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Finding Court Records in Nevada

Nevada Courts Overview

It helps to understand how the Nevada state court system works when you’re trying to find court records. The Nevada trial court system consists of District Courts, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts.

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases but generally only handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Justice Courts and Municipal courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of cases.

If you prefer, you can start your search by going to Nevada Courts by County.

Nevada District Courts

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, but usually only handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.

Criminal cases heard by District Courts include felonies, gross misdemeanors and lesser-included offenses.

Civil cases heard by District Courts include general civil claims with more than $10,000 in dispute, family law cases, juvenile cases and cases related to abuse and neglect.

Each District Court has a Family Court division with jurisdiction over certain types of cases, including divorce, parentage, abuse prevention, juvenile matters and involuntary hospitalization.

Family Court divisions share jurisdiction with Justice Courts over orders of protection against domestic violence. Family Court divisions share jurisdiction with District Courts over claims for damages that arise out of domestic violence.

Nevada Justice Courts

Justice Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases heard by Justice Courts include misdemeanors.

Civil cases heard by Justice Courts include most general civil claims for less than $10,000, exclusive of interest. Justice Courts also hear other types of civil claims within financial limits, including landlord-tenant, some liens, and collection actions for fines, penalties, forfeitures or taxes. Justice Courts also have a simplified Small Claims procedure for certain types of civil claims within financial limits.

Justice Courts also handle some cases involving orders of protection against domestic violence, orders of protection against workplace harassment and orders of protection against stalking.

Justice Courts cannot hear cases with disputes over boundaries or title to real property, mining claims or disputes over the validity of a tax or assessment or fine.

Nevada Municipal Courts

Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases heard by Municipal Courts include misdemeanor violations of city ordinances and other violations of municipal ordinances.

Civil cases heard by Municipal Courts include violations of municipal ordinances, actions to stop nuisances, some tax collection and other types of claims for less than $2500 that are brought by the city or its agents.

Municipal Courts cannot hear claims related to the validity of a tax, assessment or levy, or the title to real property. Claims beyond the jurisdiction of a Municipal Court will be transferred to a court with jurisdiction over the case.

Where to Find Court Cases in Nevada

The chart below gives general information on the types of cases heard in each type of Nevada court.

Most Cases = Most or all cases.     Some Cases = Some cases.

Case Type Court Type
Civil District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
General Civil - Unlimited Most or All Cases    
General Civil - Limited Some Cases Some Cases  
Small Claims   Most or All Cases  
Civil Equity Some Cases    
Complex Commercial Most or All Cases    
Foreclosures and Liens Some Cases Some Cases  
Real Estate Title and Boundary Some Cases    
Landlord / Tenant   Most or All Cases  
Ordinance Violations   Some Cases Some Cases
Protection, No Contact, and Restraining Orders Some Cases Some Cases  
Administrative Agency Appeals Most or All Cases    
Criminal District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
Felony Most or All Cases    
Felony Preliminary Hearings Some Cases Some Cases  
Misdemeanors Some Cases Most or All Cases Some Cases
Ordinance Violations   Some Cases Some Cases
Juvenile Most or All Cases    
Traffic and Infractions   Some Cases Some Cases
Domestic Relations District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
Divorce Most or All Cases    
Child Custody and Visitation Most or All Cases    
Child Support Most or All Cases    
Paternity Most or All Cases    
Domestic Violence Protection Order Most or All Cases Some Cases  
Juvenile District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
Adoptions Most or All Cases    
Juvenile Delinquency Most or All Cases    
Child Abuse and Neglect Most or All Cases    
Termination of Parental Rights Most or All Cases    
Children in Need of Supervision Most or All Cases    
Mental Health District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
Involuntary Commitments Most or All Cases    
Other Mental Health Cases Most or All Cases    
Probate District Courts Justice Courts Municipal Courts
Wills & Estates Most or All Cases    
Name Changes Most or All Cases    
Trusts Most or All Cases    
Guardianships and Conservatorships Most or All Cases    

Find Nevada Courts by County

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