Nevada Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

In Nevada, a judgment resolves a dispute and terminates a case. Judgments arise from civil lawsuits and the prosecution of cases that involve debt recovery, property disputes, family law matters, and criminal restitution.

Once entered by the court clerk, a judgment may be legally enforced on the appropriate party through multiple means, including liens, wage garnishments, or negative credit reporting.

What Is a Judgment in Nevada?

In Nevada, at the end of a civil case, the final decision awarded by the judge is called a judgment. After the judge passes a judgment, the creditor must file it with the court clerk. It is a review of the court’s decision, which may compel one party to pay money, transfer property, or stop certain actions. Once entered by the clerk, judgments are binding on all parties involved in the case.

Types of Judgments in Nevada

Plaintiffs may receive different types of judgments from judges in Nevada courts depending on the type of case. Common examples are listed below:

Money Judgments

These types of judgments are widespread in Nebraska. Money judgments force a debtor to pay a creditor a set sum of money arising from unpaid debts, breach of contract, or damages awarded in civil lawsuits. The creditor may start to collect the judgment 10 days after the notice of entry.

Default Judgments

Default judgment is defined under Rule 55 of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure. It is granted by a judge when a defendant fails to plead their case or show up for a hearing. The plaintiff automatically wins the case, and the court generally grants the requested relief to the plaintiff.

Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may recover their funds by filing a judgment lien on a debtor’s real estate. In Nevada, liens are recorded with the county recorder and attach to real estate, preventing its sale or refinancing until the judgment is satisfied. A judgment lien expires six years from the date the judgment was recorded or entered.

Family Court Judgments

Family judgments occur when the Family Division of the District Court presides over family law-related matters. Such issues include child support, custody, or alimony. These judgments are enforced through means such as wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, or liens against property.

Criminal Restitution Judgments

Per state laws, Nevada courts may force the offender to pay restitution to a victim for damages caused by the offender. These function like civil judgments and remain enforceable until they are fully paid.

How to Search for Judgments in Nevada

In Nevada judgment records, individuals may find the case number, the names of the parties, the court location, the judgment date, and the judgment amount. Judgments are public records in Nevada and may be accessed in several ways, including:

• District Court Clerk’s Offices – Court records, which include judgments, are available at the local district court where the case was tried. In-person searches are available at the clerk’s offices, and copies of documents may be obtained for a fee.
• Appellate Courts Case Lookup: The Nevada Judicial Branch offers a Case Lookup portal, allowing individuals to search court records across all counties in the state. They may search for court records, including judgments, by case number or party name.
• County Court Websites: Larger counties, such as Clark and Washoe, maintain online portals where judgment records can be searched directly.
• Third-Party Services – Paid providers may compile judgment data, though official court systems remain the most reliable.

Judgment Records in Major Nevada Counties

While Nevada’s statewide system provides access, county-level courts manage records directly:

• Las Vegas (Clark County): The Clark County District Court maintains judgment records through its Court Records Inquiry system, as well as in person at the Clerk’s Office.
• Reno (Washoe County): Washoe County judgments are available through the District Court Detailed Case Search and the courthouse clerk’s office.
• Elko County: Individuals may request judgment records by email or visit the clerk’s office in person at the local courthouse.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Nevada?

In Nevada, judgments expire six years from the date they were entered or last renewed. In line with NRS 17.214(a), creditors may renew the judgment before the expiration date by filing an affidavit with the clerk of the court. There is no limit on the number of times a creditor can renew their judgment, as long as they renew it before it expires.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Nevada?

Once a judgment is entered in the clerk’s docket, creditors may initiate the process to recover their money. If debtors fail to pay their debts, they may face legal and financial consequences for their actions.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors are permitted to obtain a court order that compels employers to withhold a portion of the debtor’s wages until the judgment is fully paid.
• Judgment Liens: Creditors may record liens against a debtor’s real estate once the estate has been recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds.
• Bank Levies: The court may direct banks to seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account without the debtor's approval and transfer it to the creditor.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments may appear on credit reports and lower the credit scores of the debtors.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After payment is recovered by the creditors, they must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court, confirming that the debtor has completed the payment.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor believes a judgment was entered unfairly or biased, they may appeal to a higher court. Alternatively, an individual may file a Motion to Set Aside Order, Judgment, or Default Form with the clerk of the court to vacate the judgment.