Last verified: February 2026
Everything you need to know about Nebraska child support laws, including how support is calculated, modified, and enforced under current state guidelines.
The main principle behind the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines is that parents in the state share an equal duty to contribute to the support of their child(ren) in proportion to their respective net incomes.
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How to Apply for Child Support in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers child support services in the state. The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) division provides several services:
- Locating non-custodial parents
- Establishing paternity
- Establishing and enforcing child support orders
- Modifying support orders when circumstances change
To apply for child support services:
- Apply online through the DHHS portal
- Call toll-free: (877) 631-9973
- Visit your local child support office
The application process typically takes about 20 minutes. You will need your child support court order (if one exists), health insurance information for your children, and Social Security numbers for all parties.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Nebraska?
Nebraska uses the income shares model to calculate child support. This approach considers the combined income of both parents and allocates the support obligation proportionally based on each parent’s share of that combined income.
The basic calculation process follows these steps:
- Determine each parent’s total monthly income from all sources
- Calculate monthly net income by subtracting allowable deductions
- Combine both parents’ net incomes
- Find the corresponding support amount on Table 1 (Income Shares Formula)
- Multiply by each parent’s percentage of combined income
What Counts as Income in Nebraska?
Under Section 4-204 of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, total monthly income includes income from all sources, except:
- Means-tested public assistance benefits
- Earned income tax credits
- Child support payments received for children from prior relationships
The court may also consider overtime wages if overtime is a regular part of employment. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on earning capacity.
Important: Under Section 4-204(F), incarceration may not be treated as voluntary unemployment when establishing or modifying child support orders.
Allowable Deductions
The following deductions are subtracted from gross income to determine net income (Section 4-205):
- Federal and state income taxes (using standard deductions)
- FICA/Social Security contributions
- Mandatory retirement contributions (or up to 4% for voluntary plans)
- Child support paid for other children under prior orders
- Health insurance costs for the parent (up to 5% of gross income)
Nebraska Income Shares Formula
Nebraska’s child support amounts are determined using Table 1 – Income Shares Formula. The table provides support amounts based on combined parental net income and number of children.
For example, if both parents have a combined monthly net income of $5,000 and there are two children, the basic child support obligation would be approximately $1,116 per month. This amount is then divided between the parents based on their proportional income.
Minimum Support: Under Section 4-209, even in low-income cases, the minimum monthly support is $50 or 10% of the obligor’s net income, whichever is greater. Exceptions may apply for parents who are disabled or incarcerated.
High Income Cases: If combined net income exceeds $20,000 monthly, the court uses the table amount at $20,000 plus additional percentages for income above that threshold (10% for one to three children, 12% for four children, etc.).
Child Support Worksheets
Nebraska courts use several worksheets depending on the custody arrangement:
- Worksheet 1 – Basic Net Income and Support Calculation (standard cases)
- Worksheet 2 – Split Custody Calculation (when each parent has physical custody of different children)
- Worksheet 3 – Joint Physical Custody (when each parent has more than 142 days per year)
The Nebraska Judicial Branch website provides access to a child support calculator for individuals representing themselves.
Joint Physical Custody Adjustments
Under Section 4-212, when each parent’s parenting time exceeds 142 days per year, there is a rebuttable presumption that support should be calculated using Worksheet 3. When parenting time is between 109 and 142 days, the use of Worksheet 3 is at the court’s discretion.
How to Modify Child Support in Nebraska
Child support orders can be modified when circumstances change. Under Section 4-217, a rebuttable presumption of material change exists when:
- Application of the guidelines would result in a 10% or more variation (but not less than $25) in the current obligation
- The change in financial circumstances has lasted at least 3 months
- The change can reasonably be expected to continue for another 6 months
To request a modification:
- Contact DHHS at (877) 631-9973
- Submit a request online
- Consult with a family law attorney
Key limitations on modifications:
- Support cannot increase solely because the other parent’s income increased (Section 4-219)
- Birth or adoption of subsequent children is not grounds for reduction, though it may serve as a defense against an increase (Section 4-220)
- Voluntary unemployment or underemployment is not grounds for modification
Child Support Enforcement in Nebraska
The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) division uses multiple tools to collect unpaid support:
- Income withholding: Direct garnishment from wages, salary, or other income
- Credit bureau reporting: Delinquencies reported to credit agencies
- License suspension: Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses may be suspended after three months of arrears
- Passport denial: The U.S. State Department denies or revokes passports for parents owing more than $2,500
- Bank account garnishment
- Property liens: Liens placed against real estate, vehicles, and other property
- Tax refund interception
- Interest on arrears
Contempt of Court
When a parent willfully fails to pay, the custodial parent may file for contempt charges. Download the contempt proceedings form here. Penalties may include fines, jail time, or both.
Criminal Non-Support
Under Nebraska law, criminal non-support (willful failure to support a child) is a Class IV felony, potentially resulting in imprisonment, fines, or both.
Statute of limitations: There is no statute of limitations on child support arrears in Nebraska. Unpaid support remains collectible indefinitely.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the age of majority is 19 years old. Child support continues until:
- The child reaches age 19
- The child becomes emancipated
- The child becomes self-supporting
- The child marries
- The child dies
- Or further court order
Emancipation
A child age 16 or older may petition for emancipation if they can demonstrate:
- Financial independence and ability to live separately from parents
- Maturity to manage their own affairs
- Commitment to employment, education, or vocational training
Termination of Parental Rights
Under Nebraska Revised Statute 43-292, parental rights may be terminated voluntarily (such as in adoption cases) or involuntarily if the parent is found unfit. Termination of parental rights also terminates the child support obligation, though arrears must still be paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum child support in Nebraska?
The minimum is $50 per month or 10% of the obligor’s net income, whichever is greater. Lower amounts may be ordered for disabled or incarcerated parents.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job?
Yes, if your income changes by 10% or more and the change has lasted at least 3 months with an expectation of continuing for 6 more months, you may have grounds for modification. Contact DHHS or a family law attorney promptly.
How is child support calculated with joint custody?
When each parent has the child more than 142 days per year, Worksheet 3 is used to calculate support based on the time-sharing arrangement and each parent’s income.
Is incarceration considered voluntary unemployment?
No. Under the 2020 guidelines update, incarceration cannot be treated as voluntary unemployment when establishing or modifying support orders.
Does child support include college expenses?
Nebraska’s guidelines do not require support beyond age 19 for college. However, parents may voluntarily agree to contribute to higher education expenses.
What if the other parent hides income?
The court may impute income based on earning capacity, work history, education level, and available job opportunities. Courts also consider retained earnings in closely held corporations.
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