Solutions without battles

Not every case belongs in a courtroom. In fact, most families benefit from resolving disputes through mediation. Mediation allows you to stay in control, reduce conflict, and protect your children from the emotional toll of litigation. At Plains Legal Group, we prepare you for mediation with strategy and clarity, so you walk in confident and walk out with progress.

Mediation Is More Than Avoiding Court

lead With peace & Purpose

Mediation isn’t about giving in — it’s about choosing a healthier path. For parents, it means protecting children from courtroom battles. For couples, it means reducing stress and preserving privacy. Mediation gives you the chance to shape your future on your own terms

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Clarity in the Mediation Process

Nebraska law requires mediation for most custody and parenting disputes, but it can also resolve property division, child support, and modifications. A neutral mediator facilitates the discussion, but you remain in control of the outcome. We’ll help you identify your priorities, prepare your documents, and negotiate effectively.

Resolution First, Trial-Ready Always

We encourage mediation because it saves time, money, and emotional strain. But if mediation fails, your willingness to seek peace still strengthens your position in court. We’ll guide you through every step — ready to pivot from collaboration to litigation if your rights or your child’s well-being are at risk.

The Nebraska Mediation Guide

How to Resolve Custody and Divorce Without a Courtroom Battle

Introduction: A Better Way to Move Forward

Divorce and custody disputes don’t have to be a war. In fact, Nebraska law encourages mediation for families—especially those with children—because it leads to healthier outcomes, faster resolutions, and less emotional damage.

At Plains Legal Group, we believe in protecting families through smart, solution-focused strategies. Mediation can be one of the most powerful tools in that process.

This guide explains what mediation is, how it works in Nebraska, and how to make the most of it to protect your children, finances, and peace of mind.

Introduction: A Better Way to Move Forward

Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps you and the other parent or spouse reach agreement on key issues—like custody, parenting time, child support, or property division.

The mediator does not make decisions for you. They guide discussion, help resolve disputes, and draft proposed agreements. You stay in control.

Greg Lake | Founder

What Can You Mediate

Almost everything:

  • Parenting plans and visitation schedules

  • Custody arrangements (legal and physical)

  • Child support and expenses

  • Division of property and debt

  • Temporary agreements during the case

  • Post-decree modifications

Mediation works best when both parties want to avoid court, even if they don’t agree on everything.

Why Choose Mediation

  • More control over the outcome

  • Lower stress and cost than trial

  • Faster resolution

  • Better for your kids

  • Private and confidential

Mediated agreements are often more durable—because you created them. And judges are more likely to approve plans you’ve worked out together

Is Mediation Required in Nebraska

Yes—for custody and parenting time. Nebraska law requires parents to attempt mediation or another approved dispute resolution process before trial.

The court may waive it if:

  • There’s a history of domestic abuse

  • One parent is uncooperative or hostile

  • It would cause undue hardship or delay

Even if not required, mediation is almost always worth attempting.

How the Mediation Process Works

  1. Each party attends a screening session (to assess safety and readiness)

  2. A qualified mediator is assigned

  3. Sessions are scheduled (can be virtual or in-person)

  4. Each party can bring a support person or lawyer

  5. Discussions begin—focused, calm, and child-centered

  6. If agreement is reached, a written Parenting Plan or Memorandum of Agreement is drafted

  7. Your lawyer (or the mediator) can file it with the court

You don’t have to be friends—you just have to be willing to find common ground.

Tips to Prepare for Mediation

  • Identify your non-negotiables and your flexible points

  • Bring documents (schedules, budgets, proposals)

  • Be calm and focused—don’t “score points”

  • Think long-term, especially about your child’s life

  • Let the mediator do their job—even if emotions are high

We prepare clients with talking points, strategy, and clarity—so they walk in with confidence and walk out with progress.

When Mediation Fails (and What to Do)

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, mediation doesn’t work. That’s okay.

We’ll pivot to litigation with a clear record of what was tried and where the conflict lies. And your willingness to mediate in good faith often looks good to the judge.

Our firm is trial-ready—but always resolution-minded.

Bonus Checklist: What to Bring to Mediation

  • Parenting schedules or proposals

  • Work schedules and calendars

  • List of child expenses

  • Notes on past cooperation/conflict

  • Ideas for communication rules

  • Support person (if allowed)

Final Thoughts: Mediation Doesn’t Mean Giving In

Mediation isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

It means you value peace—but won’t sacrifice your child’s needs or your financial stability to get it. It means you want solutions, not battles.

Let Plains Legal Group help you make the most of mediation—with smart planning, strong representation, and practical insight.

We’ll help you reach agreement—or be ready when agreement isn’t possible.

This guide is for general education and is not legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult an attorney to discuss your situation.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (402) 603-1112

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