Quick Divorce

Filing a quick divorce presumes all issues are agreed (uncontested) and both spouses must want to terminate the marriage quickly. If either spouse wants to delay dissolution, merely contesting any issue or refusing to sign any required document will stop the process. When both husband and wife do agree, the statutory waiting period (if any), and the time required for the court's administrative procedures determine the maximum time required to end a marriage.

The procedural requirements for a quick divorce

Statutory requirements and restrictions established by rules of civil procedure determine how fast a quick divorce may be granted. In summary, expect the following steps:

1. Filing for divorce - a petition, a signed waiver of service, and proposed orders must be filed with the court, along with required support documents;
2. Waiting period - Nevada has no residency requirement or waiting period. Most states require residency and at least 30 to 90 days before the court may dissolve a marriage;
3. Administrative processing - Courts maintain a docket of all cases scheduled for consideration. Typically, uncontested matters are grouped for judicial economy, and notice of hearing issued on a particular day of the week. For instance, a court may reserve Thursdays to hear uncontested cases.
4. Testimony is required - Usually, one spouse appears and reads testimony into the record to establish jurisdiction, residency, court authority, and relief requested. Uncontested testimony is rarely eventful;
5. Signed Order - Judges review all proposed orders before signing. If the proposed order is approved, the judge will sign the final order terminating the marriage, which is the moment the marriage is terminated, to be effect as of the day signed.

A certified copy of the signed final order is available from the clerk's office for a small fee. This copy is generally satisfactory proof of termination of the marriage, and numerous copies may be required (for each spouse) to change names, ownership, insurance beneficiaries, and many other financial matters required to wind-up the affairs of the marriage.

See Also: No Fault Divorce, Fast Divorce, Filing for Divorce, Quick Divorce Questions