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Child Custody Lawyers in Nebraska

A Successful Child Custody Agreement Starts With the Best Interests of The Child

Nebraska Legal Group handles child custody cases throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Our Omaha-based child custody lawyers help clients determine the best way to reach a child custody agreement that is beneficial for the family.

When our clients understand all available options, it increases the chances of arranging a child custody agreement that best suits the needs of the children. If the child custody issues become contentious, however, we are prepared to fight aggressively on our clientsā€™ behalf.

Types of Child Custody in Nebraska

Child custody can be a little confusing for parents and guardians in Nebraska because different terminology is used depending on the type of custody under consideration. Both the day-to-day needs of the child and the longer-term ā€œbig pictureā€ requirements must be taken into account as the best interests of the child are considered.

Legal custody refers to who makes the legal decisions regarding the welfare of the children, including education, medical care, religious upbringing, etc. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the child lives.

In some cases, it is not practical or desirable for a child to spend equal time with each parent and one parent will be awarded sole or primary physical custody. The other parent will be awarded parenting time. In other cases, joint physical custody may be awarded.

Legal Custody of Children

Legal custody of the children refers to which parent has the right to make major decisions in the lives of their children.

Nebraska courts generally want parents to share joint legal custody of their children, meaning they expect parents will share the same amount of responsibility when it comes to making decisions about the childrenā€™s education, healthcare, and other aspects of their lives.

Joint legal custody arrangements require aĀ collaborative effortĀ between the parents. Legal custody, however, is determined on a case-by-case basis, and in some situations, the court may award one parent sole legal custody of the children.

Physical Custody and Visitation

Physical custody is completely separate from legal custody and refers to the amount of time the children spend with each parent.

These periods are usually called ā€œparenting timeā€. They vary greatly depending upon the circumstances of the parties and the age of the children.

If the children are with one parent a majority of the time, that parent is typically referred to as the ā€œprimary custodian,ā€ or ā€œprimary parent.ā€

Factors To Consider When Determining Child Custody

The pole star standard by which the court must determine child custody is what is in ā€œthe best interests of the child.ā€

To minimize the trauma of divorce and an unhealthy custody arrangement, the parties should always remain focused on this standard, taking into account such things as the age of the children, their emotional well-being, and their present and former relationships with each parent.

It can be tough to remain focused during the emotional challenges of divorce proceedings but unless parents can come to a custody and parenting agreement that does place the interests of the child first and foremost, it will be rejected by the court.

The Nebraska Parenting Act requires that all parents in a custody dispute complete a parenting education class. It also requires participation in mediation to attempt to complete a mutually agreeable parenting plan and to have matters settled out of court.

The guidance of an experienced family law attorney during this process can be invaluable in the pursuit of a positive outcome for you and your children.

Determining the Best Interests of the Child

In determining the best interests of the child, the following factors, though this list is not exhaustive, should be considered:

  • The nature of the childā€™s relationship with each parent
  • The mental and physical health of the parents/guardians
  • The health, well-being, and social behavior of the child
  • Any history of child abuse, domestic violence, negligence, or substance abuse
  • The childā€™s wishes (if the child is mature enough to express a reasonable opinion)

Get in touch with our Lincoln child custody attorneys or our Omaha child custody attorneys to get started.

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Custody Modification

Child custody orders must be followed unless they are amended by a subsequent court order. Even if there is a substantial change of circumstances affecting custody, parents cannot unilaterally change the terms of the custody arrangement.

You must go back to court and seek a modification to the order in the event of a substantial change such as one parent moving interstate or developing problems with drug abuse, for instance.

If you are seeking a custody modification in Nebraska, we can represent you in court.

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Need Help with Child Custody?

Call Nebraska Legal Group at 402.509.8378 or get started with a free case evaluation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do children need to appear in court?

No. Children are nearly always discouraged from being involved in court proceedings in Nebraska.
Most of the time, children are forbidden from attending a court proceeding unless permission is specifically granted.

Contact Us


Email:
info@nebraskalegalgroup.com

Omaha Office

Phone:
402.509.7033
Address:
Two Old Mill, 10855 West Dodge Rd
Suite 240
Omaha, NE 68154

Lincoln Office

Phone:
531.248.5050
Address:
6940 O Street
Suite 314
Lincoln, NE 68510

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