Nevada Legal Glossary: Plain-Language Definitions

A written statement of facts that a person swears is true, usually signed in front of a notary public or court clerk. Courts accept affidavits as sworn evidence in many filings. Lying in an affidavit can be punished as perjury.

See also: Notarize , Perjury , Evidence

Read more: Nevada divorce forms · Nevada's divorce residency requirement

Money one spouse pays the other during or after a divorce to help with living expenses. A court can order it as a single lump sum or as regular payments. Nevada courts decide alimony case by case — there is no fixed formula.

See also: Decree , Dissolution of marriage , Obligor

Read more: How does alimony work in Nevada? · How is alimony calculated in Nevada?

A court ruling that a marriage was never legally valid, treating it as if it had not happened. It is different from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only on specific legal grounds, such as fraud or a marriage the law never allowed.

See also: Dissolution of marriage , Decree

Read more: How to get an annulment in Nevada

The formal written response a defendant files after being served with a complaint or petition. It admits or denies each claim and raises any defenses. Filing an answer on time is what usually prevents a default judgment.

See also: Complaint , Default judgment , Pleading , Respondent

Read more: How to serve divorce papers in Nevada

A request asking a higher court to review a lower court's decision for legal error. An appeal is not a new trial; the higher court reviews the record from the first case. Appeals must usually be filed within strict deadlines.

See also: Judgment , Verdict , District court

Read more: Nevada courts explained

A criminal defendant's first formal court appearance, where the charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. The court may also address bail and the appointment of a lawyer. It is usually a short hearing early in the case.

See also: Plea , Bail , Defendant

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A work relationship that either the employer or the employee can end at any time, for almost any reason or no reason at all. The main limits are reasons the law forbids, such as illegal discrimination or retaliation. Nevada follows the at-will rule.

See also: Wage claim , Breach of contract

Read more: Is Nevada an at-will state? · Wrongful termination in Nevada

Money or conditions a court sets so that a person accused of a crime can stay out of jail while the case is pending. Bail exists to make sure the person returns to court. If they appear as required, bail money is returned when the case ends.

See also: Bond (bail bond) , Arraignment

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

The legal standard courts use to decide custody and visitation. Instead of favoring either parent, the judge weighs factors about the child's health, safety, and relationships. It is the controlling question in Nevada custody cases.

See also: Custody (child custody) , Parenting plan , Guardian ad litem

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada? · Custody for unmarried parents in Nevada

A ruling that sends a felony or gross misdemeanor case from justice court up to district court for trial. It happens after a preliminary hearing where the judge finds probable cause. A bindover does not decide guilt; it only moves the case forward.

See also: Preliminary hearing , Probable cause , District court , Justice court

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A promise, usually backed by a bail bond company, to pay the full bail amount if the accused person does not come back to court. The person typically pays the company a nonrefundable fee for posting the bond. A bond lets someone be released without paying the entire bail in cash.

See also: Bail

Breaking a legally binding promise — for example, failing to pay, deliver, or perform as agreed. The injured side can sue for the money the broken promise cost them. Most contract lawsuits seek compensation rather than punishment.

See also: Tort , Settlement , Statute of limitations

Read more: Wrongful termination in Nevada

Property and income that spouses acquire during a marriage and own together. Nevada is a community property state, so courts generally divide community property equally in a divorce. Property owned before the marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, is usually separate property instead.

See also: Separate property , Dissolution of marriage , Decree

Read more: How is property divided in a Nevada divorce? · Divorce in Nevada: the complete guide

The document that starts most civil lawsuits. It names the parties, states what happened, and asks the court for relief. The defendant responds to it after being served. Some case types, like divorce, start with a petition instead.

See also: Answer , Summons , Pleading , Petition

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

A case in which the parties disagree about one or more issues, so a judge must decide. A contested divorce, for example, means the spouses have not agreed on everything, such as property or custody. Contested cases usually take longer and cost more than uncontested ones.

See also: Uncontested case , Hearing , Settlement

Read more: How long does a divorce take in Nevada? · How much does a divorce cost in Nevada?

A court order moving a hearing or trial to a later date. Either side can ask for one, and the judge decides whether to grant it. Continuances are a common reason cases take longer than expected.

See also: Hearing , Docket

A parent's legal rights and responsibilities toward a child, usually decided when parents separate or divorce. Custody has two parts: legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives). Courts set custody based on the best interest of the child.

See also: Legal custody , Physical custody , Joint custody , Best interest of the child

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

The court's final written order in certain cases, especially family law. A divorce decree officially ends the marriage and spells out property division, support, and custody terms. Once entered, a decree can be enforced like any other judgment.

See also: Judgment , Dissolution of marriage

Read more: Divorce in Nevada: the complete guide · How to file for divorce in Nevada

A judgment entered against a party who was properly served with a lawsuit but never responded or showed up. The court can grant the other side what it asked for without a trial. Courts can sometimes set aside a default judgment for good cause.

See also: Answer , Judgment , Service of process , Summons

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

The person or business being sued in a civil case, or the person charged in a criminal case. The defendant responds to the complaint or to the charges. In cases started by petition, the responding party is called the respondent instead.

See also: Plaintiff , Respondent , Answer

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · How a criminal case works in Nevada

A formal question-and-answer session taken under oath before trial, usually in a lawyer's office with a court reporter. Each side can question witnesses and parties to learn what they will say. Deposition testimony can be used later in court.

See also: Discovery , Testimony , Subpoena

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

The pre-trial stage where each side must share information and evidence with the other. Its tools include written questions, requests for documents, and depositions. Discovery is designed to prevent surprises at trial.

See also: Deposition , Subpoena , Evidence

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · How a criminal case works in Nevada

The formal legal name for divorce: a court case that ends a valid marriage. Along the way it resolves property, support, and custody. It is different from an annulment, which declares that a marriage was never valid.

See also: Decree , No-fault divorce , Joint petition , Annulment

Read more: Divorce in Nevada: the complete guide

Nevada's main trial court for serious matters, including felony cases, larger civil disputes, divorces, and custody cases. District courts also review appeals from justice court decisions. Each judicial district serves one or more counties.

See also: Justice court , Jurisdiction , Felony

Read more: Nevada district courts

The court's official record of everything filed and every event scheduled in a case. Checking the docket shows deadlines, hearings, and rulings. Each case has its own docket (case) number.

See also: Hearing , Continuance

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

Information presented to prove or disprove facts in a case, such as documents, photos, objects, and witness testimony. Court rules control what evidence a judge or jury may consider. The side making a claim generally has the job of backing it up with evidence.

See also: Testimony , Discovery , Hearing

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · How a criminal case works in Nevada

An employee who is not covered by certain wage-and-hour protections, most often overtime pay. Whether a job is exempt depends on its actual duties and pay, not the job title alone. Common examples include some executive, administrative, and professional roles.

See also: Non-exempt employee , At-will employment , Wage claim

Read more: Nevada overtime laws · Nevada labor laws overview

The most serious class of crime, generally punishable by time in state prison rather than local jail. Felony cases in Nevada are tried in district court. A felony conviction can also carry lasting consequences, such as the loss of certain civil rights.

See also: Gross misdemeanor , Misdemeanor , District court , Indictment

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A court-ordered way to collect money by taking it directly from a person's paycheck or bank account. It is commonly used to collect court judgments and unpaid child support. The law limits how much of a paycheck can be garnished.

See also: Judgment , Lien , Obligor

Read more: How is child support calculated in Nevada?

A group of citizens that reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. If it finds enough evidence, it issues an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and are not a trial.

See also: Indictment , Probable cause , Prosecutor (district attorney)

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A middle category of crime used in Nevada — more serious than an ordinary misdemeanor but less serious than a felony. Gross misdemeanors can carry jail time and fines. The statute that defines each offense says which category it falls into.

See also: Misdemeanor , Felony , Statute

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A person a court appoints to represent a child's best interests during a case, often in custody or abuse matters. The guardian ad litem investigates and reports to the judge. They speak for the child's interests — not for either parent.

See also: Best interest of the child , Custody (child custody)

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A court session where a judge listens to arguments or evidence and usually makes a decision. Hearings are shorter and narrower than trials and happen throughout a case. Some hearings decide the whole case; others resolve a single motion.

See also: Motion , Continuance , Docket

Read more: Nevada eviction process · How a criminal case works in Nevada

A formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury after it finds probable cause. It is one of the two main ways a felony case is charged; the other is an information filed by a prosecutor. An indictment is an accusation, not proof of guilt.

See also: Grand jury , Information (criminal charge) , Probable cause

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A formal criminal charge filed directly by a prosecutor, usually after a judge finds probable cause at a preliminary hearing. It serves the same purpose as a grand jury indictment. Like an indictment, it is only an accusation.

See also: Indictment , Preliminary hearing , Prosecutor (district attorney)

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A court order requiring someone to do something or to stop doing something. Courts issue injunctions when money damages alone would not fix the harm. Violating an injunction can be punished as contempt of court.

See also: Protective order , Motion , Writ

A custody arrangement in which parents share rights or time. Joint legal custody means sharing major decisions; joint physical custody means the child spends substantial time living with each parent. Nevada law favors keeping both parents involved when that serves the child's best interest.

See also: Legal custody , Physical custody , Primary physical custody , Best interest of the child

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A single court filing that both parties sign and submit together. In Nevada, spouses who agree on every issue can end their marriage with a joint petition for divorce, which is usually much faster than a contested case.

See also: Uncontested case , Petition , Dissolution of marriage

Read more: How to file for divorce in Nevada · Divorce in Nevada: the complete guide

The court's final decision in a case, stating who wins and what each party owes or must do. If a judgment is not obeyed, it can usually be enforced through tools like garnishment and liens. Deadlines to appeal generally run from the date the judgment is entered.

See also: Decree , Verdict , Garnishment , Lien , Appeal

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · Nevada small claims court

A court's legal power to hear a certain kind of case and to bind the people in it. It covers both the subject of the case and the parties involved. A judgment from a court that lacked jurisdiction can be challenged.

See also: Venue , District court , Justice court

Read more: Nevada courts explained

A Nevada court that handles smaller civil cases, small claims, most evictions, misdemeanors, and the early stages of felony cases. Justice courts serve townships within each county. Many people appear there without a lawyer.

See also: District court , Small claims , Summary eviction , Preliminary hearing

Read more: Nevada justice courts

The right to make major decisions for a child, such as education, health care, and religious upbringing. It is separate from where the child lives. Parents can share legal custody even when the child lives mostly with one of them.

See also: Physical custody , Joint custody , Custody (child custody)

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A legal claim against property as security for a debt. A lien does not take the property away, but it can block a sale or refinance until the debt is paid. Court judgments, unpaid taxes, and unpaid contractors are common sources of liens.

See also: Judgment , Garnishment

Read more: Nevada final paycheck law

Any person or organization involved in a lawsuit — a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent. The word simply means someone who is litigating. Self-represented litigants appear in court without a lawyer.

See also: Party , Pro se (self-represented)

Read more: Nevada small claims court

A process in which a neutral person helps the parties try to reach their own agreement instead of having a judge decide. The mediator does not take sides and does not issue rulings. Family courts often send custody disputes to mediation before trial.

See also: Settlement , Stipulation , Parenting plan

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A lower-level crime, generally punishable by fines or time in local jail rather than state prison. Misdemeanors are usually handled in justice or municipal courts. Many traffic offenses are misdemeanors.

See also: Gross misdemeanor , Felony , Justice court

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A formal written request asking the court to do something in a case — for example, to dismiss a claim or to change a temporary order. The other side can respond, and the judge rules, often after a hearing. Cases are shaped by the motions filed along the way.

See also: Hearing , Pleading , Stipulation

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · How a criminal case works in Nevada

A divorce granted without either spouse having to prove the other did something wrong; incompatibility is enough. Nevada is a no-fault state, so marital misconduct generally does not decide whether a divorce is granted.

See also: Dissolution of marriage , Joint petition

Read more: Is Nevada a no-fault divorce state? · Divorce in Nevada: the complete guide

An employee covered by wage-and-hour protections such as minimum wage and overtime. Most hourly workers are non-exempt. Coverage depends on the job's duties and pay, not on its title.

See also: Exempt employee , Wage claim

Read more: Nevada overtime laws · Nevada minimum wage

To have a notary public verify a signer's identity and witness the signing of a document. The notary adds a seal or stamp showing the signature is genuine. Many sworn documents, including most affidavits, must be notarized.

See also: Affidavit

Read more: Nevada divorce forms

The person owed money under a support order — usually the parent or former spouse who receives the payments. In child support cases, the obligee receives support on the child's behalf.

See also: Obligor , Garnishment

Read more: How is child support calculated in Nevada?

The person ordered to pay under a support order — the one who owes the payments. If an obligor falls behind, the order can be enforced through tools like wage withholding.

See also: Obligee , Garnishment

Read more: How is child support calculated in Nevada? · When does child support end in Nevada?

A written agreement or court order that spells out how separated parents will share time and decisions for their child. It typically covers the weekly schedule, holidays, exchanges, and how future disputes will be handled. Courts review parenting plans against the best interest of the child.

See also: Custody (child custody) , Visitation , Best interest of the child , Stipulation

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A person or organization formally named in a case — a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent. Only parties are bound by the court's judgment. Witnesses are not parties.

See also: Litigant , Plaintiff , Defendant , Petitioner , Respondent

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

The legal identification of a child's father. It can be established voluntarily, by signing an acknowledgment, or through a court case that may include genetic testing. Establishing paternity opens the door to custody, visitation, and child support for unmarried parents.

See also: Custody (child custody) , Visitation , Obligor

Read more: Custody for unmarried parents in Nevada

A Latin term meaning "per day." In legal and workplace settings it usually refers to a daily allowance for expenses, or to interest or penalties that add up each day.

Knowingly lying under oath, whether in court testimony or in a sworn document like an affidavit. Perjury is itself a crime. The oath is what separates perjury from ordinary lying.

See also: Affidavit , Testimony

A formal written request that starts certain kinds of cases, such as divorce or guardianship. It plays the same role a complaint plays in other civil lawsuits. The person who files it is the petitioner.

See also: Petitioner , Respondent , Complaint , Joint petition

Read more: How to file for divorce in Nevada

The person who files a petition and starts a case, such as a divorce. The other side is called the respondent. In lawsuits started by complaint, the filer is called the plaintiff instead.

See also: Respondent , Petition , Plaintiff

Read more: How to file for divorce in Nevada

The part of custody about where the child lives and which parent provides day-to-day care. It can be joint, with substantial time at each parent's home, or primary, with the child living mostly with one parent while the other has visitation.

See also: Legal custody , Joint custody , Primary physical custody , Visitation

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

The person or business that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint. The plaintiff carries the burden of proving the claims. In cases started by petition, the filer is called the petitioner instead.

See also: Defendant , Complaint , Petitioner

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

A criminal defendant's formal answer to the charges: guilty, not guilty, or, where allowed, no contest. Pleas are usually entered at arraignment and can sometimes be changed later. A guilty plea gives up the right to a trial.

See also: Plea agreement (plea bargain) , Arraignment , Defendant

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A deal between the prosecutor and the defendant in which the defendant pleads guilty, often to fewer or lesser charges, in exchange for concessions. The judge must approve it. Most criminal cases end in a plea agreement rather than a trial.

See also: Plea , Prosecutor (district attorney)

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

The formal documents that frame a case — mainly the complaint or petition and the answer. Pleadings state each side's claims and defenses. Later filings, like motions, are technically not pleadings, although people often use the word loosely.

See also: Complaint , Answer , Petition , Motion

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

A proceeding in a felony or gross misdemeanor case where a justice court judge decides whether there is probable cause to send the case to district court. It is a screening step, not a trial. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over.

See also: Bindover , Probable cause , Justice court , District court

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

An arrangement in which the child lives mainly with one parent. The other parent typically has scheduled visitation. Whether custody is joint or primary often affects how child support is calculated.

See also: Physical custody , Joint custody , Visitation

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada? · How is child support calculated in Nevada?

Representing yourself in court without a lawyer; "pro se" is Latin for "for oneself." Self-represented litigants must follow the same rules as lawyers. Nevada's court self-help centers publish forms and instructions for common case types.

See also: Litigant , Party

Read more: Nevada divorce forms

A reasonable basis, grounded in facts, to believe a crime was committed and that a particular person committed it. It is the standard for arrests, search warrants, and sending felony cases to trial. It requires more than suspicion but far less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

See also: Preliminary hearing , Grand jury , Indictment

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A person who delivers court papers, such as a summons and complaint, to the people involved in a case. Rules control who may serve papers and how it must be done. Proper service is what allows the court to proceed against the person served.

See also: Service of process , Summons

Read more: How to serve divorce papers in Nevada

The government lawyer who brings and pursues criminal charges. In Nevada counties this is generally the district attorney's office. The prosecutor represents the public — not the crime victim personally.

See also: Defendant , Plea agreement (plea bargain) , Grand jury , Information (criminal charge)

Read more: How a criminal case works in Nevada

A court order designed to protect a person from harassment, threats, or violence — often by ordering someone to stay away and have no contact. Courts can issue temporary orders quickly and longer orders after a hearing. Violating a protective order is a crime.

See also: Injunction , Hearing

Read more: Nevada courts explained

Extra money a court can award to punish especially bad conduct and discourage others from repeating it, on top of the money that compensates the injured person. They are reserved for conduct like fraud, malice, or oppression. Not every winning case qualifies.

See also: Tort , Judgment

Read more: Wrongful termination in Nevada

The person who answers a petition — the non-filing side in cases like divorce or custody. The respondent's role matches the defendant's role in other civil cases.

See also: Petitioner , Answer , Defendant

Property that belongs to one spouse alone — usually anything owned before the marriage or received during it by gift or inheritance. In a divorce it is generally confirmed to its owner rather than divided. Mixing separate and community property can complicate that.

See also: Community property

Read more: How is property divided in a Nevada divorce?

The formal delivery of court papers that tells a person they are being sued and gives the court power over them. Strict rules govern how and when it happens. A case generally cannot move forward against someone who was never properly served.

See also: Process server , Summons , Default judgment

Read more: How to serve divorce papers in Nevada

An agreement that ends a dispute before or during trial, usually with each side giving something up. Most civil cases settle rather than go to a verdict. A settlement is a contract, and courts can enforce it.

See also: Stipulation , Mediation , Verdict

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada

A simplified court process for smaller money disputes, designed so people can present their own cases without lawyers. In Nevada, small claims cases are heard in justice court, and the maximum dollar amount is set by law. Procedures are faster and less formal than in a regular lawsuit.

See also: Justice court , Judgment

Read more: Nevada small claims court

A written law passed by a legislature. Nevada's statutes are collected in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), organized by chapter and section. Statutes differ from regulations, which agencies write, and from case law, which courts develop.

See also: Statute of limitations

Read more: Browse the Nevada Revised Statutes

The legal deadline for starting a case. Once it passes, the claim is usually barred no matter how strong it is. Different kinds of claims have different deadlines, and certain events can pause — or "toll" — the clock.

See also: Tolling , Statute

Read more: Nevada statute of limitations guide

An agreement between the parties in a case, filed with the court, about facts or about how the case will proceed. Once the judge approves it, it usually binds both sides. Stipulations save time by removing issues from dispute.

See also: Settlement , Parenting plan , Motion

Read more: How is child support calculated in Nevada? · When does child support end in Nevada?

A court order requiring a person to appear and testify, to hand over documents, or both. Ignoring a subpoena can be punished as contempt of court. Subpoenas are a core tool of discovery and trial.

See also: Deposition , Discovery , Testimony

A fast-track court process for removing a tenant, most often for unpaid rent. It moves on a compressed timeline compared with an ordinary civil lawsuit. In Nevada, most residential summary evictions are handled in justice court.

See also: Justice court , Writ

Read more: Nevada justice courts

The official notice telling a person they have been sued and must respond by a deadline. It is served together with the complaint. Ignoring a summons risks a default judgment.

See also: Complaint , Service of process , Default judgment

Read more: How to serve divorce papers in Nevada

Statements a witness gives under oath, in court or at a deposition. Testimony is a form of evidence, and lying in testimony is perjury. Witnesses can be compelled to testify by subpoena.

See also: Evidence , Deposition , Perjury , Subpoena

Pausing the statute-of-limitations clock. Certain circumstances — for example, the person entitled to sue being a minor — can stop the deadline from running for a time. When the tolling period ends, the clock starts again.

See also: Statute of limitations

Read more: Nevada statute of limitations guide

A wrongful act, other than breaking a contract, that injures someone and lets them sue for damages. Negligence in a car crash, defamation, and battery are classic torts. Tort cases are civil — even when the same act is also a crime.

See also: Breach of contract , Punitive damages , Statute of limitations

A case in which the parties agree on every issue, so the court mostly reviews and approves their agreement. An uncontested divorce in Nevada can proceed by joint petition and is usually faster and cheaper than a contested one.

See also: Contested case , Joint petition , Stipulation

Read more: How to file for divorce in Nevada · How long does a divorce take in Nevada?

The particular court location where a case should be filed — usually tied to where the parties live or where the events happened. Venue is about the right courthouse; jurisdiction is about a court's power. A case filed in the wrong venue can be moved.

See also: Jurisdiction

Read more: Nevada courts explained

The decision a jury reaches at the end of a trial, or a judge's decision in a trial without a jury. In a criminal case it is guilty or not guilty; in a civil case it decides liability and damages. The court then enters judgment on the verdict.

See also: Judgment , Appeal

Read more: How a civil lawsuit works in Nevada · How a criminal case works in Nevada

Scheduled time a child spends with a parent who does not have primary physical custody — sometimes called parenting time. Courts set visitation as part of the custody order, guided by the child's best interest. In some situations, grandparents and others can also ask for visitation.

See also: Physical custody , Primary physical custody , Parenting plan

Read more: How does child custody work in Nevada?

A formal complaint by a worker seeking unpaid wages, such as missing overtime, an unpaid final paycheck, or minimum-wage shortfalls. In Nevada, wage claims are typically filed with the Office of the Labor Commissioner, and workers may also sue in court.

See also: Non-exempt employee , At-will employment

Read more: Nevada labor laws overview · Nevada final paycheck law

Giving up a known legal right — in writing, by saying so, or sometimes by conduct. For example, courts can waive filing fees for people who cannot afford them. Some rights cannot be waived at all.

See also: Stipulation

Read more: How much does a divorce cost in Nevada?

A court order commanding a specific act. Common examples include a writ of execution, used to collect a judgment, and a writ of restitution, used to return property at the end of an eviction. Higher courts also use writs to review certain lower-court decisions.

See also: Judgment , Summary eviction , Injunction

Read more: Nevada court filing fees