Divorce Ranches

Mar 18, 2024

Discover the rise of divorce ranches in 1930s Nevada as a unique resort solution amidst relaxed divorce laws. Learn about the famous cases, societal fascination, and legal challenges that shaped Reno as the divorce capital. Explore the evolution of Nevada's divorce laws, including the controversial inclusion of 'extreme cruelty'. Dive into the culture of divorce ranches, celebrity divorces, and the eventual decline with the enactment of no-fault divorce laws in other states.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Nevada: A Haven for Divorce Seekers

03:29 • 8min

Exploring Nevada's Quickie Divorces and Divorce Ranches

11:29 • 4min

Nevada's Divorce Laws Evolution

15:17 • 7min

Dissolving Marriages on the Ranch

22:23 • 5min

The Rise and Fall of Divorce Ranches in Nevada

27:23 • 12min

Conversations about Zigazoo and Shared Memories, followed by eBay Motors Ad

39:44 • 2min

Divorce ranches sprung up in the 1930s when Nevada relaxed its divorce laws. This unique and controversial style of resort was incredibly popular for several decades before becoming obsolete.

Research:

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Bromley, John. “Two ‘Divorce Ranches’ Still Thriving.” Nevada State Journal. April 27, 1969. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1010901428/?terms=divorce%20ranch&match=1
Miller, Wendy. “Divorce Ranch Owners Take Issue With Magazine Story.” Nevada State Journal. July 8, 1965. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1010619253/?terms=divorce%20ranch&match=1
“Editor’s Comment – Not New.” Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. June 5, 1931. https://www.newspapers.com/image/683040112/?terms=nevada%20divorce&match=1
Flat Rate Divorce Ranch Neely’s Latest Venture.” Shamokin News-Dispatch. January 7, 1932. https://www.newspapers.com/image/68323301/?terms=divorce%20ranch&match=1
“High Society.” Reno Divorce History. https://renodivorcehistory.org/themes/the-rich-and-famous/high-society/
Holmes, A.S. (1999). “Don’t Frighten the Horses”: the Russell Divorce Case. In: Robb, G., Erber, N. (eds) Disorder in the Court. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781403934314_8
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“Nevada;s Easy Divorces O.K. in Other States.” Evansville Press. June 9, 1931. https://www.newspapers.com/image/764481281/?terms=nevada%20divorce&match=1
“Reno Divorce History.” University of Nevada, Reno Libraries. https://renodivorcehistory.org/
Salisbury, Vanita. “Welcome to Splitsville: How Reno Became the Divorce Capital of the World.” Thrillist. July 22, 2022. https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/nevada-divorce-ranches-history
Savanapridi, Shane. “Las Vegas Divorce Ranches.” City of Las Vegas. Feb. 14, 2020. https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/las-vegas-divorce-ranches#:~:text=The%20divorce%20ranch%20was%20the,bills%20to%20spur%20economic%20growth.
“Sisters Tell Tales From The 'Divorce Ranch.’” StoryCorps. NPR. July 16, 2010. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128545233
Wernick, Robert. “Where You Went if You Really Had to Get Unhitched.” Smithsonian. June 1996. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/where-you-went-if-you-really-had-to-get-unhitched-1-41543097/
Vlosky, Denese Ashbaugh, and Pamela A. Monroe. “The Effective Dates of No-Fault Divorce Laws in the 50 States.” Family Relations, vol. 51, no. 4, 2002, pp. 317–24. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3700329

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