Nebraska Divorce Self-Help Tools

In Nebraska, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the respondent is served with the divorce papers before the court can finalize the divorce. However, it typically takes longer than 60 days to finalize a divorce, especially if there are contested issues like property division or child custody. An uncontested divorce might be finalized shortly after the waiting period, while a contested divorce can take several months to over a year.

No, you are not required to have a lawyer to get divorced in Nebraska. You can represent yourself, which is known as proceeding 'pro se.' The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides self-help forms and resources for simple divorces. However, if your case involves complex property division, significant assets, or contested child custody, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney.

Yes, Nebraska is a strict no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong (like adultery or cruelty) to get a divorce. The only ground for divorce in Nebraska is that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken,' meaning there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

Nebraska follows the principle of 'equitable distribution' for dividing marital property. This means that the court will divide marital assets and debts in a way that is fair and just, but not necessarily an exact 50/50 split. The court considers various factors, including the circumstances of the parties, the duration of the marriage, and the history of contributions to the marriage.

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 complaint. If you were married in Nebraska and have lived there for less than a year since the marriage, you may also meet the residency requirement.