Nebraska's Premier Divorce Attorneys

1. Not All Lawyers Practice or Even Understand Divorce and Family Law

A lawyer doesn’t need to specialize in divorce or family law to take your case, but that doesn’t mean they should.

Many attorneys who offer divorce services only handle a few cases per year, often as part of a broader general practice. The problem is that law school does not train lawyers to manage complex family law matters. It takes real-world experience, focused training, and daily involvement in family law to practice it well.

As the legal field evolves, divorce and family law has become much more complex. Smart attorneys now choose to focus exclusively on this area, honing their skills and building deep expertise.

What You Should Look For:

• Your attorney should focus primarily, if not entirely, on divorce and family law.
• They should handle these cases daily, not occasionally.
• The more time your lawyer spends on family law, the more likely they are to understand your specific legal issues and develop the right strategy for your case.

2. Your Attorney Should Have Experience in Your Jurisdiction

It’s not just about knowing divorce law. Your attorney should also know:

• Your jurisdiction (county)
• Your local courthouse
• Your judge’s preferences and decision-making style

This local knowledge can have a major impact on your outcome. Judges vary widely in how they approach divorce cases, and an experienced attorney will know how to tailor arguments and strategy to the specific judge assigned to your case.

Why Local Experience Matters:

• Judges in Nebraska have different approaches based on case loads, legal interpretation, and courtroom preferences.
• Your attorney should understand these differences and be able to adjust their strategy accordingly.
• Even in smaller towns in Nebraska, local knowledge is valuable, even if your lawyer’s primary office is outside your county.

When speaking with a Nebraska divorce attorney, ask questions about who they know in the family law community. A well-connected lawyer has often built trust and credibility with judges and other attorneys, which can be an asset in your case.

You can also search the attorney’s name online or on social media to get a sense of their reputation in the community.

3. Not All Divorce Lawyers Are Qualified for Every Divorce Option

Even lawyers who handle many divorce cases may not offer all types of divorce solutions. Today’s family law landscape includes:

• Litigated divorce
• Uncontested divorce
• Collaborative divorce
• Mediated divorce

If the attorney you’re considering doesn’t have experience with these options, your choices may be limited. Make sure they can support you through the type of process that best fits your goals.

Types of Divorce and What to Look For

Here’s a quick overview of the four main divorce processes, and what your attorney should bring to the table:

Litigation

• Your attorney files a petition and moves the case through formal court proceedings.
• May involve multiple hearings and trial.
• Requires strong litigation skills and courtroom experience.

Uncontested Divorce

• You and your spouse generally agree on the divorce terms.
• This option is faster and more cost-effective than litigation.
• Your attorney should be skilled in negotiation and drafting legal documents.

Collaborative Divorce

• A structured, team-based process where both spouses and their attorneys work together.
• All decisions are made within a collaborative framework, outside of court.
• Your attorney must be trained in collaborative law to manage this process effectively.

Mediated Divorce

• One attorney acts as a neutral third party, not representing either spouse.
• Helps both parties reach agreement without court intervention.
• Few attorneys are trained mediators, so it’s essential to ask about experience.

Mediation should always be considered first if you and your spouse can still communicate respectfully. A skilled mediator can save time, reduce costs, and help you retain control of the process.

Start Working With an Experienced Divorce Attorney

Whether you’re in Lincoln, Omaha, or elsewhere in Nebraska, our team is here to help you explore your options and protect your future.

Contact our Lincoln divorce attorneys or our Omaha divorce attorneys to schedule a consultation and get started today.