If you have recently decided to file for divorce, the first 30 days of your case will shape nearly everything that follows. Working with a Henderson Nevada divorce attorney from the start gives you the best chance of protecting your rights, your finances, and your relationship with your children. At Hauser Family Law, we guide clients through every step of this critical period so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Filing for Divorce in Clark County
Nevada is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. You simply need to show that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” or that the parties have lived separately for at least one year. To file in Clark County, at least one spouse must have lived in Nevada for a minimum of six weeks before filing.
Once you file your Complaint for Divorce with the Clark County Family Court, your spouse is served with the divorce papers. Nevada then provides a waiting period before the case can be finalized. During those early weeks, the decisions you make — and avoid — will directly affect your outcome. An experienced Henderson Nevada divorce attorney helps you understand the timeline, the paperwork, and the strategy from day one.
Temporary Orders — Custody, Support, and Assets
One of the most important actions in the first 30 days is requesting temporary orders. These court orders establish short-term rules for your household while the divorce is pending. Temporary orders can address:
- Temporary custody and parenting time — who the children live with and when each parent sees them
- Temporary child support — ensuring your children’s financial needs are met immediately
- Temporary spousal support — providing financial stability if one spouse earns significantly more
- Use of the marital home — who stays in the house during the proceedings
- Temporary restraining orders on assets — preventing either spouse from depleting marital funds
Failing to request temporary orders early can leave you in a difficult position financially and as a parent. Courts often look at temporary arrangements as a baseline when establishing permanent orders, so it is crucial to start on the right foot.
What Not to Do in the First 30 Days
The early stages of a divorce are emotionally charged, and mistakes made in the first month can follow you through the entire case. Here are some critical things to avoid:
Do Not Move Money or Hide Assets
Nevada courts take asset concealment very seriously. Moving large sums of money, closing joint accounts, or transferring property to family members can be seen as fraud on the community estate. Courts have the authority to sanction this behavior and award more assets to the other spouse as a consequence.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Anything you post online can be used against you in court. Photographs, statements about your lifestyle, or comments about your spouse can all affect custody and financial decisions. Keep your personal life private during your case.
Do Not Deny Your Spouse Access to the Children
Unless there is an immediate safety concern, withholding children from the other parent without a court order can backfire significantly in custody proceedings. Nevada courts strongly favor both parents being involved in the children’s lives.
Protecting Your Finances Early
From the moment a divorce is filed in Nevada, a standard restraining order goes into effect that prevents both parties from making unusual financial moves. However, there are proactive steps you should take as well. Open individual bank accounts in your name only so you have access to funds for living expenses and legal fees. Gather documentation of all marital assets — bank statements, retirement accounts, property records, and tax returns. This financial snapshot will be essential as the case progresses.
If you are concerned your spouse may try to hide business income or undervalue assets, your attorney can request formal discovery and, if necessary, bring in a forensic accountant. In high-asset divorce cases, early financial documentation is especially important.
Why Having Your Own Attorney Matters Immediately
Some people try to negotiate directly with their spouse in the first weeks, hoping to save money on legal fees. While this is understandable, it often results in giving up rights you did not know you had. Nevada divorce law is complex — especially around community property, child custody, and spousal support — and what seems like a reasonable agreement may not serve your long-term interests.
An experienced Henderson Nevada divorce attorney at Hauser Family Law will review every document before you sign, advise you on the strength of your position, and help you avoid costly mistakes in those critical first 30 days. Attorney Michelle Hauser handles every case personally, giving you direct access to skilled legal counsel when you need it most.
If you are facing a divorce in Henderson or anywhere in Clark County, do not wait. Contact Hauser Family Law today for a confidential consultation. The decisions you make right now will affect the rest of your life — let us help you make the right ones.