Divorcing a Spouse Hiding Criminal Behavior in Nevada

divorce concept of upset wife suspecting her husband is hiding criminal activities from her

You love someone — or at least, you used to. But now you’ve discovered something you can’t ignore: your spouse is involved in illegal activity. Maybe it’s fraud. Maybe it’s drugs. Maybe it’s something worse. And although they haven’t been caught yet, you don’t want to stay married to someone who’s breaking the law.

Still, leaving feels risky. What if they retaliate? What if they try to turn it around on you? What if they find out you’re planning to file for divorce?

You’re not alone — and you do have options. In Nevada, there are legal ways to protect yourself, your privacy, and your children while you quietly exit a dangerous or dishonest marriage.

Nevada Is a No-Fault State — But Fault Still Matters

Nevada allows for no-fault divorce, which means you don’t have to prove that your spouse did something wrong. You can simply file on the grounds of “incompatibility.”

But if your spouse is breaking the law — whether it’s drug use, financial crimes, or another form of illegal activity — their actions can still affect your divorce case, especially when it comes to child custody, property division, and safety-related court orders.

Even if they haven’t been arrested or charged, a Nevada family court can act on the evidence you provide, especially if your children are in danger or you feel unsafe in your home.

Protecting Yourself and Your Privacy

Leaving someone who’s breaking the law can feel more dangerous than staying. You might fear retaliation, intimidation, or harassment. Nevada law gives you some tools to protect yourself during the process — even if your spouse hasn’t been arrested or charged.

Some important steps include:

  • Filing for a temporary protective order if you feel unsafe
  • Requesting that your address stay confidential in court filings
  • Asking the court for temporary sole custody if children are at risk
  • Using alternate service methods (so your spouse doesn’t find out where you live)

It’s also a good time to quietly secure your personal information. Update passwords on your devices and financial accounts. Limit what you share digitally. And most importantly, speak with our Nevada divorce lawyers before you take any action that might alert your spouse.

You don’t need to wait for police or prosecutors to step in — Nevada’s family courts can act faster to protect your safety and your children’s well-being.

What to Document — and What to Avoid

Before you file, gather important records that can help your case. Focus on:

  • Tax returns and financial documents
  • Bank statements, credit card activity, or Venmo logs
  • Business or employment records
  • Anything that shows a risk to the children (e.g., photos of drugs or weapons in the home)

Be careful not to break the law while trying to gather evidence. For example:

  • Don’t install hidden cameras or record conversations without consent
  • Don’t try to “catch them in the act”
  • Don’t take items from their private devices or accounts

Take Action Before Things Get Worse

You don’t have to wait for an arrest or criminal charge to take back control of your life. If you know your spouse is doing something illegal and you want out, Nevada law gives you options.

The earlier you act, the more power you have to protect yourself and your family. You can leave, stay safe, and do it the right way.

Smith Legal Group is here to help you do that — with confidentiality, compassion, and experience. We can guide you step-by-step — so you don’t have to navigate fear, risk, or legal uncertainty alone.

Contact us at 702-410-5001 to schedule your free consultation. You don’t have to wait for justice to protect yourself.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this blog post should be construed as legal advice. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in this blog post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue.