Not every “high-conflict” custody case is truly mutual. In Nebraska, some cases that look like two parents who just can’t get along are actually driven by coercive control: a pattern of intimidation, manipulation, rule-bending, or using the court process to maintain power. That distinction matters because “neutral” solutions like more shared decision-making or more frequent exchanges can unintentionally increase risk and instability for kids when one parent is using control tactics. This guide explains the difference in plain English, connects it to the Nebraska Parenting Act, and offers practical, court-usable ways to spot patterns and focus on child-centered impacts.

Custody disputes can be painful, but when left unresolved, they can spiral out of control. The recent conviction of Donna Adelson in the nationally watched Dan Markel case is a stark reminder of how high-conflict custody battles can escalate. In this post, we explore the lessons for Nebraska families, including why early legal intervention matters and how Nebraska law approaches grandparents’ visitation rights.