Nebraska Child Custody and Support Guidelines:
In determining custody arrangements and the time to be spent with each parent, the court shall not give preference to either parent based on the sex of the parent and no presumption shall exist that either parent is more fit or suitable than the other. In determining custody arrangements, the court shall consider the best interests of the minor child which shall include, but are not be limited to:
- The relationship of the minor child to each parent prior to the commencement of the action or any subsequent hearing.
- The desires and wishes of the minor child if of an age of comprehension regardless of chronological age, when such desires and wishes are based on sound reasoning.
- The general health, welfare, and social behavior of the minor child.
- Credible evidence of abuse inflicted on any family or household member.
The court may place a minor child in joint custody after conducting a hearing in open court and specifically finding that joint custody is in the best interests of the minor child regardless of any parental agreement or consent.
[Based on Nebraska Statutes - Chapter 42 - Section: 364]
CHILD SUPPORT:Either parent may be ordered to pay child support. In determining the amount of child support to be paid by a parent, the court shall consider the earning capacity of each parent and the Nebraska child support guidelines provided by the Supreme Court. Child support orders may include income withholding orders if the paying parent is employed for someone else.
An obligor's duty to pay child support for a child terminates when:
- The child reaches nineteen years of age.
- The child marries.
- The child dies.
- The child is emancipated by a court of competent jurisdiction, unless the court order for child support specifically extends child support after such circumstances.
[Based on Nebraska Statutes - Chapter 42 - Sections: 364, 364.01, 371.01]
