Nebraska Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Nebraska?

Nebraska calculates child support by combining you and the other parent's monthly net incomes to determine a total support obligation based on a state schedule. Governed by the Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 4-201 et seq., this total amount is then divided between you both, proportional to your individual shares of the combined income.

Understanding Nebraska's Shared Custody Rules

In Nebraska, a different formula is used when each parent has the child for 142 or more overnights per year. As outlined in Neb. Ct. R. § 4-212, this joint physical custody calculation increases the basic support obligation by 50% to account for duplicated expenses. The new total is then allocated between the parents based on their income shares and the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent.

Calculate Your Support

✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Nebraska Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Neb. Ct. R. § 4-201 et seq.
Shared Custody Threshold 142 Overnights
Age Support Ends Age 19
Modification Standard 10% Change in Support Amount

Nebraska Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in NE?

In Nebraska, child support obligations terminate when a child reaches the age of 19. According to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-371.01, the age of 19 is the age of majority for the purposes of child support, with no exception for high school completion.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in NE?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed in Nebraska, the court will impute a potential income to them based on their earning capacity. Neb. Ct. R. § 4-209 allows the court to consider factors like work history, education, and job opportunities in the area to set an income for calculation purposes.

How do I modify a child support order in NE?

A Nebraska child support order can be modified upon showing a material change in circumstances that results in a variation of 10% or more, either up or down, of the current support amount. This standard is established by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16 and ensures that support orders reflect significant changes in parental income or a child's needs.

Does NE child support cover college expenses?

Nebraska law does not require a parent to pay for college or other post-secondary education expenses after a child reaches the age of majority at 19. Parents may, however, voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs and make that agreement a binding part of their divorce decree.

How does NE handle health insurance and childcare costs?

In Nebraska, the costs of health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation and prorated between the parents based on their shares of the combined income. These expenses are handled separately from the basic obligation, as detailed in Neb. Ct. R. § 4-213 and § 4-214, to ensure they are shared equitably.