Family Law
Reno Domestic Partnership Attorney
Nevada domestic-partnership formation, dissolution, and rights under NRS Chapter 122A.
Nevada’s domestic-partnership statute (NRS 122A) gives registered partners essentially the same state-law rights as married spouses — including community-property rules, support obligations, and dissolution procedure. Federal recognition is more limited, which matters for tax, immigration, and benefits planning.
What this practice area covers
Domestic-partnership matters Jessica handles.
- Domestic-partnership registration under NRS 122A.100
- Dissolution of domestic partnership — same procedure as divorce under NRS 125
- Property division — Nevada community-property rules apply
- Partner support (analog to alimony)
- Child custody and support for partnership children
- Conversion to marriage under federal recognition
- Cohabitation agreements for unregistered partners
- Estate planning coordination with family-law issues
Approach
State law and federal law diverge
Nevada treats registered domestic partners almost identically to spouses for state-law purposes. Federal law is different — the IRS, Social Security, and immigration authorities don’t generally recognize domestic partnerships the same way. Family-law decisions for Nevada partners often need to be coordinated with tax counsel and (for immigration) immigration counsel to avoid losing benefits available only to spouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nevada domestic partnership — frequently asked questions
What is a Nevada domestic partnership?+
A legal status under NRS 122A available to two adults who share a common residence, are jointly responsible for living expenses, and meet other statutory criteria. Registered domestic partners receive most state-law spousal rights including community-property treatment and dissolution procedures.
How do I register a domestic partnership in Nevada?+
File a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Nevada Secretary of State under NRS 122A.100. Both partners must be at least 18, share a common residence, not be in another marriage or partnership, and not be too closely related under Nevada law.
Is a Nevada domestic partnership the same as marriage?+
Nearly identical for state-law purposes — community property, family-law rights, and dissolution procedures. Federal differences remain in tax, Social Security, immigration, and ERISA contexts.
How do you dissolve a Nevada domestic partnership?+
Through the same court procedure as divorce under NRS 125 — petition for dissolution, financial disclosure, property division, support determination, and (where applicable) custody and support for children of the partnership.
Can same-sex partners marry instead of registering as domestic partners in Nevada?+
Yes — Nevada has recognized same-sex marriage since 2014. Many couples choose marriage for federal recognition. Existing domestic partnerships continue under NRS 122A; partners can also convert to marriage.
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Confidential. Direct attorney access. Twenty years of Nevada family-law practice.