Nebraska Child Support Guide

Child support programs are essential for providing financial stability to children whose parents are separated or divorced. The Nebraska Child Support Program is designed to ensure that children receive the necessary financial support from both parents, regardless of their living arrangements.

The Nebraska Child Support Program operates under state guidelines to determine the amount of financial support one parent must provide to the custodial parent. The program’s primary goal is to ensure that the child’s standard of living is maintained as much as possible after the parents separate or divorce.

Child support in Nebraska is calculated using an income shares model, which considers the combined gross income of both parents and divides the financial responsibility proportionally. This model is intended to replicate the financial environment the child would have experienced if the parents were still together. The program also accounts for other factors such as the number of children, healthcare costs, educational expenses, and any extraordinary needs of the child.

Once the child support amount is determined, the non-custodial parent is typically required to make regular payments to the custodial parent. These payments can be enforced through various means such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and revocation of licenses if necessary. The goal is to ensure timely and consistent support for the child’s well-being.

Nebraska Child Support Eligibility

Eligibility for the Nebraska Child Support Program primarily depends on the custodial status of the child. A parent or guardian who has physical custody or primary care of the child is generally eligible to receive child support. This applies to cases of divorce, separation, or where the parents were never married but live apart.

In Nebraska, both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially. Therefore, either parent can initiate a child support case to establish or enforce a child support order. Additionally, grandparents or other relatives who have legal custody of a child may also be eligible to receive child support on behalf of the child.

How to Apply for Nebraska Child Support Program?

Applying for the Nebraska Child Support Program involves a straightforward but detailed process. Here are the key steps:

1. The process begins by submitting an application to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The application can be filed online, by mail, or in person at a local child support office. The application form requires detailed information about both parents and the child, including personal details, income, employment, and any existing court orders related to custody or support.
2. Along with the application, you need to provide supporting documentation such as proof of income, tax returns, pay stubs, and any documents related to custody arrangements. This information helps in accurately determining the child support amount.
3. If the parents were not married when the child was born, paternity must be established before child support can be ordered. This can be done voluntarily if both parents agree, or through genetic testing if there is a dispute.
4. After the application is processed, the DHHS may schedule a court hearing to establish or modify a child support order. Both parents will be notified and are required to attend. During the hearing, the judge will review the financial information and make a determination based on Nebraska’s child support guidelines.
5. Once the court issues a child support order, the DHHS will monitor payments and take enforcement actions if necessary. This can include wage garnishment, seizing tax refunds, or even suspending driver’s or professional licenses for non-payment.