How to Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree in Nevada

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The final divorce decree is the document that makes the divorce official. You'll need an authorized copy of your decree for legal matters, for example, to remarry or to make a claim for Social Security as a former spouse. In Nevada, divorce records are held by the county where the divorce was granted. You can easily obtain a certified copy from the clerk of the courthouse where you were divorced.

Find the Case Number

Look up a family court case online by visiting the website of the court for your county and navigating to the records inquiry page. Follow the instructions on screen. In Clark County, for example, click on "Family Records"; then search the public records by the party's name. Find your case from the list of matching records and make a note of the case number. If the case is sealed, you will not be able to view any information online.

Visit the Court Clerk's Office

Go to the clerk of the family court in the county in which you were divorced. Bring identification as well as the case number. If the record is sealed, the clerk will be able to look it up for you upon presentation of proper identification. Request the number of copies you need. Some counties have posted an Official Records Copy Order Form on the court's website. You can save time by downloading this form before you arrive at the court.

Pay the Fee

The Court makes a nominal charge for photocopies of around $0.50 per page. Your divorce decree can be certified as a true copy of the original for an additional $3.00 per document.

Mail Your Request

You can also obtain a copy of your divorce decree by writing to the clerk of the court in which you were divorced. Include the name of the parties, the date and place of the divorce, the case number, and the number of copies you are requesting. Enclose cash, a money order or certified check for the fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The clerk will use it mail your document or will hold copies for pickup at your request.

Ask Your Divorce Attorney

Another option for obtaining your divorce decree is to contact your divorce attorney. Nevada lawyers are obligated to keep case files for seven years, so if you divorce is relatively recent, he or she may be able to provide a certified copy of your divorce decree.

A Note About Public Searches

Nevada divorce records are public record, which means that anyone can get basic information regarding a divorce unless the papers have been sealed. If you're looking for someone else's divorce records, perhaps because you are researching a family tree, submit a request in writing to the clerk of the relevant court. The Clark County court clerk, for example, holds paper records dating back to 1909 and should be able to find what you are looking for. Include the full name of the person whose records you need, the city where the divorce occurred, and the approximate date of the divorce.