FINALIZE THE DIVORCE

DISCLAIMER

The information provided is intended as a courtesy only.  Many family law matters involve complex and valuable legal rights which cannot adequately be protected without the assistance of an attorney.  The information provided is basic, general information that does not fit all situations.  It is the duty of each self-represented individual to know what rules of court and law apply. 

Clark County, the Eighth Judicial District Court, the Self-Help Center, and their employees shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing of this material.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Finalizing the divorce is an important step in the divorce process.  In general, a divorce is not final until the judge signs a Decree of Divorce and the Decree is filed with the Clerk of the Court. Next, a copy of the Decree must be served to the opposing party along with a file-stamped copy of a Notice of Entry of Judgment. 

A Decree of Divorce is the document that puts the terms of your divorce into writing. Either party can prepare the Decree of Divorce. 


The procedure for finalizing a divorce is discussed in detail in the instruction portion of each Decree of Divorce form packet. 

The Self-Help Center offers two main types of Decree of Divorce form packets.  One type, a Decree of Divorce by Summary Disposition, is used when a party wishes to obtain a divorce without a hearing before a judge. In order to obtain a Decree of Divorce by Summary Disposition you must meet several criteria.  For example, you must either have the consent of the other spouse or a default from the Clerk of the Court.  The other type of Decree of Divorce is used if the parties had a hearing before a judge and were granted a divorce. 

PACKET INSTRUCTIONS

Below are the Self-Help Center's Decree of Divorce form packets. It is your duty to choose the correct packet.  The Self-Help Center staff is prohibited from instructing customers on which packet to use. 

To choose a packet please read the brief description of each packet.  If you are still unsure of which packet to use, open each packet and read at least the first two pages of the instructions. You may use a packet if all of the statements under the heading "Explanation" apply to your particular situation.  If all of the statements do not apply to your particular situation then that packet is not the correct packet.

All of the packets are in a PDF (Portable Document Format).  In order to view and use the packets you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1 or higher.  If you do not, you can download it for free by clicking here.

Please be sure to print all pages because missing pages may render your document unacceptable to the courts.

DECREE OF DIVORCE PACKETS - SUMAMRY DISPOSITION (No Hearing)

Decree of Divorce Packet 23 - This packet may be used if you and your spouse have minor children together.

Decree of Divorce Packet 25 - This packet may be used if you and your spouse do not have minor children together.

DECREE OF DIVORCE PACKETS - HEARING

Decree of Divorce Packet 22 - This packet may be used if you and your spouse have minor children together.

• Packet 22 - Decree Form Only

Decree of Divorce Packet 24 - This packet may be used if you and your spouse do not have minor children together.

• Packet 24 - Decree Form Only