To start a divorce in Nebraska, one spouse files a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage in the District Court of the county where either spouse lives. The court then issues a summons, and the other spouse must be formally served. Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state, which means you only need to show that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

The cost depends on whether the case is uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce may only involve filing fees and a modest attorney fee, while contested cases involving custody or property disputes can range from several thousand dollars upward.

Either you or your spouse must have lived in Nebraska for at least one year before filing. If you were married in Nebraska and have lived here your entire married life, the one-year rule can be waived.

Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), a Nebraska court usually needs the child to have lived here for six months before it can decide custody. Exceptions exist for emergency situations or when both parents agree Nebraska should handle the case.

No. Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state. You don’t have to prove wrongdoing such as adultery or abuse. The only legal ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Fault may still matter when dividing property or determining custody, but it’s not required to end the marriage.

Nebraska has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the other spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces often finish within a few months, while contested cases can take longer depending on court schedules and discovery issues.

A spouse cannot prevent a divorce by refusing to sign. If they’re properly served and fail to respond, the case can proceed by default. The judge may grant the divorce and divide property even without their cooperation.

A legal separation doesn’t end the marriage but allows couples to live apart with formal court orders for custody, support, or property. A divorce ends the marriage entirely. Many people start with separation while working toward resolution.

Nebraska follows an equitable distribution rule — meaning property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider factors like the length of marriage, contributions of each spouse, and economic circumstances.

Custody is divided into legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives). Nebraska courts focus on the best interests of the child, often encouraging shared parenting when it’s healthy and safe.

Child support follows the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, which account for both parents’ incomes, parenting time, health insurance, and daycare costs. Support can be modified later if income or parenting time changes significantly.

Possibly. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and their contributions during the marriage. There’s no automatic formula for alimony — it’s decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you both agree on property, custody, and support, you can file an uncontested divorce. These are faster, less expensive, and less stressful. You’ll still go before a judge briefly to finalize the decree, but the process is straightforward.

In most cases, yes — at least once, even if it’s uncontested. The final hearing is typically short and verifies that all legal requirements have been met. Some counties allow remote hearings under certain circumstances.

Yes, but it’s risky if children, property, or retirement accounts are involved. Divorce law has procedural and financial nuances that can be costly to fix later.

Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, mortgage or lease documents, and any existing court orders. If children are involved, include parenting schedules or relevant communications. The more prepared you are, the more productive the first meeting will be.

Gather documentation of all assets and debts early. Avoid moving or hiding money — it can backfire in court. Track all joint accounts and consider closing shared credit lines once advised.

Nebraska courts take concealment seriously. You can request discovery, subpoenas, and financial affidavits to uncover hidden accounts. Judges can penalize a spouse who acts dishonestly.

Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral mediator helps couples reach agreements on property, custody, and support. It’s often required before trial in Nebraska custody cases.

You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances — such as income shifts, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs. The court reviews whether the change justifies altering the previous order.