Nebraska courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and the parents’ ability to cooperate. The goal is a stable environment that supports the child’s emotional, educational, and physical well‑being.

Legal custody refers to decision‑making authority over major aspects of a child’s life (education, healthcare, religion). Physical custody determines where the child lives and how parenting time is shared. Parents can share both, or one parent can have primary custody.

Joint physical custody means both parents have significant, but not necessarily equal, parenting time. Schedules might be week‑on/week‑off, 2‑2‑3, or another rotation. The emphasis is on maintaining strong bonds with both parents.

No. Nebraska law is gender‑neutral. Courts focus entirely on the child’s best interests, not on which parent is the mother or father. What matters is each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs and support a healthy relationship with the other parent.

Courts look at each parent’s involvement, the child’s relationship with parents and siblings, home stability, the physical and mental health of the parents, and each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent.

Not directly. Courts may consider a child’s preference, especially as they grow older, but it’s never the sole deciding factor. The child’s wishes are weighed alongside other evidence about what best serves their overall well‑being.

Shared custody is calculated under Worksheet 3 of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, which accounts for both parents’ incomes and the number of overnights. Shared parenting time usually reduces the overall obligation for the paying parent.

If a parent denies parenting time or refuses to follow the court‑ordered schedule, you can file a motion for contempt. Courts take repeated violations seriously and can impose sanctions, award makeup time, or modify custody in extreme cases.

No. Parenting time and child support are separate legal obligations. Withholding visitation for missed payments can put you in contempt. Unpaid support should be enforced through the court or Child Support Enforcement.

Don’t unilaterally stop visitation. Courts expect parents to encourage compliance with orders. If refusal becomes chronic, document what’s happening and seek legal advice — counseling or schedule adjustments may be appropriate.

To relocate out of Nebraska with your child, you must obtain court approval and a modification of your custody order. You’ll need to show that the move serves legitimate interests (such as employment or remarriage) and the best interests of the child.

If the other parent relocates far enough to impact your schedule, you can request a modification. Courts adjust parenting time to reflect distance, travel expenses, and what remains practical for the child.

Holiday schedules are typically alternated each year (e.g., Thanksgiving even/odd years). Vacations are usually one or two weeks in summer with reasonable notice. Good plans account for travel and special family traditions.

Repeated interference — cancellations, gatekeeping, alienating behavior — can lead to contempt or even a custody modification. Judges view interference as unwillingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Yes. Custody can be changed if there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order — relocation, health changes, or ongoing interference. The change must be significant and affect the child’s welfare.

The court’s priority is safety. A parent with substance abuse or mental health issues may need treatment, testing, or supervised visitation. Demonstrating recovery and compliance with therapy can restore trust over time.

Supervised visitation allows a parent to spend time with their child under the observation of a neutral third party or provider. It’s used when safety or emotional stability is a concern.

Plans for very young children often start with shorter, frequent visits that respect routines and bonding. As the child grows, visits gradually lengthen and transition to overnights.

Mediation lets parents design parenting plans tailored to their family. It’s confidential and keeps decision‑making in your hands instead of the court’s.

If it’s working, that’s a great start — but informal agreements aren’t enforceable. To protect everyone, formalize the arrangement in writing and file it with the court.

We guide parents through every stage — initial plans, modification, and enforcement. We aim for peaceful solutions whenever possible, and we’re prepared to go to court if necessary.