Nebraska Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Nebraska — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Nebraska
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Nebraska courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Child Support in Nebraska
Nebraska uses the income shares model under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules Chapter 4, Article 2 (§§ 4-201 through 4-220) and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16. Both parents' net incomes are combined to determine the total child support obligation, which is then divided proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses.
Official Nebraska child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| DC 6:5.1 | Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage (With Children) |
| DC 6:5.5 | Certificate of Completion of Parenting Education Course |
| DC 6:5.11 | Confidential Employment and Health Insurance Information |
| DC 6:6.6 | Child Support Worksheet |
| Parenting Plan | Parenting Plan |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Nebraska requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364, parents with minor children must complete a parenting education course during the 60-day waiting period. The Certificate of Completion (DC 6:5.5) must be filed with the court before the dissolution can be finalized. Courses typically cost $25-$50 per parent and are available online.
Typical cost: $35
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Nebraska forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.