Your children deserve you | protect the bond that matters

As a father, you may wonder if the courts will truly recognize your role in your child’s life. Whether you’ve shared parenting responsibilities from day one or are seeking to establish your place after time apart, custody isn’t just about visitation schedules — it’s about protecting the bond you share with your children. At Plains Legal Group, we fight for fathers to be treated as essential, not optional. Our focus is on securing parenting arrangements that reflect your involvement, protect your rights, and prioritize your child’s stability and well-being.

Custody Is More Than a Schedule

Custody Is About More Than Time

Custody isn’t just about calendars and court orders — it’s about your child’s stability, safety, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a mother or father, your role as a parent matters. We start by listening to your story, your child’s needs, and what “family” looks like in your life.

Clarity in Custody Law

Nebraska custody law focuses on the “best interests of the child,” but that can feel vague or uncertain when your future is at stake. From legal vs. physical custody to parenting plans and court expectations, we simplify the process so you know exactly what factors judges consider and how to prepare.

Child-Focused, Resolution-Driven

Our philosophy is simple: we protect the bond between parent and child without making things worse. We pursue negotiated parenting plans and mediation wherever possible, but we’re fully prepared to litigate when safety, fairness, or stability demands it. Our goal is not just to win custody orders, but to help secure your child’s future.

The Nebraska Custody Guide for Dads

How to Protect Your Rights, Your Time, and Your Bond with Your Children

Introduction: Your Children Deserve You

If you're a father facing custody issues in Nebraska, you might be wondering:


"Do dads even have a chance?"

The answer is: Yes, you absolutely do. And at Plains Legal Group, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your relationship with your children is protected.

Our firm is built on one principle: we’re about the family, not the fight. That means we pursue solutions, not battles—while standing firm when your rights as a father are on the line.

This guide will help you understand custody law in Nebraska, avoid common mistakes, and advocate effectively for your role in your children’s lives.

Greg Lake | Founder

Understanding Custody in Nebraska

IIn Nebraska, custody is broken into two parts:

  • Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions (education, medical care, religion)

  • Physical Custody: Where the children live and how parenting time is divided

You can have:

  • Joint Custody: Shared decision-making or parenting time

  • Sole Custody: One parent has full legal or physical responsibility

The default assumption is not that moms get everything. The law focuses on the best interests of the child—and that includes strong involvement from both parents.

Best Interests of the Child – What Judges Consider

Courts weigh several factors, including:

  • The child’s relationship with each parent

  • The parent’s ability to provide stability

  • History of parenting involvement

  • The willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other

  • Domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect (if present)

Judges care about involvement, maturity, and stability. Show up. Stay calm. Be consistent.

Common Challenges Fathers Face—and How to Overcome Them

“She’s alienating the kids from me.”
Keep records. Stay respectful. The court takes parental alienation seriously.

“She’s accusing me of things that aren’t true.”
Document everything. We know how to counter false narratives with facts, not emotions.

“I moved out and now she won’t let me see the kids.”
Leaving the home doesn’t mean giving up your rights. We’ll help restore a parenting schedule ASAP.

Your Rights as a Dad

  • You have the right to petition for joint or sole custody

  • You have the right to parenting time—even if you weren’t married to the child’s mother

  • You have the right to be notified of medical, educational, and legal decisions

  • You have the right to seek modification if your circumstances change

Most importantly: you have the right to be a dad. We’ll help you protect it.

Parenting Plans & Schedules

Nebraska requires a Parenting Plan in all custody cases. It should cover:

  • Weekly schedules

  • Holidays and birthdays

  • Transportation

  • School and medical decisions

  • How you’ll handle disputes

We help fathers craft parenting plans that are fair, realistic, and judge-approved—without being bullied into one-sided deals.

When to Settle vs. When to Fight

We believe in negotiated parenting plans. They reduce conflict, give you more control, and are usually better for your children.

But if negotiation fails?

We go to court with:

  • Clear documentation

  • Strategic testimony

  • Expert witnesses (when needed)

  • A plan focused on your child’s needs—not just your rights

How to Be Your Best Advocate

Even before court, your behavior matters. Here's what helps:

  • Stay involved—attend school events, doctor visits, and activities

  • Communicate respectfully, especially in writing

  • Avoid social media rants or text fights

  • Follow temporary orders to the letter

  • Keep records of everything

Every interaction can become evidence. Be consistent, respectful, and focused on your child’s well-being.

Why Your Lawyer Matters

Ask any attorney you consider:

  • How many custody cases have you handled for dads?

  • Do you understand what judges look for in parenting plans?

  • Will you fight for equal time—or tell me to settle?

At Plains Legal Group:

  • We advocate for equal, meaningful time between dads and their children

  • We build a clear strategy from Day One

  • We pursue peace—but prepare for court

Bonus Checklist: Prepare for a Strong Parenting Case

Have ready:

  • A proposed parenting schedule

  • A calendar showing past involvement (pickups, activities)

  • Communications with the other parent

  • School records, if relevant

  • Witnesses who’ve seen you parent

  • Your child’s needs, interests, routines

Bonus Checklist: Prepare for a Strong Parenting Case

Being a good father isn't a legal argument—it’s a lived truth. You’re not just fighting for “custody.” You’re protecting a bond that matters every day, for the rest of your child’s life.

We’re here to help you protect that bond, without starting a war.

Let’s build a parenting plan that reflects who you are—and who your children need.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal support, consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (402) 603-1112

Address Office: 1299 Farnam St, Suite 370, Omaha Nebraska 68102