Knowing what you need from the court is different from knowing how to request it. A form, a hearing, a copy of an order, and legal advice each involve a different process.
This page helps Lincoln-area residents find the appropriate starting point for divorce, custody, parenting, and support matters. It brings together Lancaster County procedures, Nebraska court resources, and legal assistance options.
Start With the Court Named in Your Case
Lincoln is in Lancaster County, Nebraska’s Third Judicial District. Divorce proceedings are handled in district court. Parenting and support matters may involve different proceedings depending on the case history, parentage issues, and existing orders.
If you already have paperwork, check the court name and case number before contacting an office or choosing forms.
Lancaster County District Court
The county’s District Court website provides local information and links relevant to proceedings in Lancaster County.
Visit the Lancaster County District Court website
For official directory information, including court contacts, use the Nebraska Judicial Branch listing.
Find Lancaster District Court contact information
Living near Lincoln does not necessarily make Lancaster County the correct place to file. Residents of surrounding counties should confirm the appropriate jurisdiction and venue.
Find Instructions Before Completing Forms
Read the instructions for the entire process before filling out the first document. Filing a complaint may be only one step among service, disclosures, education requirements, scheduling, and submission of a proposed order.
Lancaster County Divorce Materials
Lancaster County publishes information and materials for people considering handling their divorce without an attorney.
Review Lancaster County’s self-represented divorce resources
Check that the materials fit your circumstances. A packet may not resolve questions involving disputed custody, complex property, retirement benefits, business ownership, or another state.
Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center
The statewide self-help center provides explanations and links to court resources.
Explore the Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center
Nebraska Court Forms
The Judicial Branch’s forms directory can help you locate a particular document and check for available instructions or updated versions.
Search the Nebraska Master Forms List
Download forms from the current official page rather than relying on an older copy saved elsewhere. Confirm any local requirements before submitting them.
Check the Rules That Govern Your Next Step
Lancaster County procedures appear in the Third Judicial District’s local rules. These operate alongside statewide rules, statutes, and orders entered in your case.
Read the Third Judicial District local rules and appendices
For divorce and related matters, Rule 3-9 is a particularly useful starting point.
Read Rule 3-9: Domestic Relations Cases
Temporary Requests
The local rule generally provides for temporary-order hearings on affidavits unless the court orders otherwise. Ask about the evidence, notice, and submission requirements for your particular request.
Trial Preparation
The rule addresses trial-setting motions, pretrial memoranda, and proposed materials for disputed issues. Depending on the case, these can include:
A child support worksheet.
A proposed parenting plan.
A proposed balance sheet identifying property, debt, values, and the requested division.
These requirements help define the issues the court must decide. They do not replace the need for evidence supporting your position.
Final Hearing Waivers
The local rule permits waiver of a final hearing in qualifying cases if the assigned judge allows it and statutory requirements are satisfied. Do not assume that reaching agreement automatically eliminates a hearing.
Understand Parenting Education and Mediation Requirements
Parenting cases have procedural requirements beyond proposing a schedule. Review Lancaster County’s rules early so required steps do not become a last-minute obstacle.
Parenting Education
For custody or parenting-time cases, the local trial-setting rule addresses completion of the required parenting class and filing the completion certificate, or stating the basis for a requested waiver.
Confirm that the program you select satisfies the applicable requirements.
Parenting Plans
The district’s appendices include a holiday parenting-time schedule and parenting-responsibility and cooperation provisions. Review these alongside the Nebraska Parenting Act when preparing a plan.
Mediation and Specialized Dispute Resolution
Rule 3-9 addresses mediation when an agreed parenting plan has not been completed within four months after service or the filing of a voluntary appearance, subject to the rule’s provisions and available waivers.
Allegations of intimate partner abuse or unresolved parental conflict affect the appropriate process. Specialized procedures, safety measures, or a request for waiver or opt-out may need consideration.
Certain contested parenting-plan modification and show-cause filings also have prefiling mediation requirements. Previous participation during the original case does not necessarily satisfy a later requirement.
Review the complete local parenting and mediation provisions
Request Copies and Review Court Records
You may need an existing decree, parenting plan, support order, or another filed document before taking the next step.
Review Nebraska Judicial Branch court-record resources
When requesting a document, have the following available:
The county and court where the case was filed.
The case number, if known.
The parties’ names as they appeared in the case.
The document you need and its approximate date.
Whether a certified copy is required.
Ask the appropriate court office about access restrictions, available formats, and fees. An online case entry may not provide the full document or substitute for a certified copy.
Use the Appropriate Child Support Service
Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services provides child support program information and access to services.
Visit Nebraska DHHS Child Support
Choose the resource that matches your question:
Have your current order available when asking about payments or a potential change. Requesting a review does not, by itself, replace the existing obligation.
A support matter also does not automatically resolve a separate custody or parenting-time dispute.
Find Protection Order Information
Nebraska provides different procedures for domestic abuse, harassment, and sexual assault protection orders. The appropriate request depends on the circumstances and legal requirements.
Review Nebraska protection order information
Read the Protection Order Form Guide
If a protection order and parenting order both apply, obtain advice about how their requirements interact. Bring copies of both orders when seeking help.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Explore Legal Assistance
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Legal Aid of Nebraska offers civil legal assistance to eligible applicants. Whether assistance is available depends on the issue, program requirements, and available resources.
Review eligibility information
Explain any pending deadline when applying. Submitting an application does not guarantee representation or pause court requirements.
Additional Legal Resources
The Judicial Branch maintains information about legal assistance and research options.
Explore Nebraska legal resources and information
Court staff can answer administrative questions within their role. They cannot advise you whether to accept a settlement, choose a legal claim, or predict how a judge will decide your case.
Read the Underlying Nebraska Law
Official statutes can help you understand the framework behind a court form or legal explanation.
Chapter 42 addresses dissolution and related matters.
Section 42-364 addresses custody, parenting plans, and related issues.
Section 43-2923 sets out best-interests requirements.
Section 43-2929 describes parenting-plan contents.
Section 42-365 addresses alimony and property division.
Check operative dates and related provisions. Statutory text may need to be considered alongside court rules and appellate decisions.
Before Submitting Documents or Attending Court
A brief review can prevent avoidable confusion:
Check the latest notice or order. Confirm deadlines, location, attendance method, and required materials.
Confirm the filing method. The Nebraska self-help center warns that court rules do not allow email filings for court cases. Do not assume emailing staff files a document.
Ask about fees and required copies. Confirm current instructions with the appropriate office.
Address participation needs early. Contact the court about interpreter services, disability accommodations, or remote-hearing instructions.
Protect private information. Follow applicable procedures for confidential identifiers and sensitive records.
Keep confirmation. Retain submitted documents, receipts, notices, and proof of completed requirements.
Use this directory to locate the next resource, then confirm current instructions directly with the court or organization involved.
About this page: This directory provides general educational information, not legal advice. Links do not imply affiliation with or endorsement by a court, agency, or organization. Procedures, services, and eligibility may change. Using this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. This blog is owned by Stange Law Firm, PC.