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.

Nebraska’s new laws on gender-affirming care and public inclusion have raised urgent questions about LGBTQ+ youth safety. Learn how families can use Nebraska’s custody and guardianship laws to protect children’s emotional well-being and honor Matthew Shepard’s legacy through legal advocacy and action.