Nevada Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals or businesses to seek relief from some or all of their debts. To file for bankruptcy in Nevada, one must navigate the federal bankruptcy procedure while taking full advantage of Nevada's generous state exemption system. Notably, Nevada has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemption list, so debtors must use Nevada’s exemptions.

Since Nevada has opted out of the federal exemption schedule, debtors must use Nevada’s exemption statute rather than the federal list.

To be eligible for Nevada’s exemptions, you must have lived in Nevada at least 2 years (730 days) before filing. If not, you may be subject to your previous state’s exemptions. Your choice of exemption system affects how much equity you can protect (such as homestead, vehicle, tools, and personal property).

How to File Bankruptcy in Nevada

You may follow this practical step‐by‐step overview to file for bankruptcy in Nevada. Before filing, you must complete a court-approved credit counseling course. Gather your documents, including tax returns, income records (last 6 months or more), bank statements, a list of assets and debts, property titles, and vehicle/mortgage documents. Choose the right chapter and consider exemptions. However, you must use Nevada’s exemptions if you meet residency rules.

File your petition and schedules in the correct Nevada federal bankruptcy division (Las Vegas or Reno). Attorneys must file their cases electronically, while individuals may file their cases (pro se filers). Pay the filing fee or request an installment/waiver (if eligible).

You must attend the 341 meeting of creditors. It is mandatory to appear, present a valid ID, and answer all trustee questions. Complete the debtor education course and respond to all trustee/court communications until discharge or plan completion/confirmation.

Nevada Bankruptcy Types: Chapter 7, Chapter 13 & Chapter 11

Here is how each chapter works in Nevada and how the exemption rules apply.

Chapter 7 (liquidation)

This bankruptcy type is suitable for individuals with lower incomes and unsecured debts. A debtor’s non-exempt assets may be sold to repay their debts. With Nevada’s generous homestead and other exemption caps, you may keep most property if they are properly planned.

Chapter 13 (repayment plan)

Individuals with regular income may reorganize and repay debt over 3–5 years. The required payment must reflect the value of any non-exempt equity under the Nevada exemptions.

Chapter 11 (reorganization)

This chapter is listed mainly for businesses and high-asset or complex-debt individuals. If personal property is involved, Nevada exemptions still apply to what you can keep. With this chapter, you can keep your business while you repay your debts.

Step in Filing for Bankruptcy in Nevada

The following list is useful for filing and tracking bankruptcy cases in Nevada.

• Complete your credit counseling program
• Gather your tax, income, asset, and other necessary documents
• Choose chapter (7, 13, or 11) and confirm if you qualify to use Nevada exemptions (residency)
• File your petition and schedules in the appropriate Nevada court
• Pay the filing fee or request relief
• Attend the 341 meeting of creditors
• Complete a debtor education course
• Respond to trustee or court notices until discharge or plan approval

Nevada Bankruptcy Court & Access to Records

It is important to know where to file bankruptcy cases and how to access the records in Nevada.

Court Locations

The District of Nevada: The headquarters (main office) of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada is located in Las Vegas. The court provides an additional office in Reno. You may report bankruptcy fraud in court. The contact details for the main office are:

Record Access

Interested individuals may access bankruptcy case files from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada. Through the PACER Case Locator, you may access case details. You must register for a free Pacer account and pay a $0.10 fee to search and view the court case files.

An electronic court document may be viewed at no charge on public terminals located at the courthouses in Reno and Las Vegas. Printing charges apply at $0.10 per page copy fee for items printed from public access terminals.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) allows anyone with a touch-tone telephone to access limited bankruptcy case information. This system is free, and individuals may call (866) 222-8029 to access the VCIS.

For copies of cases filed from 2002 downwards, individuals may visit the clerk’s office during office hours, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Monday to Friday). The Clerk's office will make up to 10 copies for a fee of $0.50 per page. It costs $0.50 per page for copies beyond 10, and $12.00 per document for certification.

To obtain uncertified and certified copies by mail, you must submit a written request to the clerk’s office. You must pay a search fee of $34.00 per item and $0.50 per page for record copies.

For documents filed before 2002 and closed cases, you may contact the Federal Records Center of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)