On Trial for Divorce in Las Vegas Nevada

Nevada is one of eleven states in the United States that permit jury trials for divorce cases. If you have gone to trial for a divorce, you are certainly in what divorce attorneys call a contested case. Contested cases can be very nasty ordeals for all concerned, including the divorce lawyers. Las Vegas, although touting “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” gets more than its fair share of divorces, and the information about these divorces are public record.  In a divorce trial, not only do you experience the humiliation of exposing the reasons for a failed marriage to the public, a stigma is sometimes attached to the participants who may endure a lifetime of shame for their failure to live up to societal expectations, regardless of where  you live.

In the past twenty years, Las Vegas has grown, and the society living there to support “sin-city” has grown-up with the city. Once touted the “marriage and divorce capital of the world,” you have to legally reside in Vegas six weeks to be able to file for a divorce there today. With approximately two and one half million people living in Nevada, 80 percent consider themselves as affiliated  with some type of religion, and 64 percent of populace consider themselves as Christian. With strong similar values, work ethics, and community minded service of Nevada Christians, there should be no wonder the legal system in Nevada has been influenced by this group when it comes to the marriage institution. As a result and to some extent, “sin-city” has gotten religion.

Before entering a contested marital divorce in Nevada, you may want to ask yourself a couple of simple questions. First of all, is there any way for reconciliation between you and your spouse? In 2004, for every 1000 people in Nevada, there was 6.4 divorces, the highest divorce rate in the nation. The divorce rate did not seem to change regardless of religious or non-religious affiliations. Since hard work and commitment are two traits essential in making a marriage contract work and Nevadans across the board share these essentials in marital values, doesn’t it stand to reason that if at all possible, you should try to reconcile before acquiescing to divorce first?

Secondly, if your answer to the first question is honestly “no,” then you may want to ask yourself, is there any way you can get out of a bad marriage without a lot of public fervor? Obviously, there are reasons some people should not stay married, the threat of imminent harm being chief amongst them. So, if you have come to the place where you have decided there is no other alternative to divorce, there are two ways you can get a divorce in Nevada- Fault (Contested) or No-Fault (Uncontested or Non-Contested). The No-Fault process can be as simple as filling out a Complaint For Divorce and Marital Settlement Agreement, legal documents easily obtained, and filing them with the proper District Court of jurisdiction to hear the cause. Nevada permits No-Fault divorce when the husband and wife have lived separate and apart without cohabitation for one year and either party files for a decree of divorce, or when both agree they are incompatible. Providing you and your spouse can amiably agree on the terms of the divorce about your finances, assets, and children, the process is relatively simple and inexpensive. In the event you are divorcing because your spouse has put you at imminent harm, a No-Fault divorce is probably not practical, but if there are other reasons you seek a dissolution of marriage, doesn’t it stand to reason, you should try and obtain a No-Fault divorce?

There are many reasons two people who have been married a while may not be able to amiably and maturely come to terms involving finances, assets, and children. In the event this happens, and it often does, there exists a real possibility for a contested divorce. When it does happen, you can present your case before a judge or a jury. In either case, it may be wise to be legally represented. In addition to the No-Fault reasons for divorce, Nevada permits Fault divorce on grounds of insanity existing for two years prior to the commencement of the action requiring corroborative evidence of the insanity of the defendant at the time. One of these issues have to be stated in a Complaint For Divorce as the reason the petitioner is wanting to end the marriage. Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada has come a long way from the days of old when marriage and divorce were so readily available. Today, the divorce laws in Nevada are complicated and a whole lot like every other state.

Regardless of the decision concerning divorce you may have to make, there are divorce lawyers in Nevada who understand divorce law, and are adept in their negotiating skills. So, if you are considering a divorce, please contact us at and we will help you find the divorce attorney in your area that is more than willing to help you make the legal decisions that are right for you.