Protect the life you’ve already built

As a mother, you’ve carried the weight of raising your child — often without recognition, sometimes without support. Now, with custody on the line, you may be worried about protecting the stability you’ve worked so hard to create. At Plains Legal Group, we understand your story and your sacrifices. Our role is to secure a custody arrangement that reflects your child’s needs and preserves the foundation you’ve already built for their future.

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 Child Custody Guide for Single Mothers

Protecting Your Child, Your Rights, and Your Peace of Mind


Introduction: You’ve Been the Anchor—Now Let’s Secure the Foundation

As a single mom in Nebraska, you’ve likely shouldered more than your share of parenting responsibilities—without help, without recognition, and sometimes without legal protection.

Now, you're facing a custody case, and you’re wondering:

  • “Will I lose time with my child?”

  • “Does he really get to come back into our lives after being absent for so long?”

  • “How can I protect my child without starting a war?”

At Plains Legal Group, we believe your story matters. We know how hard you’ve worked, how much you’ve sacrificed, and what’s at stake. Our job is to help you secure a custody arrangement that protects your child’s well-being—and reflects the life you’ve already built.

We’re here to give you clarity, control, and peace of mind.

Greg Lake | Founder

Establishing Custody and Paternity

In Nebraska, unmarried mothers automatically have sole legal and physical custody—until a court order says otherwise.

But if the father files a paternity or custody action, the court will begin a legal process to determine:

  • Paternity (if not legally established)

  • Custody (legal and physical)

  • Parenting time

  • Child support

If paternity hasn’t been legally established, you do not have to allow parenting time until the court issues an order. But keep in mind: once paternity is confirmed, the court will begin crafting a custody order based on the child’s best interests.

What Are the Child’s Best Interests

Nebraska judges consider:

  • The child’s relationship with each parent

  • The emotional ties and caregiving history

  • The child’s age, health, and developmental needs

  • Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable home

  • Domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse

  • Each parent’s willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other

You don’t need to prove your child’s father is a bad parent. You just need to show what’s best for your child going forward—and that means putting structure and safety above entitlement.

What If the Father Hasn’t Been Involved

If he has never met the child—or has been absent for years—the court may:

  • Specific pick-up/drop-off times and locations

  • Limits on substance use during parenting time

  • Supervised visits (if needed)

  • Required counseling before contact

  • Rules around communication, travel, and schedule changes

We’re not here to “punish” the father—we’re here to protect your child.

You’re Not Alone in This Process

We work with moms just like you who:

  • Have done all the parenting, all along

  • Are afraid of losing control of their child’s life

  • Want peace, not conflict—but need protection too

  • Don’t want their child caught in a legal tug-of-war

You deserve a legal team that listens, explains the process, and helps you stay in control.

When to Settle vs. When to Stand Firm

At Plains Legal Group, we don’t believe every case belongs in court. But some do.

We settle when:

  • The father is cooperative and child-focused

  • You agree on a realistic parenting plan

  • It’s in the child’s best interests to avoid litigation

We go to court when:

  • He refuses to listen to professionals

  • He tries to bully or gaslight you

  • The child’s safety or stability is at risk

We believe in solutions—but we never hesitate to litigate when it protects your child.

Bonus Checklist: What to Bring to Your Attorney

Bring these to your consultation:

  • Any past communications with the father (texts, emails, social media)

  • A timeline of the father’s involvement or absence

  • School or medical records showing your role as the primary parent

  • A proposed parenting plan (we can help build it)

  • A record of child-related expenses

  • Any concerns about safety or emotional harm

Choosing the Right Attorney

You’ve already done the hardest job—raising your child with love, consistency, and strength. Now, it’s time to make sure the law catches up with reality.

Let us help you build a legal plan that protects what you’ve already created. We’ll help you secure your child’s future—and your peace of mind.

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