Find the Best Divorce Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV

How to choose a divorce attorney in Las Vegas

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada has a divorce rate of 4.5 out of 1,000 residents. While that’s a significant drop from the 1990 rate of 11.4, it’s still the highest divorce rate in the U.S. and above the national average of 3.2 per 1,000.

Because of Nevada’s high divorce rate, many law firms and attorneys specialize in this field. Each lawyer has different areas of expertise, however, and choosing the right one for your situational and personality is crucial to a less stressful divorce process and favorable outcome.

Getting a divorce in Las Vegas

Nevada is a no-fault divorce state, which means the legal proceedings do not attempt to place blame on either party for the breakdown of the marriage. To file for divorce in Las Vegas, the person seeking the divorce needs to claim one of three reasons:

• The spouses are incompatible
• The couple have lived separately for at least one year
• One party to the marriage has been legally insane for at least two years

If both parties agree to the divorce, they can jointly file for a summary divorce. To qualify for a summary divorce, which is a streamlined, more efficient process, the divorce must be uncontested, meaning there are no disputes about alimony or the division of property, and the couple must have no children.

If there are disputes, it’s considered a contested divorce. There are several ways to settle the terms of a contested divorce, including:

• Collaborative divorce is ideal for couples who remain amicable but do not agree on the division of marital property. Under a collaborative divorce, the couple agree to work together to find a resolution to any disputed issues. The couple presents the divorce agreement to a judge, who approves it.
• Default divorces are granted if one party does not respond or cannot be found after their spouse files with the court.
• Mediation uses a neutral third party to keep communication open and present proposals to disputed issues. Either party can reject the proposal and may proceed to litigation or other measures if the process does not resolve contested issues.
• Arbitration uses a neutral third party who serves as a private judge on any disputed issues. Unlike in mediation, an arbitrator listens to both sides and then presents a binding decision the divorcing spouses must follow.
• Litigation is usually a last resort and requires presenting your case to a family law judge, who then makes binding decisions on disputed issues. This is the most time-consuming and expensive way to handle contested issues.

The cost of divorce lawyers in Las Vegas

Divorce attorney fees vary widely. Your costs depend on the firm you choose and your specific case. Most divorce attorneys charge by the hour, and the average rate for a Las Vegas divorce attorney is $260 an hour.

The average cost for a divorce in Las Vegas is around $13,500, with close to $11,000 of that coming from attorneys’ fees. Uncontested cases are less expensive, while contentious and heavily disputed cases take longer and run up more costs. Issues that typically increase the price of divorce include:

• Custody of children
• Owning a business
• Division of high-value assets
• Alimony disputes

It’s common for law firms to offer a free initial consultation. However, most lawyers ask for a retainer, which is an upfront fee from which they draw costs, after being hired. The amount of the retainer may depend on the complexity of the case.

What to consider when hiring a divorce attorney in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas market is saturated with wonderful family law attorneys, but not all are a good fit for your case. To find a divorce lawyer you connect with, here are a few things to think about:

• Case Complexity: If a large number of assets or capital are involved, you should work with an attorney who has experience dividing six-figure properties. Similarly, parents who are preparing for a custody battle need someone with a history of winning court cases and expertise in child custody agreements.
• Price: How much do you want to spend? You should have an idea of a figure before you start approaching lawyers. While this shouldn’t be a deciding factor in your choice, be sure you can pay the attorney through the entire process.
• Personality: You won’t feel comfortable with a divorce attorney if you dislike them. Finding one compatible with your personality is vital to reducing your stress during divorce and increases your chances of being satisfied with the final results.

Schedule an initial consultation with several different attorneys and ask them about their experience with cases similar to yours. The consequences of divorce are long-lasting, and having the right attorney protecting your interests can make a significant difference in the outcome.