Divorce can be a difficult and stressful time, but knowing the steps to getting divorced in Nebraska can help ease the process. In order to file for divorce in Nebraska, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year.
The first step in getting divorced in Nebraska is to complete and file a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage with the appropriate county court. This legal document outlines the reasons for the divorce, such as irreconcilable differences, and may also include requests for things like child custody and support or alimony. Once filed, the Complaint must be served to the other party, who then has a limited amount of time to respond.
From there, the divorce process will involve negotiations, possibly mediation, and ultimately a trial if an agreement cannot be reached. It is important to have legal representation during this time, as divorce laws and court procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate alone. By taking these steps and seeking the proper legal guidance, individuals can successfully navigate the divorce process in Nebraska.
Filing for Divorce in Nebraska
If you are considering a divorce in Nebraska, it’s important to understand the steps involved in filing for a divorce. In this section of the article, I’ll outline the basic process for getting a divorce in Nebraska.
Firstly, in order to file for a divorce in Nebraska, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year prior to filing. Additionally, one of the following must also be true:
- One of the parties has lived in Nebraska continuously for at least one year immediately before the start of the divorce proceedings.
- The parties were married in Nebraska and either party has lived in the state since the marriage.
- The party who is filing for divorce has lived in Nebraska continuously for at least 180 days immediately prior to the filing of the divorce papers, and the party who is served with the divorce papers lives in Nebraska at the time of service.
Once you have established that you meet the residency requirements and have grounds for filing for divorce, you can start the filing process. Here are the basic steps:
- Download and complete the appropriate forms from the Nebraska Judicial Branch website, or you can obtain the forms at the courthouse in the county where you or your spouse reside.
- File the completed forms with the clerk of the district court in the county where you or your spouse live.
- Serve a copy of the filed forms to your spouse, along with a summons. The summons will provide details on how to respond and what to do next.
- Wait for your spouse to respond. If your spouse does not respond within the time frame provided, you can request a default judgment. If your spouse files a response, you will need to continue with the divorce process, which may include mediation or a trial.
It’s important to note that the divorce process can vary depending on your unique situation, and it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of a qualified attorney. Nevertheless, these are the basic steps involved in filing for a divorce in Nebraska.
Meeting the Residency Requirements
Before getting a divorce in Nebraska, you must first meet the state’s residency requirements. You or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year prior to filing for divorce.
If you and your spouse both live in Nebraska, meeting the residency requirement is generally not an issue. However, if you or your spouse has recently moved to the state, it’s important to ensure that the residency requirement has been met before moving forward with the divorce.
If one spouse does not meet the residency requirement, there may be some options available. For example, the non-resident spouse may be able to establish residency by living in Nebraska for a certain amount of time before filing for divorce.
It’s important to note that while meeting the residency requirement is necessary to file for divorce in Nebraska, it doesn’t automatically guarantee that the divorce will be granted. The court will also consider other factors, such as the grounds for divorce, child custody arrangements, and property division.
In summary, meeting the residency requirement is a necessary first step in getting a divorce in Nebraska. If you or your spouse are unsure about whether you meet this requirement, it may be worth consulting with a family law attorney.
Grounds for Divorce in Nebraska
To file for divorce in Nebraska, you must have grounds, or legally valid reasons, for ending your marriage. There are two types of grounds for divorce in Nebraska: fault and no-fault.
Fault Grounds
Fault grounds are based on the misconduct of one or both spouses. In Nebraska, the fault grounds for divorce include:
- Adultery
- Extreme cruelty
- Willful desertion for one year
- Desertion without cause for two years
- Conviction of a felony
- Habitual drunkenness for two years
- Willful neglect for two years
If you wish to file for divorce based on fault grounds, you must provide evidence to the court to prove your allegations.
No-Fault Grounds
No-fault grounds do not require proof of misconduct. In Nebraska, the no-fault ground for divorce is “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.” This means that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and cannot be repaired.
Nebraska is also a “no-fault conversion” state. This means that if you file for divorce based on fault grounds but the court finds insufficient evidence to support your allegations, the court may convert your case to a no-fault divorce.
It’s important to note that fault grounds can impact the division of property and spousal support awards in a divorce case. No-fault divorces, on the other hand, typically result in a more amicable and straightforward settlement process.
Prepare and File the Petition for Dissolution
When considering a divorce in Nebraska, it’s important to know the appropriate steps to take to ensure a smooth process. One of the first steps is to prepare and file the petition for dissolution. This legal document officially begins the divorce proceedings.
To prepare and file the petition for dissolution, you will need to follow these basic steps:
- Meet the residency requirements: To file for divorce in Nebraska, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year prior to filing the petition. If neither of you meet this requirement, you will need to wait until you do to proceed with the divorce.
- Choose your grounds for divorce: In Nebraska, you can file for a no-fault or fault-based divorce. To file for a no-fault divorce, you must state that the marriage is irretrievably broken with no chance of reconciliation. For a fault-based divorce, specific grounds such as adultery or cruelty must be listed in the petition.
- Complete the petition: The petition for dissolution is a legal document that informs the court about your situation and the terms you would like in the final divorce decree. The petition should include information such as you and your spouse’s names, addresses, date of marriage, and any children you have together. You will also need to list any property and debts you have, and how you would like them divided.
- File the petition: Once you have completed the petition, you will need to file it with the district court clerk’s office in the county where you or your spouse resides. You will also need to pay a fee at this time. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a waiver or installment payments.
- Serve the petition: After filing the petition, you must serve a copy of it to your spouse. You can do this through a process server or by certified mail. Your spouse will then have 30 days to respond to the petition.
- Await the court’s response: After serving the petition, you will need to wait for the court’s response. The court will schedule an initial hearing where you and your spouse will discuss any temporary arrangements, such as child custody and support, until the final divorce decree is entered.
By following these basic steps, you can prepare and file the petition for dissolution correctly and begin the divorce proceedings. It’s important to note that divorce laws can vary by state, so it’s critical to seek the assistance of a qualified divorce attorney to navigate the process smoothly.
Serving Notice to Your Spouse: What You Need to Know
When you file for divorce in Nebraska, you are required to serve notice to your spouse. This means that you must provide them with a copy of the divorce documents and let them know that you have filed a case against them. Serving notice is an important legal requirement, and not doing so could delay the divorce process.
There are several ways to serve notice to your spouse in Nebraska, including:
- Personal Service: This is when you or someone else delivers a copy of the divorce documents to your spouse in person. They must sign a form stating that they received the documents.
- Service by Mail: You can send a copy of the divorce documents to your spouse by certified mail. They must sign a form stating that they received the documents.
- Service by Publication: If you do not know the whereabouts of your spouse, you can serve notice by publishing a notice in a local newspaper. This is a more complicated process and requires approval from the court.
It’s important to note that serving notice does not mean that your spouse has to agree to the divorce. They have the right to respond to the divorce filing and request their own terms. However, serving notice ensures that they are aware of the divorce proceedings and can take appropriate action.
If you are unsure about how to serve notice to your spouse, it’s best to consult with a divorce attorney. They can provide guidance on the legal requirements and help you choose the best method for your situation.
Important Facts to Remember
- Serving notice is a legal requirement when filing for divorce in Nebraska.
- Failure to serve notice can delay the divorce process.
- There are several ways to serve notice, including personal service, service by mail, and service by publication.
- Your spouse has the right to respond to the divorce filing and request their own terms.
- It’s best to consult with a divorce attorney if you are unsure about how to serve notice.
Negotiate the Terms of Your Divorce
What is Divorce Negotiation?
Negotiation is one of the stages in the divorce process. It’s a series of talks between spouses with the aim of reaching an agreement on the terms of the divorce, including child custody, child support, visitation rights, asset distribution, and alimony. The goal of negotiation is to arrive at a solution that is mutually beneficial, taking into account the needs of both parties.
Why is Negotiation Important?
Negotiation is important because it minimizes the stress, costs, and time involved in the divorce process. It can help to avoid court intervention and ensure that both parties are satisfied with the outcome. When you negotiate, you and your spouse have more control over the outcome than if you leave it up to a judge to decide.
How to Prepare for Negotiation
To prepare for negotiation, you should gather all relevant documents, such as financial statements, tax returns, deeds, and titles. Having a clear understanding of your financial situation and assets can make the negotiation process go more smoothly.
You should also decide on your priorities and goals for the negotiation, including what you are willing to compromise on and what you are not willing to compromise on. It’s also important to consider the emotional impact of the negotiation process and how to manage it.
How to Conduct Negotiations
Negotiation can take place through mediation or a collaborative process. In mediation, a professional mediator acts as a neutral third-party to help the parties reach an agreement. In a collaborative process, both parties work with their attorneys and other professionals to come to an agreement.
During the negotiation, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly, while also being respectful of the other party’s perspective. You should listen carefully to their concerns and be willing to compromise on certain issues.
What Happens if You Can’t Reach an Agreement?
If you can’t reach an agreement through negotiation, the case will proceed to court. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, which is why it’s important to make every effort to negotiate and reach an agreement beforehand.
In the end, divorce negotiation can be a challenging process, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and positive change. By working together and being willing to compromise, both parties can come to an agreement that meets their needs and helps them move forward.
Finalizing Your Divorce in Court
Once you and your spouse have agreed on the terms of your divorce and signed all necessary paperwork, you will need to finalize the divorce in court. Here are the steps you will need to take:
- File the final paperwork: You will need to file your final divorce paperwork with the court. This will include a Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and any other necessary forms.
- Serve your spouse: You will need to serve your spouse with the final paperwork. This can be done by mail or a process server.
- Wait for a court hearing: You and your spouse will need to attend a court hearing where the judge will review your final paperwork and ask any necessary questions. If the judge approves, they will sign the Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
- Receive your divorce decree: After the judge signs the Final Decree, you will receive a copy of your divorce decree. This is an official legal document that shows you are no longer married.
It is important to note that if you and your spouse have any disagreements on the terms of your divorce, you may need to attend a trial where a judge will make decisions on your behalf. However, if you are able to come to an agreement, finalizing your divorce in court can be a straightforward process.
In Nebraska, there is a 60-day waiting period after filing a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage before the court can issue the divorce decree. It is also important to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and filed in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the process.
Child Custody and Support
When getting divorced in Nebraska, one of the most complex and emotional issues is child custody and support. Nebraska courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody and support arrangements. Here are some important things to know about child custody and support in Nebraska:
Types of Custody
Nebraska recognizes two primary types of child custody:
- Legal Custody: This type of custody determines who has the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion.
- Physical Custody: This type of custody determines where the child primarily resides.
Nebraska courts can award sole custody to one parent or joint custody to both parents, depending on what they determine to be in the best interests of the child.
Child Support
Both parents are legally obligated to financially support their child, regardless of custody arrangements. In Nebraska, child support is determined based on several factors, including:
- Parental income
- Number of children
- Cost of healthcare and childcare
- Custodial arrangements
The Nebraska Child Support Guidelines provide a formula that courts use to determine the appropriate amount of support.
Modification of Custody and Support Orders
It’s important to note that custody and support orders can be modified if circumstances change significantly. For example, if one parent’s income significantly increases or decreases, or if the child’s needs change, then a modification of the original order may be necessary.
Enforcement of Custody and Support Orders
If one parent fails to comply with a custody or support order, the other parent can seek enforcement through the court system. There are several legal remedies available, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Property liens
- Revocation of driver’s license or professional license
- Contempt of court charges
It’s important to work with a qualified family law attorney if you are experiencing issues with custody or support orders.
Division of Property and Debt
When getting a divorce in Nebraska, couples must also divide their property and debts in a fair and equitable manner. This is known as “equitable distribution.” Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean dividing property equally between spouses. Rather, it means dividing the property in a manner that is fair given the couple’s specific circumstances.
There are a few steps that couples must take to divide their property and debts:
- Identify all assets and debts: Couples must create a list of all of their assets and debts. This includes everything from bank accounts and retirement savings to mortgages and credit card debt.
- Determine what is “marital property“: Marital property is any property or assets that were acquired during the marriage. This includes income earned by either spouse during the marriage, as well as any property purchased with that income.
- Determine what is “separate property”: Separate property is any property or assets that were owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired by one spouse during the marriage through gift or inheritance.
- Value the marital property: Couples must determine the value of their marital property, including any real estate, investments, or other assets.
- Divide the property: After all property and debt has been identified and valued, couples may negotiate a division of their assets and liabilities. If the couple cannot reach an agreement, a judge will divide the property for them based on what is fair and equitable under Nebraska law.
It is important to note that Nebraska is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that property will be divided in a fair and equitable manner, but not necessarily an equal one. This can create some uncertainty and worry during the divorce process, however, hiring a good divorce lawyer can help ensure that the property and debts are divided in a just and fair way.
Closing Thoughts
After going through the steps to getting divorced in Nebraska, it’s important to remember that divorce is a complex process that requires careful consideration and preparation. There are various legal, financial, and emotional factors to take into account, and seeking professional help can be highly beneficial.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Nebraska has a no-fault divorce system, meaning that neither party needs to prove any wrongdoing to get a divorce.
- The divorce petition and other necessary documents must be filed with the court in the county where either spouse lives.
- Nebraska requires a waiting period of 60 days before a divorce can be finalized, but this can be waived under certain circumstances.
- During the divorce process, both parties must disclose their financial information so that assets and debts can be divided fairly.
- If children are involved, custody and child support must be established based on their best interests.
- Mediation or collaborative divorce processes can be helpful in resolving disputes and reaching amicable agreements.
- Seeking the help of a lawyer, financial advisor, or therapist can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the divorce process.
Ultimately, getting divorced in Nebraska requires careful planning, communication, and cooperation between both parties. With the right resources and approach, it is possible to navigate the process with minimal stress and achieve a positive outcome for everyone involved.
