A request for a Nebraska school to use a child’s chosen name or pronouns can involve several separate legal and administrative questions. This guide explains why families should distinguish between classroom use, school records, FERPA rights, existing custody orders, and a court-ordered name change. It also outlines Nebraska’s current minor name-change process, including the two-week publication rule, possible publication waivers, notice to the other parent, and the more complicated issues that arise when parents disagree.

A noncustodial parent may have strong rights to school records in Nebraska, but those rights do not automatically include portal credentials, conference attendance, emergency-contact status, pickup authority, or campus access. This article explains how Nebraska law, FERPA, the parenting plan, and school policy fit together—and what to review before contacting the school.