Las Vegas Divorce Lawyer — Trial-Ready, 5,000+ Clark County Cases
Gastelum Attorneys — Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court
A Las Vegas divorce lawyer typically costs $2,500–$30,000+ depending on case complexity. Gastelum Attorneys offers trial-ready representation across all divorce and family law matters — same-week consultations, English and Spanish. A Las Vegas divorce lawyer handles divorce, child custody, property division, and spousal support cases in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court.
Gastelum Attorneys has handled more than 5,000 family law cases in Clark County since its founding in 2018, with six attorneys practicing exclusively in Nevada family law — in English and Spanish.
If you are facing divorce in Las Vegas, Nevada law gives you a clear path forward — a no-fault filing under NRS 125.010, with no separation period required. Our attorneys handle contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, property division, and spousal support in Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court. Uncontested divorces cost $2,500–$5,000 in legal fees; contested cases typically run $10,000–$30,000+. Based on more than 5,000 Clark County cases handled since 2018, uncontested divorces typically close in 1–3 weeks; contested divorces average 9–11 months from filing to decree. Not every divorce lawyer or divorce attorney in Las Vegas is trial-ready — every case at Gastelum Attorneys is built for litigation from day one.
2018
Established in Las Vegas
EN / ES
English & Spanish
4.9★ Google Rating · Avvo 10.0 · Yelp Top-Rated Las Vegas Divorce Lawyers
Best Las Vegas Divorce Lawyers — What Actually Matters
Many Las Vegas divorce firms operate primarily as settlement-focused practices — meaning cases are rarely built for trial. That limits your negotiating leverage from the start. Many clients come to us after poor outcomes with attorneys who were not prepared to go to trial. Every Gastelum Attorneys case is prepared for litigation from the first consultation, which is what produces better settlement outcomes.
- Trial experience — every case built for litigation from day one
- Cost transparency — uncontested from $2,500; we do not advertise low fees that balloon after filing
- Case volume — 5,000+ Clark County family law cases since 2018
- Bilingual service — English and Spanish, 40%+ of consultations conducted in Spanish
- Direct attorney access — you speak with your attorney from the first call, not a call center
- Exclusive family law focus — no personal injury, criminal, or general practice cases
Clients frequently come to us after switching from a prior attorney. We welcome consultations at any stage of a case.
How Does Divorce Work in Las Vegas?
Nevada No-Fault Divorce — Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County
In Nevada, divorce requires one spouse to establish six weeks of residency (NRS 125.020), after which a Complaint is filed in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court. Nevada is a no-fault state under NRS 125.010 — you do not need to prove wrongdoing. The only ground required is that the marriage is irreparably broken.
The process moves through five stages: filing the Complaint, financial disclosure under NRCP 16.2, temporary orders, mediation or trial, and the final Decree of Divorce. Approximately 90% of Nevada divorces resolve before trial. Based on more than 5,000 Clark County family law cases handled since 2018, contested divorces involving spousal support typically resolve within 9–11 months; uncontested Summary Proceedings close in 1–3 weeks. Early financial disclosure and expert retention often influence how courts evaluate asset values.
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1
File the Complaint
Clark County District Court
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2
Financial Disclosure
NRCP 16.2 requirements
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3
Temporary Orders
Custody, support, assets
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4
Mediation or Trial
~90% settle before trial
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5
Decree of Divorce
Final court order
For a full walkthrough of each step, timelines, and costs, see our complete guide to getting a divorce in Nevada →
What You Need to Know Before Filing
- Nevada is a no-fault, community property state — you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to file
- Uncontested divorces close in 1–3 weeks; contested cases average 9–11 months in Clark County based on our firm’s caseload
- Early financial disclosure and expert retention often determine how courts evaluate asset values
- Our firm has six attorneys handling divorce cases in English and Spanish — more than 40% of consultations are conducted in Spanish
What Does a Las Vegas Divorce Lawyer Handle?
Gastelum Attorneys is a divorce and family law firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. We represent clients in the Eighth Judicial District Court across contested and uncontested divorce, child support, spousal support, child custody, guardianship, and property division.
🇲🇽 Hablamos Español — Visite nuestro sitio en español
Founded in 2018 by Jennifer Setters, the firm has six attorneys and has handled over 5,000 family law cases in Clark County. We serve clients throughout the Las Vegas Valley — including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Paradise, and Spring Valley.
Contested & Uncontested Divorce
From Summary Proceedings that close in weeks to high-conflict litigation involving hidden assets, narcissistic spouses, or domestic violence. Every case is prepared for trial from the outset — trial readiness is what produces better settlement terms.
High-Net-Worth & Military Divorce
Business valuations, stock options, retirement accounts, and military pension division under USFSPA. Comprehensive financial disclosure and expert retention early in the case typically produce more accurate asset valuations.
Establishment, modification, and enforcement of support orders under NRS 125B.070 and NRS 125.150. Under Martinez v. Martinez (2024), Nevada courts may now factor transportation costs for custody exchanges into child support calculations — an important consideration in cases with significant travel between households. See the Tonopah Formula and alimony section below for how Nevada courts calculate spousal support.
Community property under NRS 123.220 — asset tracing, commingling disputes, and forensic accounting when assets are hidden or undervalued.
Adult and minor guardianship proceedings in Clark County.
For parenting time, joint or sole arrangements, and modification of parenting plans, visit our Las Vegas child custody lawyer page.
Our Las Vegas Family Law Office
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Why Choose Gastelum Attorneys as Your Las Vegas Divorce Lawyer?
Do Las Vegas Divorce Lawyers Here Only Practice Family Law?
Not all divorce lawyers in Las Vegas are equally prepared for trial — most settle before they ever see a courtroom. At Gastelum Attorneys, every case is built for litigation from the first consultation. Every attorney practices Nevada family law exclusively — every day, in Clark County courtrooms. No personal injury, criminal, or business cases. Your attorney has appeared before the same judges and procedures you will encounter. If you are searching for a divorce lawyer near me or a Las Vegas divorce attorney, our six attorneys are available for same-week consultations in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
How Many Family Law Cases Has the Firm Handled?
Jennifer Setters and the team have handled more than 5,000 family law cases since 2018 — from straightforward uncontested dissolutions to high-conflict matters involving hidden assets, narcissistic spouses, and complex property disputes across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
Does Gastelum Attorneys Have Spanish-Speaking Divorce Lawyers?
Yes. Full legal services are available in English and Spanish. More than 40% of the firm’s consultations are conducted in Spanish. Nuance in mediations, depositions, and court testimony is best preserved by attorneys who speak the language natively — not through an interpreter.
Will I Talk Directly to My Attorney?
Yes — you communicate with your attorney from the start, not a paralegal or call center. Regular updates, prompt responses by phone, in person, or online.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Las Vegas — What Is the Difference?
What Is an Uncontested Divorce in Las Vegas?
When both spouses agree on all terms — division of assets, child custody, and support — Nevada’s Summary Divorce Proceeding can finalize the dissolution in 1–3 weeks. Our attorneys prepare the full agreement and court filing to ensure nothing is overlooked.
What Happens in a Contested Divorce?
When spouses cannot agree on property, custody, or support, the case is contested. Every contested divorce is prepared for trial from the first consultation — financial discovery, depositions, and expert witnesses. Trial readiness is what produces better settlement terms.
What Is High-Net-Worth Divorce in Nevada?
Business valuations, retirement accounts, stock options, and complex asset structures divided under NRS 123.220. Comprehensive financial disclosure and expert retention early in the case typically produce more accurate valuations.
What Are the Rules for Military Divorce in Nevada?
Military pension division is governed by USFSPA. Active-duty service members have additional protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. See our military divorce lawyer page for a full breakdown.
For deeper strategy guidance, see our step-by-step Nevada divorce guide.
Las Vegas Divorce — Quick Answers
How long does a divorce take in Las Vegas?
Uncontested: 1–3 weeks. Contested: typically 9–11 months in Clark County based on our firm’s caseload. High-conflict cases with hidden assets or custody disputes: 12–24 months. For a full breakdown by case type, see our Nevada divorce timeline guide.
How much does a Las Vegas divorce cost?
Uncontested: $2,500–$5,000. Contested: $10,000–$30,000+. High-conflict with forensic accountants and trial: $30,000+. Attorney hourly rates in Las Vegas range from $250 to $450. Use our alimony calculator or child support calculator to estimate obligations.
Can I file for divorce if I just moved to Nevada?
Yes — one spouse needs six weeks of Nevada residency under NRS 125.020. File in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court. You do not need to have been married in Nevada.
For answers on alimony, property division, child support, and child custody in Las Vegas, visit our practice area pages. Not sure if you’re ready? Try our Am I Ready for Divorce? guide.
How Is Property Divided in a Nevada Divorce?
Nevada is a community property state — all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split equally unless a signed agreement states otherwise.
What Gets Divided?
Under NRS 123.220, all property acquired during the marriage is community property — split equally. This includes wages, retirement contributions, real estate, business interests, and debt. Property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance may qualify as separate property.
Hidden Assets & Commingling
When one spouse controls the finances, formal discovery and forensic accounting can identify commingled funds, undervalued business interests, and assets not disclosed during initial proceedings. Early financial disclosure and expert retention often influence how courts evaluate asset values.
How Is Spousal Support Calculated?
Nevada courts weigh 11 statutory factors under NRS 125.150 — marriage length, earning capacity, and standard of living. Many Clark County judges also use the Tonopah Formula as a starting benchmark. There is no automatic entitlement to alimony. Use our Nevada alimony calculator for an initial estimate.
What Is the Tonopah Formula in Nevada Divorce Cases?
The Tonopah Formula is an unofficial spousal support calculation method used by many Clark County judges as a starting benchmark. It estimates monthly alimony by multiplying the income gap between spouses by a cumulative percentage based on marriage length, age, education, and disability — alongside the 11 statutory factors in NRS 125.150. The formula was developed by the Family Law Section of the Nevada State Bar in 1997 and has never been adopted by statute or mandated by the Nevada Supreme Court.
The Tonopah Formula is not mandated by statute and does not replace judicial discretion under NRS 125.150. The Tonopah Formula is not mandated by statute and does not replace judicial discretion under NRS 125.150; outcomes vary by judge and case facts.
How the Tonopah Formula Adjusts by Factor
| Factor |
How It Affects the Award |
| Income gap |
Base calculation — estimated as (payor gross income × 30%) minus (recipient gross income × 20%) |
| Marriage length |
Longer marriages increase the cumulative percentage — and extend estimated duration (roughly 1 year of support per 3 years of marriage) |
| Recipient’s age |
Older recipients may receive an upward adjustment to account for reduced earning capacity and re-employment difficulty |
| Education level |
Lower education increases the percentage; higher education may reduce it, based on earning potential |
| Disability |
A documented disability may significantly increase both the amount and duration of the award |
Tonopah Formula vs. Statutory Alimony Factors
Nevada law requires courts to weigh 11 statutory factors under NRS 125.150 when determining alimony — including each spouse’s financial condition, earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, and contributions to the household. The Tonopah Formula is typically used only as a starting reference point, not a final determination. Courts may depart from the formula substantially when the statutory factors, demonstrated need, or the paying spouse’s ability to pay indicates a different result is more equitable. In cases where the Tonopah number differs significantly from the needs-based analysis under Kogod v. Cioffi-Kogod (135 Nev. Adv. Rep. 9, 2019), Clark County judges may rely on either framework or a combination of both.
Quick Summary: Nevada Alimony
- Nevada does not guarantee alimony — there is no automatic entitlement
- NRS 125.150 controls the final determination, requiring 11 statutory factors to be weighed
- The Tonopah Formula is an unofficial benchmark used by many Clark County judges as a starting point
- The Tonopah Formula has never been adopted as statute or mandated by the Nevada Supreme Court
- Judges retain full discretion — outcomes vary by judge and case facts
- Use our Nevada alimony calculator for an initial estimate based on the Tonopah Formula and NRS 125.150 factors
Based on more than 5,000 Clark County family law cases handled since 2018, contested divorces involving spousal support typically resolve within 9–11 months — with alimony awards most commonly influenced by marriage length, income disparity, and whether one spouse reduced their career opportunities for the family.
Concerned About What You’ll Keep or Owe?
Our Las Vegas divorce attorneys handle property valuation, asset tracing, and negotiation strategy. Talk to an attorney this week — not a paralegal.
Call 702-979-1455
Schedule online →
Jennifer Setters, J.D.
— Managing Attorney & Founder, Gastelum Attorneys
Jennifer Setters is a Nevada-licensed female divorce attorney and founding partner of Gastelum Attorneys, with extensive experience representing clients in Clark County family courts. She earned her J.D. from the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from UNLV. Licensed with the State Bar of Nevada, Jennifer has represented clients in the Eighth Judicial District Court since 2018, handling more than 5,000 family law cases across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
State Bar of Nevada · UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, J.D. · Eighth Judicial District Court · Licensed since 2018
Las Vegas Divorce Lawyer — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Las Vegas?
Attorney fees in Las Vegas range from $250 to $450 per hour for divorce cases. An uncontested divorce typically costs $2,500–$5,000 in total legal fees. A contested divorce with property disputes runs $10,000–$30,000 or more. High-conflict cases involving forensic accountants, depositions, and trial preparation can exceed $50,000. Most firms, including Gastelum Attorneys, charge a retainer up front applied to your bill as work is completed.
How long does a divorce take in Nevada?
An uncontested Nevada divorce using the Summary Proceeding can be finalized in 1–3 weeks once paperwork is correctly filed. A contested divorce in Clark County typically takes 9–11 months based on our firm’s caseload. High-conflict divorces involving hidden assets, business valuations, or custody disputes can run 12–24 months. The biggest variable is whether both parties are willing to negotiate. For a full breakdown by case type, see our Nevada divorce timeline guide.
Does Nevada require separation before filing for divorce?
No. Nevada is a no-fault divorce state under NRS 125.010 — no separation period is required before filing. The only requirement is that one spouse must have lived in Nevada for at least six continuous weeks (NRS 125.020). You can file in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court even if you were married in another state.
What is a spouse entitled to in a Nevada divorce?
Nevada is a community property state — both spouses are equally entitled to all property acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name it is in or who earned the income. This includes the family home, retirement accounts, business interests, vehicles, and debt. Separate property — owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance — generally stays with its original owner. For a full breakdown, see our guide on property division in Nevada.
Can I get a divorce in Las Vegas if my spouse won’t sign?
Yes. Nevada does not require both spouses to sign divorce papers. If your spouse refuses to respond after being properly served, the court can grant a default divorce. If they contest proceedings but refuse to cooperate, the case proceeds to trial and the judge issues a ruling. A non-signing spouse cannot permanently block a divorce in Nevada. See: Can you get a divorce without the other person signing?
How is child custody decided in Nevada?
Nevada courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child standard under NRS 125C.0035. Judges consider each parent’s relationship with the child, home stability, history of domestic violence (SB 275, 2023), and the child’s preference if they are of sufficient age. Nevada has a presumption in favor of joint legal custody. Under SB 432 (effective October 2025), personal identifying information in family court filings is now subject to additional privacy protections — experienced counsel ensures compliance from the initial filing. Early legal representation significantly affects the outcome in contested matters. See our child custody lawyer Las Vegas page.
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in Nevada?
A legal separation in Nevada (NRS 125.190) allows spouses to live apart and divide assets, debts, and custody — but remain legally married. Divorce terminates the marriage entirely. Couples choose legal separation for religious reasons, to preserve insurance benefits, or to maintain military spousal benefits that require a certain marriage length. Legal separation can be converted to divorce later. Both proceedings use the same Clark County District Court process and require the same financial disclosures.
Can I get alimony in a Las Vegas divorce?
Yes — Nevada courts can award spousal support under NRS 125.150 when there is a significant disparity in earning capacity. Nevada does not guarantee alimony. Judges weigh 11 statutory factors including marriage length, income, employability, household contributions, and standard of living. Many Clark County judges use the unofficial Tonopah Formula as a starting benchmark — but outcomes vary by judge and case facts. Use our Nevada alimony calculator or visit our spousal support Las Vegas page for a full breakdown.
What makes the best divorce lawyer in Las Vegas?
The best divorce lawyer in Las Vegas for your case combines courtroom experience, exclusive family law focus, and transparent cost communication. Key factors: the attorney should appear regularly in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court, handle only family law, be trial-ready from day one — not just a settlement mill — and offer bilingual services if needed. Gastelum Attorneys has handled over 5,000 family law cases in Clark County since 2018, with six attorneys practicing Nevada family law exclusively in English and Spanish. Every case is prepared for trial from the first consultation, which is what produces better settlement outcomes. Schedule a case evaluation to speak directly with an attorney, not a call center.
Does Nevada protect privacy in divorce court records?
Yes — under SB 432 (effective October 2025), Nevada family court filings now require redaction of personal identifying information including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children’s names in public records. This applies to all divorce, custody, and support filings in Clark County. Experienced counsel ensures your filings comply from the initial complaint. Contact our Las Vegas family law attorneys for guidance on SB 432 compliance in your case.
