How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Nevada? Filing Fees in Clark and Washoe Counties
Nevada family law · Last reviewed October 27, 2026
Nevada's divorce fees are set county by county, built from a list of statutory charges plus local add-ons. The state self-help center says so directly: "The fee is different in every county." Here are the two largest counties, from each court's own fee schedule.
The filing fees
| Filing | Clark County (Eighth District) | Washoe County (Second District) |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint for divorce | $299 | $284 |
| Joint petition for divorce | $299 | $284 |
| Answer or first appearance | $217 | $202 |
| Motion or opposition to change a final order | $25 | $25 |
| First motion to modify a joint-petition decree | $154 | $154 |
| First opposition to that motion | $82 | $82 |
Clark's figures are from the Eighth Judicial District Court's fee list revised August 28, 2026 and its family fee remittance form; Washoe's are from the Second Judicial District Court schedule effective September 30, 2025.
A joint petition costs the same as a complaint, and only one fee is paid. In a complaint case, the spouse who answers pays the answer fee. Clark's center notes that a defendant who settles after the complaint must still file an answer and pay that fee.
Joint petitions cost more later. If you file a motion to change a joint-petition decree, the court adds a one-time surcharge: $129 on the first motion and $57 on the first opposition, on top of the usual $25. In Clark County a motion only to modify child support carries no $25 fee, so the first one in a joint-petition case costs $129.
Where the money goes
Both schedules list the statutes behind each dollar. Clark's $299 combines charges under NRS 19.013 ($56), 19.020 ($3), 19.030 ($32), 19.0302 ($99), 19.0303 ($20), 19.031 ($14), 19.0312 ($10), 19.0313 ($10), 19.0315 ($15), 19.033 ($30) and 440.605 ($10). Washoe's $284 lists the same items except the $15 under NRS 19.0315.
Other court costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-filing (Clark, eFileNV) | $3.50 per upload | In addition to the filing fee |
| Certified copy (both counties) | $3 per document plus 50 cents a page | Washoe charges a flat $6 per certified divorce decree |
| Exemplified copy | $6 plus copy costs | A copy with an extra certificate, which some offices outside Nevada require |
| Custody mediation (Clark) | Sliding scale by each parent's income | Requires a court order; the court can waive it |
| Custody mediation (Washoe) | $0 to $300 | 2026 scale for a household of one, by income |
| Peremptory challenge of a judge (Clark) | $450 | Rare in self-represented cases |
Service costs extra if you use the sheriff, a constable or a private process server. Publication, when the court allows it, means paying a newspaper.
Fee waivers
If you can't afford the fees, you can ask the judge to waive them. Clark County's self-help center lists the grounds:
- you receive public assistance;
- your basic monthly expenses are more than your income;
- your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level; or
- you have another compelling reason.
A waiver in Clark covers court filing fees for a year. With the signed order, "You can also request the Clark County Sheriff to serve your documents to the other party locally for no charge". Interpreters are provided at no cost. For a joint petition, "both spouses must complete separate applications". Washoe has its own fee waiver forms, including one for joint petitions.
Other costs to plan for
- Lawyers. Many people use one only for the hard parts, such as a pension division or a custody dispute.
- Retirement orders. Dividing a pension or 401(k) may need a separate order and a plan administrator's review.
- Parenting classes. Clark judges may order the seminar for separating parents; providers set their own prices.
- Copies and certified decrees for banks, the DMV or a name change.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Nevada?
$299 in Clark County and $284 in Washoe County, for either a complaint or a joint petition. Other counties set their own amounts.
How much does it cost to respond to a divorce in Nevada?
The answer fee is $217 in Clark County and $202 in Washoe County. It can be waived for a spouse who qualifies.
Is a joint petition cheaper than a complaint in Nevada?
The filing fee is the same, but only one fee is paid and no answer fee is owed. A joint petition also avoids service costs.
Can I get a divorce in Nevada without paying the filing fee?
Yes, if a judge grants a fee waiver. In Clark County you qualify if you receive public assistance, your expenses exceed your income, your income is under 150% of the poverty level, or for another compelling reason.
How much is a certified copy of a Nevada divorce decree?
$3 per document plus 50 cents a page in Clark County; a flat $6 in Washoe County.