Nebraska Child Support Calculator

How Nebraska Calculates Child Support

Nebraska figures out child support by looking at what you and the other parent would spend on your kids if you were still together. The state combines both your incomes to find a total support amount from a chart, then splits that amount between you based on your share of the combined income.

Understanding Nebraska's Shared Custody Rules

In Nebraska, when a parent has the children for at least 142 nights per year, a special shared custody calculation is used. This formula increases the basic support amount by 50% to cover costs in two separate homes, and then adjusts each parent's final obligation based on their income and number of overnights.

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Nebraska Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in NE?

In Nebraska, the duty to pay child support typically ends when a child reaches the age of 19. However, if the child is still in high school, unmarried, and not self-supporting, support continues until graduation or the end of the school term after they turn 19, whichever occurs first.



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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can 'impute' income, calculating support based on their earning potential. If the unemployment is involuntary, support is based on their actual income, such as unemployment benefits. If they have no income, the court may order a minimum support amount or an order to seek work.



How do I modify a child support order in NE?

You can request a modification if there is a 'material change in circumstances.' A material change is presumed to have occurred if applying the current guidelines results in a new support amount that is 10% or more different than the existing order, and the change is due to circumstances expected to last at least three months.



Does NE child support cover college expenses?

No, a court cannot order a parent to pay for college expenses, as the legal obligation for child support ends at age 19 (or high school graduation). Parents can, however, voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs in a legally binding settlement agreement.



How does NE handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for the children's portion of health insurance premiums and necessary, work-related childcare are added on top of the basic child support obligation. These expenses are typically divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of their combined income.