Clark County Divorce Records
What Are Clark County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Clark County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes § 125.130, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition, financial disclosures, custody arrangements (if applicable), and the final decree of divorce.
The Clark County District Court Family Division maintains the official court files for divorce cases filed within the county. These records serve several important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical documentation for genealogical research
Under Nevada law, divorce records are created when a divorce is granted by a District Court judge after meeting the state's residency requirements and legal grounds for divorce as specified in NRS § 125.020.
Are Clark County Divorce Records Public?
Clark County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Nevada Public Records Act, but with significant exceptions.
Basic divorce case information is typically available to the public, including:
- Names of parties involved
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- General case status
- Hearing dates
- Final judgment information
However, certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public access:
- Financial statements and tax returns
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Records containing information about minor children
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
- Sealed records by court order
Certified divorce certificates and copies of divorce decrees have restricted access and are typically only available to:
- Parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Certain government agencies for official purposes
The Family Court may seal divorce records entirely in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or when publicity would cause undue harm to the parties involved, as permitted under NRS § 125.110.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clark County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Clark County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific documents needed.
For parties to the divorce or their authorized representatives:
- Visit the Clark County District Court Family Division in person:
Clark County District Court Family Division
601 North Pecos Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 455-2385
Clark County Family Court
-
Provide the clerk with:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Complete the required request form and pay applicable fees:
- Certified copies: $15.00 for first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Regular copies: $0.50 per page
- Search fee: $3.00 per name searched
For divorce records from 1969 to present, individuals may also contact:
Clark County Recorder's Office
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 455-4336
Clark County Recorder
The Recorder's Office can provide copies of recorded divorce decrees, though they cannot provide complete court files. Requesters must provide both parties' names and the approximate year of divorce.
For historical divorce records (prior to 1969), contact:
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
100 N. Stewart Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-3310
Nevada State Archives
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Clark County Online?
Clark County provides several online resources for accessing divorce record information, though complete divorce files are not available electronically. The following online services are currently available:
- Clark County Courts Case Search System:
- Visit the Clark County Courts Records Inquiry portal
- Select "Family Court" from the available options
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney
- Enter the required security verification code
- Review basic case information including filing date, parties, and case status
This system provides limited information such as:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Scheduled hearings
- Document titles (but not document content)
- Case status
-
Nevada Supreme Court Records Search:
- Access the Nevada Appellate Courts Case Search
- This system only contains divorce cases that were appealed to higher courts
- Search by party name or case number
-
Clark County Recorder's Office Online Records:
- Visit the Clark County Recorder's Official Records Search
- Search for recorded divorce decrees by name
- Documents available from 1969 to present
- Fees apply for viewing and downloading documents
It is important to note that online access is limited to basic case information and does not include access to complete divorce files or confidential documents. For comprehensive divorce records, in-person requests remain necessary.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Clark County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Clark County have limited options, as most official record requests involve fees. However, the following methods provide free access to basic divorce record information:
- Public Access Terminals at the Family Court:
- Visit the Clark County Family Court building during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals in the clerk's office
- Search case information by party name or case number
- View basic case information and docket entries at no charge
- Note: Printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees
Clark County District Court Family Division
601 North Pecos Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 455-2385
Clark County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
-
Free Online Case Information:
- Basic case information is available through the Clark County Courts Records Inquiry system
- This service provides free access to case numbers, filing dates, party names, and case status
- Document content is not available through this system
-
Law Library Resources:
- The Clark County Law Library provides free public access to legal research tools
- Some divorce records may be accessible through legal research databases
Clark County Law Library
309 South Third Street, Suite 400
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 455-4696
Clark County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
While basic information may be accessed without charge, fees will apply for obtaining copies of actual divorce documents, certified copies, or comprehensive case files.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Clark County
Divorce records in Clark County comprise multiple documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. The complete divorce file typically contains the following components:
-
Initial Filings:
- Complaint/Petition for Divorce
- Summons
- Joint Preliminary Injunction
- Financial Disclosure Forms
- UCCJEA Declaration (for cases involving children)
-
Response Documents:
- Answer and Counterclaim (if filed)
- Financial disclosure from responding party
-
Temporary Orders:
- Motions for temporary support, custody, or property control
- Court orders on temporary arrangements
-
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production of documents
- Deposition transcripts
- Expert witness reports
-
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached)
- Property division agreements
- Child custody and support agreements
- Spousal support arrangements
-
Trial Documents (if applicable):
- Trial briefs
- Witness lists
- Exhibit lists
- Trial transcripts
-
Final Documents:
- Decree of Divorce (final judgment)
- Child Custody Orders
- Child Support Orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
The Decree of Divorce, which is the final judgment, typically includes:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation
- Grounds for divorce
- Property and debt division
- Spousal support arrangements (if any)
- Child custody and visitation schedule (if applicable)
- Child support obligations (if applicable)
- Name restoration (if requested)
These documents are maintained by the Clark County District Court Family Division in accordance with NRS § 125.150, which governs the disposition of property, support, and custody matters in divorce proceedings.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Clark County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Clark County may obtain this documentation through several authorized channels. The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Divorce Decree.
To obtain a certified copy of a Divorce Decree:
- Visit the Clark County District Court Family Division:
Clark County District Court Family Division
601 North Pecos Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 455-2385
Clark County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
-
Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce decree
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Complete the Records Request Form available at the clerk's office
-
Pay the required fees:
- $15.00 for certification of the first page
- $0.50 for each additional page
- $3.00 search fee per name if case number is unknown
Alternatively, for divorces recorded since 1969, certified copies may be obtained from:
Clark County Recorder's Office
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 455-4336
Clark County Recorder
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
For mail requests to either office, include:
- A written request stating the names of both parties
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of divorce
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment by check or money order
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
Certified copies of divorce decrees are typically required for:
- Remarriage
- Name change on government documents
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
- Insurance purposes
- Retirement account divisions
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Clark County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Clark County may be confidential or sealed from public access. Nevada law provides several mechanisms for maintaining privacy in divorce cases.
Confidentiality may be established through:
-
Sealing of Records by Court Order:
- Either party may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file
- The court must find compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
- Judges consider factors outlined in NRS § 125.110
-
Automatic Confidentiality for Certain Documents:
- Financial statements and tax returns
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Medical and mental health records
- Records containing information about minor children
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
-
Redaction of Sensitive Information:
- Personal identifiers may be redacted from public documents
- This includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth
- Parties are responsible for requesting redaction of sensitive information
-
Confidential Name Change:
- In cases involving domestic violence, a party may request confidential name change
- This prevents public disclosure of the new name to protect the individual's safety
-
Summary Divorce Proceedings:
- While not fully confidential, summary divorce proceedings involve less public documentation
- Available to couples meeting specific criteria under NRS § 125.181
To request confidentiality or sealing of divorce records, parties must:
- File a motion with the Family Court
- Demonstrate specific reasons why public access would cause harm
- Identify which documents should be sealed
- Propose the duration of the sealing order
The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records. Complete sealing of divorce files is rare and generally limited to cases involving:
- Domestic violence or stalking concerns
- Child abuse allegations
- High-profile individuals where publicity would cause undue harm
- Cases involving sensitive business information or trade secrets
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Clark County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Clark County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseload. Currently, the following timeframes represent typical processing periods:
For uncontested divorces (Joint Petition):
- Summary divorce (no children, limited assets): 1-3 weeks after filing
- Joint Petition with children: 4-8 weeks after filing
- These timeframes assume all paperwork is correctly completed and no revisions are required
For contested divorces (Complaint for Divorce):
- Minimum waiting period: 21 days after service of process
- Typical timeline with settlement: 3-6 months
- Cases requiring trial: 9-18 months
- Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 12-24 months
Factors affecting divorce timeline include:
-
Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a Nevada resident for a minimum of six weeks before filing
- Residency must be verified by a witness Affidavit
-
Service of Process:
- Personal service: Adds 1-2 weeks
- Service by publication (if spouse cannot be located): Adds 4-6 weeks
-
Response Period:
- Respondent has 21 days to file an Answer (if served in Nevada)
- 35 days if served outside Nevada
-
Discovery Process:
- Exchange of financial information: 1-3 months
- Depositions and expert evaluations: 2-6 months
-
Mandatory Mediation:
- Cases involving children require mandatory mediation
- Typically adds 30-60 days to the process
-
Court Scheduling:
- Motion hearings: Currently scheduled 4-8 weeks from filing
- Trial dates: Currently scheduled 6-12 months from request
According to Clark County District Court statistics, approximately 65% of divorce cases are resolved within 6 months of filing, while 85% are completed within 12 months. The remaining 15% typically involve complex property division, business valuations, or contested custody matters.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Divorce Records?
Clark County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Nevada law and administrative regulations. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical significance.
Current retention periods for divorce records in Clark County are:
-
Court Case Files:
- Complete case files: Permanent retention
- These records are maintained indefinitely by the Clark County District Court
- After 10 years, physical files may be converted to microfilm or digital format
- Access remains available through the District Court Clerk's office
-
Recorded Divorce Decrees:
- Permanent retention at the Clark County Recorder's Office
- Decrees from 1969 to present are maintained in searchable databases
- Earlier records (pre-1969) have been transferred to the Nevada State Archives
-
Divorce Certificates:
- Permanent retention by the Nevada Office of Vital Records
- These statistical records are maintained indefinitely
-
Temporary Orders and Procedural Documents:
- Retained as part of the permanent case file
- May be archived after 10 years but remain accessible
The permanent retention of divorce records is mandated by NRS § 239.080, which establishes the State Records Committee and authorizes retention schedules for government records.
For historical research purposes, divorce records from:
- 1969-present: Available through Clark County District Court and Recorder's Office
- 1909-1969: Available through Nevada State Archives
- Pre-1909: Limited availability through historical archives and repositories
While records are permanently retained, the accessibility of older records may require additional research assistance and may involve:
- Retrieval from off-site storage facilities
- Access to microfilm or digital archives
- Research assistance from court or archive staff
How To Get a Divorce In Clark County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Clark County must follow specific procedures established under Nevada law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
For Uncontested Divorces (both parties agree):
-
Verify Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must have lived in Nevada for a minimum of six weeks
- Obtain a residency affidavit from a Nevada resident who can verify your residency
-
Prepare Joint Petition for Divorce:
- Complete the Joint Petition form
- Prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement detailing property division
- Complete financial disclosure forms
- Prepare a Decree of Divorce for the judge's signature
- If children are involved, prepare custody and support documents
-
File Documents with the Court:
- Submit all documents to the Family Court Clerk
- Pay the filing fee (currently $299)
- Fee waivers available for those who qualify based on financial need
Clark County District Court Family Division
601 North Pecos Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 455-2385
Clark County Family Court
For Contested Divorces (disagreement on terms):
-
File Complaint for Divorce:
- Complete and file the Complaint form
- Pay filing fee (currently $299)
- Obtain summons from court clerk
-
Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Arrange for legal service of the Complaint and Summons
- Service must be performed by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case
- File proof of service with the court
-
Wait for Response:
- Spouse has 21 days to respond (if served in Nevada)
- 35 days if served outside Nevada
-
Complete Discovery Process:
- Exchange financial information
- Depose witnesses if necessary
- Obtain expert evaluations if needed
-
Attend Mediation:
- Mandatory for cases involving children
- Attempt to resolve disputes outside court
-
Prepare for and Attend Trial:
- If settlement cannot be reached, prepare for trial
- Present evidence and testimony to the judge
- Receive judge's decision on all disputed matters
-
Submit Final Decree:
- Prepare Decree of Divorce reflecting the court's decision
- Submit for judge's signature
Nevada is a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples need only cite "incompatibility" as grounds for divorce under NRS § 125.010. This eliminates the need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Clark County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Clark County can obtain the necessary forms through several authorized channels. The required documents vary based on the type of divorce (contested or uncontested) and whether children are involved.
- In-Person at the Family Court Self-Help Center:
Family Law Self-Help Center
Family Courts and Services Center
601 North Pecos Road, Suite 115
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 455-1500
Family Law Self-Help Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
The Self-Help Center provides:
- Free divorce packet forms
- Assistance in selecting appropriate forms
- Information on filing procedures
- Referrals to legal resources
- Access to notary services
- Online Resources:
- Family Law Self-Help Center Website - Provides downloadable forms and instructions
- Nevada Supreme Court Self-Help Forms - Offers standardized divorce forms
- Clark County Courts Forms - Provides district-specific forms
- Through Legal Aid Organizations:
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
725 E. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 386-1070
Legal Aid Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- From Private Attorneys:
- Many family law attorneys offer initial consultations
- Some provide document preparation services at reduced rates
Standard divorce packets include:
- Petition/Complaint forms
- Financial disclosure forms
- Summons (for contested divorces)
- Marital settlement agreement templates
- Decree of divorce templates
- Child custody and support worksheets (if applicable)
- Cover sheets and filing instructions
Fees for divorce forms:
- Self-Help Center and online forms: Free
- Court filing fees: $299 (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Document preparation services: Varies by provider
All divorce forms must comply with Clark County format requirements and Nevada law. Improperly completed forms may be rejected by the court clerk or cause delays in the divorce process.
Lookup Divorce Records in Clark County
County Recorder - Divorce Records