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Washoe County Divorce Records

What Are Washoe County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Washoe County are official legal documents maintained by the Second Judicial District Court that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are governed by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 125.130, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of petitions, decrees, judgments, and other court filings related to the termination of marital relationships.

The Second Judicial District Court serves as the repository for divorce case files in Washoe County, while the Nevada Office of Vital Records maintains certified divorce certificates. These records serve multiple 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 and genealogical research

Divorce records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access regulations that balance the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns.

Are Washoe County Divorce Records Public?

Washoe County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239), but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public status of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
  • Court hearings in divorce cases are typically open to the public
  • Final divorce decrees are generally public documents
  • Financial disclosures, custody evaluations, and certain sensitive materials may be sealed or redacted
  • Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account information, and children's identifying information are protected under NRS § 239B.030

Certified divorce certificates, which verify the dissolution of marriage, have restricted access. Pursuant to NRS § 440.650, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:

  • Parties to the divorce
  • Legal representatives with proper authorization
  • Individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by statute
  • Government agencies for official purposes

The Second Judicial District Court may seal divorce records entirely in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or when disclosure would pose a risk to a party's safety.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Washoe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Washoe County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repositories for divorce records are:

Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
Second Judicial District Court

To locate divorce records, individuals may:

  1. Visit the Second Judicial District Court clerk's office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  2. Complete a records request form specifying the parties' names and approximate date of divorce
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay applicable search and copy fees ($0.50 per page for copies, $3.00 for certification)
  5. Allow processing time, which varies based on the age and accessibility of records

For certified divorce certificates (verification of divorce), contact:

Nevada Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-4242
Nevada Vital Records

Requestors must:

  1. Submit a completed Application for Certified Copy
  2. Provide proof of identity and relationship to the record subject
  3. Pay the required fee ($20 for the first copy, $10 for each additional copy)
  4. Submit requests by mail or in person

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Washoe County Online?

Washoe County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through online systems maintained by the Second Judicial District Court. The following online resources are available to the public:

  1. Case Search Portal: The Second Judicial District Court's online case search allows users to search for divorce cases by:

    • Party name (last name, first name)
    • Case number
    • Filing date range
    • Case type (select "Divorce" under Family Division cases)

  2. Nevada Appellate Courts Case Search: For divorce cases that involved appeals, the Nevada Supreme Court's case search system provides access to appellate records.

  3. Court Calendar: The court calendar search allows users to view scheduled hearings in divorce cases.

When using these online systems:

  • Basic case information is viewable without cost
  • Detailed document access may require creation of a user account
  • Document viewing and downloading may incur fees ($0.50 per page)
  • Not all documents in a divorce case file may be available online
  • Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized

For comprehensive access to divorce records, particularly older cases or those with sealed components, in-person requests at the courthouse remain necessary.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Washoe County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Washoe County have limited but viable options. The following methods provide free access to basic divorce record information:

  1. In-Person Court Review: Members of the public may visit the Second Judicial District Court clerk's office to review non-confidential divorce case files at no charge. While copying documents incurs fees, viewing records is free.

    Second Judicial District Court
    75 Court Street
    Reno, NV 89501
    (775) 328-3110
    Second Judicial District Court

  2. Public Access Terminals: The courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors can search the court's case management system at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours.

  3. Law Library Resources: The Washoe County Law Library offers free access to certain court records and legal research materials.

    Washoe County Law Library
    75 Court Street, Room 101
    Reno, NV 89501
    (775) 328-3250
    Washoe County Law Library

  4. Basic Online Case Information: The court's online case search provides free access to basic case information, including:

    • Case numbers
    • Party names
    • Filing dates
    • Case status
    • Hearing dates

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessed without cost, obtaining certified copies or complete case files typically requires payment of statutory fees. Additionally, access to sealed or confidential portions of divorce records is restricted regardless of payment.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Washoe County

Divorce records in Washoe County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. Pursuant to NRS Chapter 125, these records typically contain the following components:

  1. Initial Filings:

    • Complaint/Petition for Divorce
    • Summons
    • Joint Preliminary Injunction
    • Financial Disclosure Forms
    • UCCJEA Declaration (for cases involving children)

  2. Procedural Documents:

    • Proof of Service
    • Answer/Response to Petition
    • Counterclaims (if applicable)
    • Case Management Conference reports
    • Motions and responses
    • Court orders on temporary matters

  3. Settlement Documents:

    • Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached)
    • Parenting Plan (for cases with minor children)
    • Child Support Worksheets and Orders
    • Property and Debt Division Agreements

  4. Final Judgment Documents:

    • Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
    • Decree of Divorce
    • Certificate of Divorce

  5. Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):

    • Motions to Modify Custody, Support, or Alimony
    • Contempt Proceedings
    • Orders Modifying the Original Decree

The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division. Records from contested divorces typically contain more extensive documentation, including trial transcripts, witness testimony, and expert reports.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Washoe County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Washoe County have two primary options for obtaining this documentation, depending on their specific needs:

  1. Certified Copy of Divorce Decree: The most comprehensive proof of divorce is a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the Second Judicial District Court. To obtain this document:

    • Visit or contact the Family Division of the Second Judicial District Court
    • Provide the case number or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
    • Present valid photo identification
    • Pay the certification fee ($3.00 per document plus $0.50 per page)

    Second Judicial District Court
    75 Court Street
    Reno, NV 89501
    (775) 328-3110
    Second Judicial District Court

  2. Certificate of Divorce: For situations requiring only verification that a divorce occurred (rather than the terms of the divorce), a Certificate of Divorce is available from the Nevada Office of Vital Records. To request this document:

    • Complete the Application for Certified Copy
    • Provide proof of identity and legal right to access the record
    • Submit the application with the required fee ($20 for first copy)
    • Applications may be submitted in person or by mail

    Nevada Office of Vital Records
    4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
    Carson City, NV 89706
    (775) 684-4242
    Nevada Vital Records

For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification processes available through the Nevada Secretary of State.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Washoe County?

While divorce proceedings in Washoe County are generally matters of public record, Nevada law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by NRS § 125.110 and court rules.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

  1. Sealed Records: Pursuant to Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure (NRCP) Rule 10(c), parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce file when:

    • Disclosure would create risk of harm to a party or child
    • Cases involve domestic violence or abuse allegations
    • Records contain sensitive financial or proprietary information
    • Publication would cause undue embarrassment with limited public benefit

  2. Redacted Information: Certain personal identifiers are automatically protected under NRS § 239B.030, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Financial account numbers
    • Children's dates of birth
    • Driver's license numbers

  3. Confidential Filings: Specific documents in divorce cases are routinely filed as confidential, including:

    • Detailed financial disclosures
    • Child custody evaluations
    • Mental health assessments
    • Substance abuse treatment records
    • Certain medical records

  4. Summary Dissolution: Nevada offers a simplified divorce process for qualifying couples that minimizes public record creation.

To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must file a motion with the Second Judicial District Court demonstrating good cause for sealing. The court balances privacy interests against the public's right to access court records when making these determinations.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Washoe County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Washoe County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under current Nevada law, particularly NRS § 125.020, the following timeframes generally apply:

Residency Requirement: Before filing, at least one spouse must have been a Nevada resident for a minimum of six weeks, with intent to remain or return if temporarily absent.

Uncontested Divorces:

  • Joint Petition (both parties agree): 1-3 weeks after filing
  • Default Divorce (one party doesn't respond): Approximately 6-8 weeks after proper service and expiration of response period

Contested Divorces:

  • Simple contested matters: 3-6 months
  • Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 6-12 months
  • Highly litigious cases with multiple issues: 12-24 months or longer

Specific Procedural Timeframes:

  • Summons and Complaint must be served within 120 days of filing
  • Defendant has 21 days to file an Answer after being served
  • Case Management Conference typically scheduled 90 days after filing
  • Discovery period generally lasts 4-6 months in contested cases
  • Mandatory mediation for custody matters adds approximately 30-60 days

According to the Nevada Judiciary Annual Report, the Second Judicial District Court processes approximately 3,000 divorce cases annually, with an average time to disposition of 4.5 months for all divorce cases, though this average includes both simple and complex matters.

Factors that commonly extend divorce timeframes include:

  • Child custody evaluations
  • Business valuations
  • Real estate appraisals
  • Retirement account divisions requiring QDROs
  • Trial scheduling delays due to court congestion

How Long Does Washoe County Keep Divorce Records?

Washoe County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) § 239.165 and the Second Judicial District Court's records management policies. The retention periods vary based on record type and historical significance.

The standard retention periods for divorce records in Washoe County are:

  1. Case Files and Judgments:

    • Permanent retention for final divorce decrees and judgments
    • Case files maintained for a minimum of 25 years from date of final disposition
    • Cases with historical significance or precedential value preserved permanently

  2. Exhibits and Evidence:

    • Physical exhibits retained for 30 days after final judgment if no appeal filed
    • Extended retention during appeal process
    • May be returned to submitting parties after retention period

  3. Audio/Visual Records:

    • Court hearing recordings maintained for 1 year after final disposition
    • Transcribed hearings retained for 10 years
    • High-profile cases may have extended retention

  4. Certificates of Divorce:

    • Maintained permanently by the Nevada Office of Vital Records
    • Available for certified copies indefinitely

  5. Electronic Records:

    • Modern divorce filings (generally post-2000) maintained in electronic format indefinitely
    • Older paper records may be microfilmed or digitized for permanent preservation

For divorce records predating current electronic systems, the Second Judicial District Court has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve historical records. However, some very old records may be archived with the Nevada State Archives, particularly those dating before 1950.

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may require additional processing time and may not be immediately available through standard record request procedures.

How To Get a Divorce In Washoe County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Washoe County must follow procedures established under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 125. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

Residency Requirements:

  • At least one spouse must have lived in Nevada for a minimum of six weeks before filing
  • A Nevada resident must intend to remain in Nevada or return if temporarily absent
  • Military members stationed in Nevada qualify as residents

Uncontested Divorce Process:

  1. Obtain and complete required forms from the Second Judicial District Court's Self-Help Center or online
  2. File completed paperwork with the court clerk and pay filing fees (approximately $299)
  3. If filing jointly, both parties sign all documents
  4. If filing individually, serve divorce papers on the other spouse
  5. Wait for the statutory response period (21 days)
  6. Submit final documents to the judge for review
  7. Receive signed Decree of Divorce

Contested Divorce Process:

  1. File Complaint for Divorce with the court clerk
  2. Serve the other party with the Complaint and Summons
  3. Opposing party files an Answer and possibly a Counterclaim
  4. Attend Case Management Conference
  5. Complete financial disclosure requirements
  6. Participate in discovery process
  7. Attend settlement conferences and/or mediation
  8. If no settlement is reached, prepare for and attend trial
  9. Receive final Decree of Divorce from the court

For Cases Involving Children:

  • Parents must complete COPE (Coping with Divorce/Separation) class
  • Develop a parenting plan addressing custody and visitation
  • Complete child support calculations
  • Possibly attend mediation through the court's Family Mediation Center

Second Judicial District Court - Family Division
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
Second Judicial District Court

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying low-income individuals through the court's fee waiver application process.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Washoe County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Washoe County have several options for obtaining the necessary divorce papers. The required documents vary based on the specific circumstances of the divorce case.

Self-Help Resource Center: The Family Division's Self-Help Resource Center provides forms and assistance for self-represented litigants.

Second Judicial District Court - Self-Help Resource Center
75 Court Street, Room 115
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 325-6731
Family Division Self-Help Center

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Online Resources:

  1. The Second Judicial District Court website offers downloadable divorce forms including:

    • Complaint/Petition for Divorce
    • Joint Petition for Divorce (for uncontested cases)
    • Financial Disclosure Forms
    • Decree of Divorce templates
    • Child custody and support worksheets

  2. The Nevada Self-Help Center provides statewide forms and instructions for divorce proceedings.

Required Forms Based on Case Type:

For Uncontested Divorce (Joint Petition):

  • Joint Petition for Divorce
  • Joint Financial Disclosure Form
  • Request for Submission
  • Decree of Divorce

For Contested Divorce:

  • Complaint for Divorce
  • Summons
  • Family Court Cover Sheet
  • UCCJEA Declaration (if children involved)
  • Financial Disclosure Form
  • Proof of Service

For cases involving children, additional forms include:

  • Child Support Worksheets
  • Parenting Plan
  • COPE Class Registration

Legal assistance for completing divorce papers is available through:

Washoe Legal Services
299 S. Arlington Ave.
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 329-2727
Washoe Legal Services

Nevada Legal Services
204 Marsh Ave., Suite 101
Reno, NV 89509
(775) 284-3491
Nevada Legal Services

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