Whether your Nevada divorce is contested or uncontested has a major impact on cost, timeline, and stress. Hauser Family Law helps Las Vegas and Henderson clients understand the difference — and which path makes sense for their situation.
WHAT IS AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE IN NEVADA?
An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all major issues — property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody, visitation, and child support. When both parties are aligned, the court process is streamlined and costs are significantly lower. Nevada allows for a Joint Petition for Divorce when spouses are in full agreement, which can resolve the case without contested hearings.
WHAT IS A CONTESTED DIVORCE IN NEVADA?
A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot reach agreement on one or more significant issues. This triggers the litigation process — discovery, depositions, court hearings, and potentially a trial before a Clark County Family Court judge. Contested divorces take longer, cost more, and put the final decision in the hands of a judge rather than the parties themselves.
COMMON ISSUES THAT CAUSE NEVADA DIVORCES TO BECOME CONTESTED
Disputes over the division of business interests, investment accounts, or real estate. Disagreements about spousal support amount or duration. Child custody conflicts — especially when both parents want primary physical custody. Disputes about whether an asset or debt is community or separate property. Hidden assets or income disputes requiring forensic accounting.
CAN AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE BECOME CONTESTED?
Yes — and it happens regularly. A divorce that starts as cooperative can become contested when financial disclosures reveal unexpected assets, when one party retains aggressive counsel, or when child custody arrangements break down during the process. Hauser Family Law prepares clients for both paths and works to resolve disputes before they require litigation.
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE?
Even in uncontested divorces, having an attorney review the agreement before signing is strongly recommended. Agreements that appear fair at signing can have significant long-term consequences — particularly for retirement division, spousal support waivers, and business valuations. Michelle Hauser reviews uncontested divorce agreements to identify provisions that could cost clients significantly in the future. Learn more at leg.state.nv.us.
Contact Hauser Family Law: hauserfamilylaw.com
Call (702) 867-8313. Free consultation.