How a Raise or Increased Income May Affect Child Support in Nebraska

Key Insights

• Child support in Nebraska is based on both parents’ incomes, meaning a significant raise or income change can trigger a modification to your current order under the Nebraska child support guidelines.
• If you are wondering, “Can child support increase after a raise in Nebraska?” The answer is yes, but only if the change meets the 10% modification threshold, as well as the expectation that the increase isn’t temporary.
• Many people ask, “Do I have to report an income increase for child support?” There is no automatic requirement to do so, but staying silent can sometimes backfire.

What Are the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines?

Nebraska uses an income shares model to calculate child support. The Nebraska child support guidelines look at both parents’ gross incomes and estimate what the child would have received if the family had stayed together.

The child support guidelines factor in:

• Each parent’s gross income
• Number of children
• Parenting time split
• Health insurance costs
• Childcare expenses

Nebraska child support guidelines are tied directly to income, so any significant financial changes in income for either parent can affect the support amount.

Can Child Support Increase After a Raise in Nebraska?

The answer to “Can child support increase after a raise in Nebraska?” Is yes, if the income change is significant enough to meet the modification threshold.

Both Omaha and Lincoln courts allow either parent to request a modification of support when there has been a material change in circumstances. A raise or new, higher-paying job can qualify as that change.

The 10% Rule

Omaha and Lincoln courts generally require at least a 10% difference between the current support amount and what the Nebraska child support guidelines would calculate using the updated income. If that 10% gap exists, a modification is likely warranted.

This works both ways under the Nebraska child support guidelines:

• If the paying parent’s income goes up, the receiving parent can request an increase.
• If the receiving parent’s income goes up, the paying parent may be able to request a decrease in how much child support they owe.

Do I Have to Report an Income Increase for Child Support in Omaha or Lincoln?

“Do I have to report an income increase for child support in Nebraska?” is another common question parents ask. There is no automatic legal requirement to notify an Omaha or Lincoln court or the other parent every time your income changes. However, it’s important to know what could happen if you don’t mention it.

What happens if you do not report an income increase:

• The other parent can file for a modification.
• Courts can apply changes retroactively to the date the modification was filed.
• You may end up owing back support if a significant raise went unreported for months or years.

What happens if you are the recipient and do not act:

• Child support does not adjust automatically.
• You must file for a modification in order to benefit from the other parent’s income increase.

The bottom line on the question, “Do I have to report an income increase for child support?” is that while it may not be legally required, ignoring income changes rarely works in your favor.

How to Request a Child Support Modification in Omaha or Lincoln

If you think a modification is warranted based on a raise or income change, here is how the process generally works:

1. File a complaint for modification with the district court that issued the original child support order.
2. Gather financial documentation including recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of any additional income.
3. Both parents submit updated financials so the judge can apply the Nebraska child support guidelines to the current numbers.
4. The Omaha or Lincoln court reviews and decides whether a modification is appropriate, and sets a new support amount if needed.

If both parents are able to agree on the new amount, the process can move pretty quickly.

Work with an Omaha or Lincoln Child Support Attorney

Life changes, and your child support order should reflect that. Whether you recently got a raise, switched jobs, or think the other parent’s financial situation has shifted, it may be time to take a closer look at your current arrangement.

Child support guidelines in Nebraska can be tricky to navigate, and small mistakes in how you file or report income can follow you for a long time.

At Nebraska Legal Group, our experienced divorce and family law attorneys help families in Omaha and Lincoln work through child support modifications and find solutions that actually fit their circumstances. Reach out to us today to talk through your situation and learn what options are available to you.

Alyson Ryan

Managing Attorney at Nebraska Legal Group

Alyson Ryan is a family law attorney in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a strong background in accounting and taxation that she applies to complex divorce and property matters. A trained mediator, she helps clients resolve disputes efficiently outside of court while ensuring their voices are heard. She also volunteers her time with local law students, judging mock trial and moot court competitions.

Education: Quinnipiac University School of Law

Years of Experience: x years of high-level divorce experience