better, not worse. But, just like gambling in Las Vegas, the odds are against us.
Marriage is a gamble, let’s be honest.
-Yoko Ono
You are considering divorce and researching Nevada divorce lawyers, we wrote this article to take some of the gamble out of your divorce and the selection of a Nevada divorce lawyer.
In this article (which is based upon Nevada divorce law), we’ll discuss:
- Nevada specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce;
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire an Nevada divorce lawyer;
- How to find a good divorce lawyer; and
- How to prepare to work with your divorce lawyer.
Nevada Divorce Law Specifics
- Nevada courts require that jurisdiction be established before they will rule on divorce petitions. Either you or your spouse must have lived in Nevada for at least 6 weeks prior to filing for divorce.
- In Nevada, you must state the grounds for divorce when you file. You can choose between “no-fault” and “fault” divorce.
- Divorce papers must be filed in a Nevada District Court.
- In Nevada, property distribution will be based upon community property laws. This means that marital assets will be divided 50/50 unless you and your spouse have a prenuptial agreement or agree otherwise.
- Child support will be based the Percentage of Income Formula.
- Spousal support (i.e. alimony) is available in some cases.
What You Need to Know About Divorce
If you follow these tips, the odds will be in your favor that you’ll get to your new life faster, cheaper, and with less wear and tear.
- Say, “yes”, unless you have a really good reason for saying “no”. Always be thinking “compromise” to avoid court interference.
- Hire a therapist. Use the therapist, not your divorce lawyer, and not your children, as a sounding board.
- Follow your divorce attorney’s advice and provide all requested information in a timely manner.
- Hire a cooperative divorce attorney. Don’t hire a lawyer who offers to tear your spouse to shreds (even though we realize that would be quite tempting).
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with a Nevada Divorce Lawyer?
Yes. Taking a gamble with your marital rights, children, finances, and future is not a good risk.
How to Find and Select a Nevada Divorce Attorney
To find a list of attorneys, Google “How to Find a Nevada Divorce Attorney” or you can ask people you know for referrals.
Then, make your selection by analyzing these qualities:
- Law license in that state of Nevada.
- Legal practice focused on divorce and family law.
- Experience in divorce and family law.
- Cooperative attitude (no overly aggressive shark attorneys allowed).
- The attorney and his or her team make you feel comfortable and answer your questions.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
Here is a checklist that will help you to prepare to work with your divorce attorney. Each of 5 items is worth the investment in time, money, and effort.
- Consider reconciliation.
- Consult with a therapist.
- Gather financial documents.
- Make a wish list of what you want out of the divorce.
- Make a list of questions.
Someone once asked me why women don’t gamble as much as men do and I gave the commonsensical reply that we don’t have as much money. That was a true but incomplete answer. In fact, women’s total instinct for gambling is satisfied by marriage.
– Gloria Steinem
