In Nebraska, a district court judge has the final say on child custody — but the Parenting Act gives parents real room to help shape a plan that fits their children. A Nebraska family lawyer explains what "best interests of the child" really means, the difference between legal and physical custody, when mediation works (and when it doesn't), and how to build a parenting plan a Nebraska court will approve.

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.

Divorce is never easy—especially when children are caught in the middle. In Nebraska, custody decisions hinge on the “best interests of the child,” but what does that really mean for parents? This post explores how to shift from reactive parenting to intentional parenting, how to support your child’s emotions without “fixing” them, and how Nebraska courts evaluate custody and parenting plans under § 42-364. If you’re facing divorce, learn how to protect your kids’ well-being while also strengthening your custody case.