Reviewed by: Jennifer Setters, Esq., Managing Attorney at Gastelum Attorneys | J.D., William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV

Henderson Divorce Lawyer

If you live in Henderson, Nevada, your divorce case will be filed and decided at the Clark County Family Court in Las Vegas — the same court that handles every family law matter in Clark County. The judges, the rules, and the statutes are the same whether you live in Green Valley, Anthem, or downtown Las Vegas. What matters is having an attorney who knows this court system inside and out.

At Gastelum Attorneys, our team of 8 family law attorneys has handled more than 5,000 cases since 2018 — including hundreds for Henderson residents navigating divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. We serve clients across every Henderson community in both English and Spanish.

Call (702) 979-1455 to speak with a Henderson divorce attorney.

Where Henderson Residents File for Divorce

Henderson is part of Clark County, and all family law cases — divorce, custody, support, and property division — are heard by the Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Division. There is no separate court in Henderson for divorce cases.

Family Court cases are handled at two locations:

• Family Courts and Services Center: 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, NV 89155 — (702) 455-2385. Most family court judges are located here.
• Regional Justice Center: 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89155 — (702) 671-4528. Some judges maintain chambers at this location.

From most Henderson neighborhoods, the Family Courts building at 601 N. Pecos Road is approximately 15 to 25 minutes by car depending on traffic and your location within the city. Hearings, mediations, and trial dates are all scheduled at these courthouses.

The Family Law Self-Help Center, located at the Pecos Road courthouse, provides free forms and basic procedural guidance. However, the Self-Help Center cannot provide legal advice — and in contested divorces involving significant assets, custody disputes, or alimony claims, representation by an experienced Henderson divorce lawyer is essential to protect your rights.

Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Henderson

Nevada has some of the most straightforward residency requirements in the country, which is one reason it has historically been a popular state for filing divorce. Under NRS 125.020, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Nevada for at least six weeks before filing for divorce.

Residency is established by living in the state with the intent to remain. It can be proven through a corroborating witness affidavit — you do not need a Nevada driver’s license or voter registration, though these help support your claim.

Nevada is a no-fault divorce state under NRS 125.010. The only ground required is “incompatibility.” Neither spouse needs to prove fault, infidelity, or wrongdoing. You simply need to assert that the marriage is no longer compatible — and the court will grant the divorce.

For custody jurisdiction, if you have children, the child must have lived in Nevada for at least six consecutive months before the court can issue custody orders under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

Types of Divorce in Nevada

Uncontested Divorce (Joint Petition)

An uncontested divorce is the fastest and least expensive path when both spouses agree on all terms — property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. Both spouses can file a Joint Petition for Divorce, and the case can be finalized in as little as two to three weeks after filing, often without a court appearance.

Even in uncontested cases, having an attorney review the agreement before filing protects you from waiving rights you didn’t realize you had — particularly regarding community property, retirement accounts, and spousal support.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues: property division, alimony, child custody, or child support. These cases require formal pleadings, financial discovery, potential depositions, settlement conferences or mediation, and possibly a trial before a Family Court judge.

Contested divorces in Clark County typically take 6 months to over a year to resolve, depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict between the parties. Cases involving business valuations, hidden assets, or high-conflict custody disputes tend to take longer.

Summary Divorce

Nevada does not offer a formal “summary divorce” procedure like some states. However, uncontested cases with no children and limited assets can be processed on an expedited timeline through the Joint Petition process.

Community Property Division in Henderson Divorces

Nevada is a community property state — not an “equitable distribution” state. This distinction matters. Under NRS 123.220, all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is presumed to be community property owned equally by both spouses. Upon divorce, community property is divided equally (50/50), not “equitably” or “fairly” — equally.

Community property includes:

• Income earned by either spouse during the marriage
• Real estate purchased during the marriage (including the family home)
• Retirement accounts and pension benefits accrued during the marriage — including 401(k)s, IRAs, PERS, and military pensions
• Business interests and professional practices acquired or grown during the marriage
• Vehicles, investments, bank accounts, and personal property acquired during the marriage
• Community debts — credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and other obligations incurred during the marriage

Separate property exceptions

Under NRS 123.130, separate property belongs to one spouse and is not subject to division. Separate property includes:

• Property owned before the marriage
• Gifts received by one spouse during the marriage
• Inheritances received by one spouse during the marriage
• Property designated as separate by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement

Commingling warning: Separate property can lose its protected status if it is mixed with community property. For example, if an inheritance is deposited into a joint bank account and used for household expenses, it may be treated as community property. Our attorneys trace asset origins to protect clients’ separate property claims.

High-value property division in Henderson

Henderson is home to some of Clark County’s highest-value residential communities — Ascaya, MacDonald Highlands, Anthem Country Club, Roma Hills, Lake Las Vegas, and Seven Hills — where homes routinely exceed $1 million. Divorces involving real estate in these communities often require formal property appraisals, business valuations, and analysis of complex asset structures including trusts, LLCs, and investment portfolios.

Our attorneys work with appraisers, forensic accountants, and financial experts to ensure that community property in high-value Henderson divorces is accurately valued and divided.

Child Custody for Henderson Families

Nevada’s custody laws are governed by NRS Chapter 125C, and the court’s primary standard is the best interest of the child. The court evaluates multiple factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to meet those needs, and — for children of sufficient age and maturity — the child’s own wishes.

Joint custody is the starting point

Nevada law creates a presumption that joint custody is in the child’s best interest. This does not mean custody is automatically 50/50 — it means the court begins with the assumption that both parents should have meaningful involvement, and either parent seeking a different arrangement bears the burden of demonstrating why.

Custody considerations specific to Henderson families

Henderson families often face practical custody considerations related to the city’s geography and school districts:

• School zones: Henderson spans the Clark County School District, with schools serving different communities (Anthem, Green Valley, Inspirada, Cadence, etc.). When parents live in different neighborhoods, custody arrangements must account for which parent’s address determines school enrollment.
• Distance between communities: Henderson covers a large area. A parent living in Anthem and a co-parent in Green Valley may be 15+ miles apart, which affects weekday exchange logistics and after-school activities.
• Relocation: Under NRS 125C.006, if a custodial parent wants to relocate with the child out of state — or even a significant distance within Nevada — the other parent can object and the court must determine whether the move serves the child’s best interest.

Learn more about Nevada custody law on our child custody page.

Child Support in Henderson Divorces

Unlike spousal support, Nevada child support follows a statutory formula under NRS 125B.070. The non-custodial parent pays a percentage of gross monthly income based on the number of children:

The court can deviate from these percentages based on specific circumstances, including the child’s extraordinary needs, shared custody arrangements, and each parent’s financial situation. Use our Nevada Child Support Calculator for an estimate.

Learn more on our child support page.

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Henderson Divorces

Unlike child support, Nevada has no fixed formula for calculating alimony. Under NRS 125.150, spousal support is determined at the court’s discretion based on 11 statutory factors including income disparity, marriage duration, earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions to the household.

Many Clark County judges use the Tonopah Formula — an unofficial guideline developed by the Nevada State Bar in 1997 — as a practical starting point. Our attorneys prepare alimony analyses under both the Tonopah Formula and the needs-based standard established in Kogod v. Cioffi-Kogod to present the strongest case regardless of judicial preference.

For an estimate, try our Nevada Alimony Calculator. For a detailed explanation of how alimony works in Nevada, visit our spousal support page.

Henderson Communities We Serve

Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada with over 320,000 residents spread across dozens of master-planned communities and established neighborhoods. We represent clients across every part of the city, including:

Henderson zip codes served

89002, 89005, 89011, 89012, 89014, 89015, 89044, 89052, 89074, and 89077.

The Divorce Process for Henderson Residents: Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation with a Henderson divorce attorney

Your case begins with an initial consultation where we review your situation, identify the issues (custody, property, support), and outline your legal options and realistic outcomes.

Step 2: Filing the complaint or joint petition

The divorce action is filed at the Clark County Family Court. In a Joint Petition (uncontested), both spouses sign and file together. In a Complaint for Divorce (contested or semi-contested), one spouse files and the other is served.

Step 3: Financial disclosure

Both spouses must complete and exchange Financial Disclosure Forms (FDFs), documenting all income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. This is mandatory in all Nevada divorce cases and forms the basis for property division and support calculations.

Step 4: Discovery and investigation (contested cases)

In contested cases, attorneys may issue formal discovery requests — interrogatories, document requests, subpoenas for bank records, and depositions — to uncover the full financial picture. This phase is critical in cases involving hidden assets, business valuations, or disputed income.

Step 5: Mediation or settlement negotiations

The court encourages resolution without trial. Many cases settle through attorney-negotiated agreements or formal mediation sessions. The Clark County Family Court may order the parties to attend mediation before setting a trial date.

Step 6: Trial (if necessary)

If the parties cannot agree, the case proceeds to a bench trial (there are no jury trials in Nevada family court). The judge hears testimony, reviews evidence, and issues a final decree resolving all disputed issues.

Step 7: Decree of Divorce

The court issues a Decree of Divorce that finalizes the dissolution and addresses property division, custody, support, and all other terms. This order is legally binding and enforceable.

Why Henderson Residents Choose Gastelum Attorneys

• Exclusive family law practice. Every attorney on our team practices family law exclusively — divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and property division — every day in Clark County Family Court.
• 5,000+ family law cases since 2018. This includes contested divorces, high-net-worth cases, military divorces, custody modifications, and complex property division for Henderson families.
• 8 attorneys with coordinated backup. Your case is never delayed because one attorney is in trial. Our team structure ensures continuous attention to every case.
• Bilingual English and Spanish services. We serve Henderson’s diverse community with full bilingual capability. Para información en español, visite Gastelum Attorneys Español.
• Convenient consultations. Our office is located at 718 S 8th Street in Las Vegas — approximately 20 minutes from most Henderson communities. We also offer video consultations and evening appointments for Henderson clients who cannot visit during business hours.

Family Law Services for Henderson

Our Henderson divorce lawyers handle every aspect of family law, ensuring your entire case is managed under one roof:

• Divorce — contested and uncontested, including high-net-worth cases
• Child Custody — initial custody orders, modifications, and relocation disputes
• Child Support — establishment, enforcement, and modification
• Spousal Support — alimony claims, defense, and modifications
• Property Division — community property, business valuations, retirement accounts
• Prenuptial Agreements — drafting and enforcement
• Military Divorce — USFSPA, pension division, SCRA protections
• Fathers’ Rights — equal custody advocacy
• Post-decree modifications — custody, support, and alimony changes
• Enforcement — contempt actions for non-compliance with court orders

Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce in Henderson, Nevada

Where do Henderson residents file for divorce?

All Henderson divorce cases are filed at the Clark County Family Court — either at the Family Courts and Services Center (601 N. Pecos Road, Las Vegas) or the Regional Justice Center (200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas). Henderson does not have its own family court. Henderson Justice Court at 243 Water Street handles misdemeanor and traffic matters, not family law.

How long does a Henderson divorce take?

An uncontested divorce filed by Joint Petition can be finalized in as little as 2 to 4 weeks. A contested divorce typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of custody, property, and support disputes. Cases involving business valuations, hidden assets, or high-conflict custody may take longer.

Do I need to live in Henderson to file for divorce in Nevada?

You need to be a Nevada resident for at least six weeks under NRS 125.020, but you do not need to live in Henderson specifically. Any Clark County resident — whether in Henderson, Las Vegas, or North Las Vegas — files at the same Clark County Family Court.

Is Nevada a community property state or equitable distribution state?

Nevada is a community property state under NRS 123.220. Community property is divided equally (50/50) in divorce — not “equitably” or “fairly,” but equally. This means both spouses receive half of all property and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property (owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances) is not divided.

How is child custody decided for Henderson families?

Nevada courts use the best interest of the child standard under NRS Chapter 125C. Joint custody is presumed to be in the child’s best interest. The court considers each parent’s relationship with the child, ability to meet the child’s needs, history of domestic violence, and — for older children — the child’s own wishes. School districts and proximity between parents’ homes are practical factors in Henderson custody arrangements.

How is child support calculated in Henderson?

Child support follows a statutory formula under NRS 125B.070: 18% of the non-custodial parent’s gross income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, and 31% for four or more. The court can deviate based on specific circumstances. Use our child support calculator for an estimate.

Can I get spousal support in a Henderson divorce?

Either spouse can request alimony under NRS 125.150. Nevada has no mandatory formula — the court considers 11 statutory factors including income disparity, marriage length, standard of living, and career sacrifices. Many judges use the Tonopah Formula as a starting point. Use our alimony calculator for an estimate.

Do I need to appear in court for my Henderson divorce?

Not always. Many uncontested divorces in Clark County can be finalized on the papers without a court appearance. Contested cases require hearings and potentially a trial. Mediation can resolve many disputed issues without a formal courtroom proceeding.

What if my spouse lives outside Henderson or outside Nevada?

You can still file for divorce in Nevada as long as you meet the six-week residency requirement. Your spouse can be served with divorce papers anywhere in the country. If your spouse lives out of state and does not respond, the court can enter a default judgment. However, the court’s ability to divide out-of-state property or issue certain orders may be limited.

How much does a Henderson divorce cost?

Costs vary based on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and the complexity of the issues. Clark County charges a filing fee for the Complaint or Joint Petition. Attorney fees depend on the level of conflict, the number of hearings, and whether expert witnesses (appraisers, forensic accountants) are needed. Our firm provides transparent fee structures discussed during your initial consultation.

Henderson Divorce Resources

Gastelum Attorneys — Calculators and Tools:

• Nevada Alimony Calculator
• Nevada Child Support Calculator
• Interest & Arrearage Calculator

Clark County Court and Legal Resources:

• Clark County Family Court — Family Division
• Family Law Self-Help Center
• Clark County Court Records & Case Lookup

Henderson Community Resources:

• City of Henderson — Community Resources (includes S.A.F.E. House, Legal Aid Center)

Nevada Statutes:

• NRS Chapter 125 — Dissolution of Marriage
• NRS Chapter 123 — Community Property
• NRS Chapter 125C — Custody and Visitation
• NRS Chapter 125B — Child Support

New Beginnings, Brighter Tomorrows

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every divorce case is unique. Contact a licensed Nevada family law attorney for advice about your specific situation.