Divorce can be difficult, stressful, and expensive. Nebraska allows residents to file for divorce and represent themselves in court without an attorney. However, it is not wise to do so in most cases. Even if you feel up to the task of completing the appropriate forms and speaking in front of the judge, you may be in over your head.
Types of Divorce in Nebraska
Nebraska provides the forms necessary to file an uncontested divorce with no mutual children. You can still represent yourself if your divorce is contested or you have children born during the marriage. A contested divorce requires no additional filings, but it is difficult to manage without a divorce attorney or accountant if there are any meaningful assets or debts. Having a divorce lawyer look over any documents that affect your finances before agreeing is wise.
Building a Parenting Plan in Nebraska
If you have children with your spouse, you must file a Parenting Plan detailing custody and visitation with your divorce. There are forms available on the state’s website, but you are highly encouraged to get a divorce attorney in these cases. Even if you will represent yourself, you should have the Parenting Plan drafted by an attorney to mitigate the risk of issues in the future, as well as to ensure it is compliant with the Nebraska Parenting Act.
The Parenting Plan forms available on the state’s website are only appropriate for parents who agree on custody matters. When abuse has occurred, or is suspected, these forms are not appropriate. You will need an attorney to draft the necessary papers to exclude or restrict visitation in appropriate cases. It is very difficult to take away someone’s rights to see their children without sufficient evidence and effective presentation of that evidence. This is where an experienced divorce attorney’s expertise is invaluable.Â
Regardless of whether or not you represent yourself in divorce proceedings, most people will benefit from hiring an experienced attorney to draft the necessary paperwork to finalize their case. In uncontested cases, having an attorney draft or review the documents minimizes the risk that issues will arise after completion. This is especially important when it comes to the Parenting Plan. Many families find the state-provided Parenting Plan forms woefully inadequate.Â
Working With an Attorney To Get a Divorce in Nebraska
Ultimately, it is far more likely you will achieve your desired goals if you hire a divorce attorney rather than represent yourself. It takes much of the time, effort, and stress of filing for divorce off of your plate so that you can focus on other matters. Choosing a capable and experienced divorce lawyer gives you peace of mind that your case is being handled in the best possible way for you and your family.
The divorce attorneys at Nebraska Legal Group will handle your case in a sensitive and timely manner. We know that you need to move on, and we want to help you build your new life with an easy divorce.Â
Contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Nebraska Legal Group by submitting a free case evaluation or calling us at 402.509.7033Â in Omaha or 531.248.5050 in Lincoln.