If you sold a home you owned before marriage and used that money as the down payment on the house you shared with your spouse, you’re probably asking a simple question with a complicated answer: does that contribution stay yours in a Nebraska divorce, or does it get split? Nebraska divides property “equitably,” meaning fairly, and the outcome often turns on two things most people don’t think about until it’s too late: whether you can trace the down payment back to a nonmarital source, and how Nebraska’s source-of-funds rules treat mortgage principal paydown during the marriage. In this post, I break down the framework Nebraska courts use, explain what evidence actually matters, and walk through a recent Court of Appeals decision, Patach v. Patach (2026), to show how an $80,000 premarital down payment was treated and why that classification changed the equalization analysis.

Celebrity divorces look instant because the hard work often happens quietly before anyone files, but a Nebraska divorce runs on a public court timeline that cannot be rushed. Nebraska law generally requires at least 60 days after service is perfected before the court can hear the case, and real-world issues like parenting plans, financial disclosures, and scheduling often add more time. This post breaks down what actually slows divorces down in Lincoln and Omaha, how uncontested cases move faster, and the “finality trap” many blogs miss: Nebraska’s six-month waiting period to remarry after a divorce decree is entered.

If you’re in a Nebraska custody or parenting time case, you’ve probably heard that “mediation is required” and wondered what that actually means. In most modern parenting cases, if you and the other parent don’t submit an agreed parenting plan by the court’s deadline, the judge will typically order mediation or a specialized alternative dispute resolution process. This post explains the Parenting Act rule in plain English, what an approved Parenting Act Mediator does, and what you can expect from the process so you can walk in prepared and make decisions that actually work in real life.If you’re in a Nebraska custody or parenting time case, you’ve probably heard that “mediation is required” and wondered what that actually means. In most modern parenting cases, if you and the other parent don’t submit an agreed parenting plan by the court’s deadline, the judge will typically order mediation or a specialized alternative dispute resolution process. This post explains the Parenting Act rule in plain English, what an approved Parenting Act Mediator does, and what you can expect from the process so you can walk in prepared and make decisions that actually work in real life.

Nebraska child support is calculated under statewide Guidelines using both parents’ incomes, allowed deductions, and the parenting-time schedule. Two Nebraska-specific rules trip people up the most: support often runs until age 19 (not 18), and modifications are math-driven, with a rebuttable presumption of a “material change” only when a new calculation differs by at least 10% and not less than $25, tied to a change that has lasted at least three months and is expected to last at least six more. If you’re dealing with 50/50 custody, summer parenting-time blocks, or a job change, the details of the worksheet and the wording of your court order matter more than most parents realize.

Dating after divorce is not automatically a problem for your kids or your custody case. In Nebraska, what matters is stability. Under the Nebraska Parenting Act, courts care far more about the impact a new relationship has on a child’s safety, routines, and emotional well-being than the fact that a parent is dating. This article walks through practical, kid-first pacing, how to handle introductions, and the real situations where dating can become custody evidence, so you can move forward without accidentally creating stress for your child or conflict with your co-parent.

Future-focused family law is a planning-first way to handle divorce and custody in Nebraska. Instead of spending your time relitigating the past, the goal is to build an outcome you can actually live with after the decree is signed: a workable parenting plan, clear financial boundaries, and terms that reduce the odds you’ll be back in court a year from now. In many Nebraska custody cases, the system itself pushes parents toward mediation or specialized ADR if a stipulated parenting plan isn’t filed on time, so the smartest strategy is often to prepare early, negotiate from a position of strength, and draft agreements that hold up in real life. If the other party is high-conflict, dishonest, or there are safety concerns, “future-focused” doesn’t mean rolling over. It means building the right structure, including strong temporary orders and enforceable boundaries, so you can protect your kids, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Nebraska custody cases are decided on the child’s best interests, not a single viral “gotcha” moment. A screenshot from Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram can matter, but only if it’s relevant, properly authenticated, and part of a bigger pattern that affects the child’s safety, stability, or a parent’s credibility. This article explains how Nebraska judges actually weigh social media evidence, why screenshots often get excluded or downplayed, and how to preserve online content the right way without letting it backfire on you.

If you’re getting divorced in Nebraska, your financial paperwork is not busywork, it’s the foundation of the entire case. Property division, child support, and alimony all depend on accurate financial disclosures, and most cases involving children require the Financial Affidavit for Child Support with documents that back up what you list. This guide walks you through the key records Nebraska courts typically expect, explains how the 30-day discovery timeline can affect your case, and gives you a simple system to organize everything so your attorney can use it fast.

Divorcing in Nebraska with a low-rate mortgage can turn the family home into the most dangerous financial issue in your case. Selling may feel reckless. Refinancing into today’s rates may be impossible. And leaving your name on a loan you don’t control can quietly destroy your credit. This guide explains the real options Nebraska courts allow—from mortgage assumptions to delayed sales—and why a divorce decree alone does not protect you from the bank. If you want to keep your footing while untangling your finances, this is where to start.

Estate planning is about more than passing on assets—it’s about protecting your family and your voice. At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help individuals and families in Lincoln and across Nebraska create clear, legally sound estate plans that work when life takes an unexpected turn. From Wills and Trusts to Powers of Attorney and Living Wills, we focus on giving you control, reducing court involvement, and making sure the people you trust can act for you when it matters most.

High-conflict divorce isn’t about who argues more — it’s about how conflict is handled when emotions run high and children are involved. In Nebraska custody and divorce cases, staying grounded protects your credibility and can directly affect how a judge views your case. When conflict becomes entrenched, courts may rely on tools like Specialized Alternative Dispute Resolution (SADR) under the Nebraska Parenting Act to restore structure and accountability. Calm, strategic responses aren’t just good advice — they’re often the difference between chaos and resolution.

High-conflict custody cases in Nebraska are rarely decided by a single argument or incident. Courts look at patterns—how parents communicate, regulate emotions, and prioritize their child’s well-being over ongoing conflict. As a Lincoln family law attorney and Guardian ad Litem, I see how unmanaged conflict can quietly damage an otherwise strong case and place unnecessary stress on children. This article explains how high-conflict co-parenting affects custody decisions under the Nebraska Parenting Act, why your texts and emails matter more than you think, and how practical tools like BIFF communication and mental health support can protect both your credibility and your child’s long-term stability.

Movies make divorce look dramatic. Nebraska law makes it procedural. Using The Other Woman as a pop-culture lens, this article explains what divorce actually looks like in Nebraska—how courts handle cheating, hidden assets, and family businesses, and why discovery and equitable distribution matter far more than “gotcha” moments. If you’re on the fence about divorce or worried about finances, this guide walks through the real rules, common misconceptions, and practical steps to protect yourself before things escalate.

January is often called “Divorce Month,” but deciding to end a marriage is rarely sudden. If you’re thinking about asking for a separation, how you start that conversation matters—emotionally and legally. In Nebraska, the words you use and the timing of that conversation can affect custody, finances, and your legal options, including whether Legal Separation makes sense. This guide explains how to have the conversation clearly and safely, what to avoid, and how Nebraska divorce and separation laws actually work—so you can move forward informed, not overwhelmed.

Using Wicked as a lens, this article explores how divorce in Nebraska is less about villains and more about choices. It explains no-fault divorce, Parenting Plans, and the “best interests of the child” standard, while helping readers understand how to rewrite their lives after a marriage ends.

Why Stranger Things Is a Surprisingly Good Guide to Nebraska Guardianship Law. What happens when parents can’t safely care for a child? Using Eleven’s story as a real-world lens, this article explains how Nebraska courts handle guardianship, non-parent custody, and the “best interests of the child” standard, including recent law changes that affect who can serve as a guardian. A practical, Nebraska-specific guide for families planning ahead or facing a crisis.

Holiday custody disputes are one of the most common sources of conflict for Nebraska families. When parenting plans, co-parenting stress, and holiday expectations collide, even small misunderstandings can escalate quickly. This guide explains how Nebraska holiday custody schedules actually work, what the law expects from parents, and how to protect your children and your rights during the most stressful season of the year.

Denied Christmas parenting time in Nebraska? Before you panic or call the police, it helps to understand how Nebraska courts actually handle holiday parenting disputes. This article walks through what your parenting plan controls, why law enforcement usually won’t intervene, and what real legal remedies exist when holiday parenting time is withheld.

Divorce is hard enough on adults. For kids, it can feel confusing, scary, and deeply personal, even when parents are doing their best. One of the most common questions I hear from parents in Lincoln and Lancaster County is, “What do I say to my child without making this worse?” In Nebraska, how you talk to your kids during a separation matters more than most parents realize. Courts focus on the “best interests of the child,” which includes emotional stability, safety, and whether parents are keeping children out of adult conflict. The right conversations can help your child feel secure and can also protect you legally if custody or parenting time becomes contested.

Why do so many Nebraska divorces get filed in January—and why does timing matter? After the holidays, divorce filings surge, and in Nebraska that timing can affect far more than emotions. Holiday debt, year-end bonuses, tax filing status, and the court’s discretion over when assets are valued can all shape who pays what. This article explains how Nebraska courts treat post-holiday spending, when debt may count as dissipation, and why filing sooner rather than later can protect you from being stuck with financial decisions you didn’t make.