Nebraska
Nebraska Child Support Laws (2026): Guidelines & Calculator
Nebraska calculates child support using the income shares model, which combines both parents' net monthly incomes and allocates support proportionally based on each parent's share. Courts apply the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines and Table 1 to determine the base obligation, then add health insurance costs. Use the Nebraska child support calculator below to estimate a guideline amount, or open the full-page Nebraska child support calculator for a detailed breakdown.
How to Apply for Child Support in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers child support services statewide through its Child Support Enforcement (CSE) division. CSE provides the following services to custodial and noncustodial parents:
- Locating noncustodial parents
- Establishing paternity
- Establishing and enforcing child support orders
- Modifying existing support orders when circumstances change
- Collecting and distributing child support payments
To apply for child support services, you have three options:
- Apply online through the DHHS portal
- Call toll-free at (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 involved.
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 goal is to approximate the amount parents would have spent on their children if they were still living together.
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 the combined income
- Add the child's health insurance costs and allocate between parents
The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides an online child support calculator for individuals who are representing themselves.
What Counts as Income in Nebraska?
Under Section 4-204 of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, total monthly income includes income from all sources. This covers wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, and retirement benefits.
However, certain income is excluded from the calculation:
- Means-tested public assistance benefits (such as SNAP or TANF)
- Earned income tax credits
- Child support payments received for children from prior relationships
The court may include overtime wages if overtime is a regular and consistent part of a parent's employment. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on that parent's earning capacity, work history, education level, and available job opportunities.
Important: Under Section 4-204(F), incarceration may not be treated as voluntary unemployment when establishing or modifying child support orders. This protection was added in the 2020 guidelines update.
Allowable Deductions
The following deductions are subtracted from gross income to determine net income under Section 4-205:
- Federal and state income taxes (calculated using standard deductions)
- FICA and Social Security contributions
- Mandatory retirement contributions, or up to 4% of gross income for voluntary retirement plans
- Child support currently paid for other children under prior court orders
- Health insurance premiums for the parent only (capped at 5% of gross income)
Nebraska Income Shares Formula and Table 1
Nebraska's child support amounts are determined using Table 1, the Income Shares Formula. The Nebraska Supreme Court updates Table 1 periodically to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The most recent Table 1 update took effect on January 29, 2025, and Section 4-218 was separately amended effective January 1, 2026.
The table provides support amounts based on combined parental net income and the 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 share of income.
Minimum Support Obligation
Under Section 4-209, the minimum monthly child support is $50 or 10% of the obligor's net income, whichever is greater. Exceptions may apply for parents who are disabled or incarcerated.
Basic Subsistence Limitation
Section 4-218 provides a basic subsistence limitation tied to the federal poverty guidelines. As amended effective January 1, 2026, a parent's support obligations cannot reduce net income below $1,330 net monthly (or the current federal poverty guideline for one person, whichever governs). The purpose of this limitation is to ensure the obligor retains enough income to cover basic living expenses while still contributing to the child's support.
High-Income Cases
If combined net income exceeds $20,000 per month, the court applies the table amount at $20,000 plus additional percentages for income above that threshold. Under Section 4-203(C), those rates are:
- 10% for one to three children
- 12% for four children
- 13% for five children
- 14% for six or more children
Child Support Worksheets
Nebraska courts use several worksheets depending on the custody arrangement:
- Worksheet 1: Basic Net Income and Support Calculation, used in standard sole custody cases
- Worksheet 2: Split Custody Calculation, used when each parent has physical custody of different children
- Worksheet 3: Joint Physical Custody Calculation, used when each parent has the child more than 142 days per year
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. For purposes of this section, a "day" is generally defined as including an overnight period.
When parenting time falls between 109 and 142 days per year, the use of Worksheet 3 is at the court's discretion. Below 109 days, the standard Worksheet 1 applies.
If child support is determined under the joint custody provision, all reasonable and necessary direct expenditures made solely for the children (such as clothing and extracurricular activities) are allocated between the parents proportionally.
Health Insurance and Medical Expenses
Under Section 4-215, child support orders must address how parents will provide for the children's health care needs. Health insurance costs are handled as follows:
- The cost of adding the children to a parent's existing health care coverage is calculated as the difference between self-only coverage and employee-plus-children or family coverage
- Health insurance costs are considered reasonable if they do not exceed 5% of the responsible parent's gross income
- These costs are prorated between both parents based on their share of combined income
- The parent who pays the premium receives a credit against his or her share of monthly support
Nonreimbursed medical expenses (co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered treatments) that are not included in the Table 1 amounts are allocated separately between parents based on their proportional income.
How to Modify Child Support in Nebraska
Child support orders can be modified when financial circumstances change. Under Section 4-217, the Nebraska Judicial Branch recognizes a rebuttable presumption of material change when:
- Application of the current guidelines would result in a 10% or more variation (but not less than $25) from 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 through the DHHS portal
- Consult with a family law attorney
Key Limitations on Modifications
Several rules limit when and how child support can be modified:
- Under Section 4-219, support cannot increase solely because the other parent's income increased
- Under Section 4-220, the birth or adoption of subsequent children is not grounds for reducing support, although it may serve as a defense against an increase
- Voluntary unemployment or underemployment is not grounds for a reduction in support
- The court will review all current financial circumstances of both parents before approving any change
Child Support Enforcement in Nebraska
The Child Support Enforcement division uses multiple tools to collect unpaid support under Nebraska law:
Income Withholding
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-1718, employers are required to withhold child support directly from the obligor's wages, salary, or other income. Compliance by the employer operates as a discharge of the employer's liability to the employee for the amount withheld.
Administrative and Civil Remedies
- Credit bureau reporting: Delinquencies are reported to major credit agencies, affecting the obligor's credit score
- License suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses may be suspended after three months of arrears
- Bank account garnishment: Funds may be seized directly from bank accounts
- Property liens: Liens may be placed against real estate, vehicles, and other property
- Tax refund interception: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted and applied to arrears
- Interest on arrears: Unpaid support accrues interest under Nebraska law
Passport Denial
Under 42 U.S.C. 652(k), the U.S. Department of State denies or revokes passports for parents who owe more than $2,500 in child support arrears. State agencies certify delinquent obligors to the federal Office of Child Support Services, which transmits the information to the State Department.
Contempt of Court
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-358, when a parent willfully fails to pay support and income withholding is not feasible, the court may appoint an attorney to commence contempt proceedings. Penalties may include fines, jail time, or both.
Criminal Nonsupport
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-706, criminal nonsupport is a Class II misdemeanor. However, if the failure to pay violates a court order, it becomes a Class IV felony. The state must prove that the parent intentionally failed, refused, or neglected to provide proper support, although a defendant may present evidence of inability to pay to disprove intent.
Statute of limitations: There is no statute of limitations on child support arrears in Nebraska. Unpaid support remains collectible indefinitely, and the termination of the support obligation does not eliminate any past-due balance.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the age of majority is 19 years old, which is older than most states. According to the Nebraska Judicial Branch, child support in Nebraska continues until:
- The child reaches age 19
- The child becomes emancipated by court order
- The child becomes self-supporting
- The child marries
- The child dies
- Or further court order
Child support is paid through the birth month in which the child turns 19. The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides information on the termination process.
Termination Process
An obligor may file a written application for termination of a child support order with the clerk of the district court where the support was originally ordered. Termination is automatic if the prior court filings accurately state the child's date of birth.
Emancipation
A child age 16 or older may petition for emancipation if they can demonstrate financial independence and the ability to live separately from parents, maturity to manage their own affairs, and a commitment to employment, education, or vocational training. A judgment of emancipation suspends any existing custody, parenting time, or support orders.
Termination of Parental Rights
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 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 ends the ongoing child support obligation, but any arrears that accrued before the termination must still be paid.
Recent Changes to Nebraska Child Support Law
The Nebraska Child Support Advisory Commission completed its 2024 review of the guidelines. Based on the commission's recommendations, the Nebraska Supreme Court updated Table 1 effective January 29, 2025, reflecting revised federal poverty figures.
The Nebraska Supreme Court then amended Section 4-218 (basic subsistence limitation) a second time, with the change taking effect January 1, 2026. That amendment set the floor at $1,330 net monthly for one person (or the then-current federal poverty guideline for one person, whichever applies), ensuring the subsistence floor stays current with annual poverty-guideline updates.
Additionally, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB233, which creates a child support income passthrough for custodial parents receiving Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). Under this law, custodial parents on ADC will receive up to $100 per month of child support paid for one child, or $200 per month for two or more children. This income will be disregarded when calculating ADC benefits. LB233 takes effect July 1, 2027.
More Nebraska Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum child support payment 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 parents who are disabled or incarcerated.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job in Nebraska?
Yes. If the recalculated support amount differs by 10% or more from your current obligation, and the income change has lasted at least 3 months with an expectation of continuing for 6 more months, you may have grounds for modification. Contact DHHS at (877) 631-9973 or a family law attorney as soon as possible.
How is child support calculated with joint custody in Nebraska?
When each parent has the child for more than 142 days per year, there is a rebuttable presumption that Worksheet 3 (Joint Physical Custody) applies. This worksheet accounts for the time-sharing arrangement and each parent's income. Between 109 and 142 days, the court has discretion on whether to use Worksheet 3.
Is incarceration considered voluntary unemployment for child support in Nebraska?
No. Under Section 4-204(F) of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines (updated in 2020), incarceration cannot be treated as voluntary unemployment when establishing or modifying support orders.
At what age does child support end in Nebraska?
Child support continues until the child reaches age 19, which is Nebraska's age of majority. Support may also end earlier if the child is emancipated, becomes self-supporting, or marries. Support is paid through the birth month in which the child turns 19.
Nebraska Child Support Calculator
Estimate your child support obligation under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16. This calculator provides a step-by-step breakdown with statute citations.
Nebraska Child Support Calculator
This state uses the Income Shares model, which considers both parents' income to determine a combined obligation, then splits it proportionally.
Based on Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16 · Effective January 1, 2024
Enter income details to see your estimate
How Nebraska Calculates Child Support
- •Nebraska uses the Income Shares model under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16, combining both parents' net incomes to determine the basic child support obligation.
- •The basic obligation is determined from the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines schedule based on combined monthly net income and number of children, then divided proportionally between parents.
- •A parenting time adjustment applies when the obligor has 110 or more overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time), reducing the obligation to account for direct expenditures during parenting time.
- •Health insurance premiums for the children and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally between parents.
- •Nebraska imposes a minimum support obligation even for very low-income obligors, and courts may deviate from guidelines with written findings of specific circumstances.
- •The Nebraska Supreme Court maintains an official online calculator that reflects the current guidelines and schedule tables.
What Is the Average Child Support Payment in Nebraska?
Estimated Average Monthly Payment
$1,032/month
Estimated Annual Total
$12,384/year
Nebraska does not publish an official “average” child support payment. This estimate was calculated using the Nebraska guideline formula above with median income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 — Nebraska Median Earnings. Your actual amount will differ — use the calculator above with your own numbers for a personalized estimate.
Assumptions used in this estimate
- •Obligor net monthly income of $3,600 (Nebraska median full-time earnings after taxes, Census ACS 2024)
- •Obligee net monthly income of $2,800 (Nebraska median female full-time earnings after taxes)
- •2 children
- •$200/month for children's health insurance
- •No childcare costs; 52 overnights/year with obligor (below parenting time adjustment threshold)
Data year: 2024
Important Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate only based on Nebraska's child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered amounts may differ based on factors not captured here, including special needs, shared custody arrangements, travel costs, and judicial discretion.
This is not legal advice. Consult a family law attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Updates
Corrected the source for Nebraska's child support termination criteria (age 19, emancipation, marriage, death) — Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-364.16 only authorizes the Supreme Court to adopt guidelines and does not address termination; re-attributed to the Nebraska Judicial Branch's termination guidance and relabeled the 42-364.16 citation to match what it actually covers.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on 6 statutory provisions held in our own legal record, each retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
United States Code Title 42
§ 652Duties of SecretaryIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
The Secretary shall establish, within the Department of Health and Human Services a separate organizational unit, under the direction of a designee of the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary and who shall— establish such standards for State programs for locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, and obtaining child support and support for the spouse (or former spouse) with whom the noncustodial parent’s child is living as he determines to be necessary to assure that such programs will be effective; establish minimum organizational and staffing requirements for State units engaged in carrying out such programs under plans approved under this part; review and approve State plans for such programs; review data and calculations transmitted by State agencies pursuant to section 654(15)(B) of this title on State program accomplishments with respect to performance indicators for purposes of subsection (g) of this section and section 658a of this title; review annual reports submitted pursuant to section 654(15)(A) of this title and, as appropriate, provide to the State comments, recommendations for additional or alternative corrective actions, and technical…
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-28 · Read the full section at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 122 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases: Blessing v. Freestone (Supreme Court of the United States 1997, 520 U.S. 329) · Cuvillier v. Taylor (Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 2007, 503 F.3d 397) · Weinstein v. Albright (Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit 2001, 261 F.3d 127)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Can Felons Travel Outside the US? What Countries You Can Visit, Child Support Laws in the United States (2026), Missouri Child Support Laws (2026): Guidelines & Calculator
Nebraska Revised Statutes, Chapter 28: CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
§ 28-706Criminal nonsupport; penalty; exceptionsIn force
(1) Any person who intentionally fails, refuses, or neglects to provide proper support which he or she knows or reasonably should know he or she is legally obliged to provide to a spouse, minor child, minor stepchild, or other dependent commits criminal nonsupport. (2) A parent or guardian who refuses to pay hospital costs, medical costs, or any other costs arising out of or in connection with an abortion procedure performed on a minor child or minor stepchild does not commit criminal nonsupport if: (a) Such parent or guardian was not consulted prior to the abortion procedure; or (b) After consultation, such parent or guardian refused to grant consent for such procedure, and the abortion procedure was not necessary to preserve the minor child or stepchild from an imminent peril that substantially endangered her life or health. (3) Support includes, but is not limited to, food, clothing, medical care, and shelter. (4) A designation of assets for or use of income by an individual in accordance with section 68-922 shall be considered just cause for failure to use such assets or income to provide medical support of such individual's spouse.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-29 · Read the full section at nebraskalegislature.gov
Cited in 21 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2018
Leading cases: State v. Yelli (Nebraska Supreme Court 1995, 247 Neb. 785) · Carroll v. Moore (Nebraska Supreme Court 1988, 228 Neb. 561) · State v. Menuey (Nebraska Supreme Court 1991, 239 Neb. 513)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Nebraska Revised Statutes, Chapter 42: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES
§ 42-358Attorney for minor child; appointment; powers; child or spousal support; records; income withholding; contempt proceedings; fees; evidence; appealIn force
(1) The court may appoint an attorney to protect the interests of any minor children of the parties. Such attorney shall be empowered to make independent investigations and to cause witnesses to appear and testify on matters pertinent to the welfare of the children. The court shall by order fix the fee, including disbursements, for such attorney, which amount shall be taxed as costs and paid by the parties as ordered. If the court finds that the party responsible is indigent, the court may order the county to pay the costs. (2) Following entry of any decree, the court having jurisdiction over the minor children of the parties may at any time appoint an attorney, as friend of the court, to initiate contempt proceedings for failure of any party to comply with an order of the court directing such party to pay temporary or permanent child support. The county attorney or authorized attorney may be appointed by the court for the purposes provided in this section, in which case the county attorney or authorized attorney shall represent the state. (3) The clerk of each district court shall maintain records of support orders.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-29 · Read the full section at nebraskalegislature.gov
Cited in 42 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2025
Leading cases: State on behalf of Maria B. & Renee B. v. Kyle B. (Nebraska Supreme Court 2018, 298 Neb. 759) · Opinion No. (1992) (Nebraska Attorney General Reports 1992) · Moore v. Moore (Nebraska Supreme Court 2019, 302 Neb. 588)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 42-364.16Child support guidelines; establishment; useIn force
The Supreme Court shall provide by court rule, as a rebuttable presumption, guidelines for the establishment of all child support obligations. Child support shall be established in accordance with such guidelines, which guidelines are presumed to be in the best interests of the child, unless the court finds that one or both parties have produced sufficient evidence to rebut the presumption that the application of the guidelines will result in a fair and equitable child support order.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-29 · Read the full section at nebraskalegislature.gov
Cited in 60 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases: Hotz v. Hotz (Nebraska Supreme Court 2018, 301 Neb. 102) · Kalkowski v. Kalkowski (Nebraska Supreme Court 2000, 258 Neb. 1035) · Elsome v. Elsome (Nebraska Supreme Court 1999, 257 Neb. 889)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Nebraska Revised Statutes, Chapter 43: INFANTS AND JUVENILES
§ 43-1718.02Obligor; subject to income withholding; when; notice; employer or other payor; prohibited acts; violation; penalty; termination or modification; notice; enforcementIn force
(1) In any case in which services are not provided under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act, as amended, and a support order has been issued or modified on or after July 1, 1994, the obligor's income shall be subject to income withholding regardless of whether or not payments pursuant to such order are in arrears, and the court shall require such income withholding in its order unless: (a) One of the parties demonstrates and the court finds that there is good cause not to require immediate income withholding; or (b) A written agreement between the parties providing an alternative arrangement is incorporated into the support order. (2) If the court pursuant to subsection (1) of this section orders income withholding regardless of whether or not payments are in arrears, the obligor shall prepare a notice to withhold income. The notice to withhold income shall be substantially similar to a prototype prepared by the department and made available by the department to the State Court Administrator and the clerks of the district courts.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-29 · Read the full section at nebraskalegislature.gov
§ 43-292Termination of parental rights; groundsIn force
Except as otherwise provided in the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act, the court may terminate all parental rights between the parents or the mother of a juvenile born out of wedlock and such juvenile when the court finds such action to be in the best interests of the juvenile and it appears by the evidence that one or more of the following conditions exist: (1) The parents have abandoned the juvenile for six months or more immediately prior to the filing of the petition; (2) The parents have substantially and continuously or repeatedly neglected and refused to give the juvenile or a sibling of the juvenile necessary parental care and protection; (3) The parents, being financially able, have willfully neglected to provide the juvenile with the necessary subsistence, education, or other care necessary for his or her health, morals, or welfare or have neglected to pay for such subsistence, education, or other care when legal custody of the juvenile is lodged with others and such payment ordered by the court; (4) The parents are unfit by reason of debauchery, habitual use of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs, or repeated lewd and lascivious behavior, which conduct is found by…
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-29 · Read the full section at nebraskalegislature.gov
Cited in 538 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases: State v. Heather N. (In Re Michael N.) (Nebraska Supreme Court 2019, 925 N.W.2d 51) · In re Interest of Isabel P. (Nebraska Supreme Court 2016, 293 Neb. 62) · In re Interest of Alec S. (Nebraska Supreme Court 2016, 294 Neb. 784)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- Nebraska Supreme Court Rules, Chapter 4, Article 2: Child Support Guidelines(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- Table 1: Income Shares Formula (DC 6:17)(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- January 29, 2025 Amendments to Section 4-218 and Table 1(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- 2024 Review of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines (Advisory Commission Report)(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- Nebraska DHHS Child Support Services(dhhs.ne.gov).gov
- Nebraska DHHS: Child Support Review and Modification(dhhs.ne.gov).gov
- Nebraska Judicial Branch: Child Support Self-Help Resources(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- Nebraska Judicial Branch: Child Support Termination(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- Nebraska Judicial Branch: Modification of Child Support(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-364.16: Child Support Guidelines Establishment(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-358: Contempt Proceedings for Child Support(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-1718.02: Income Withholding for Child Support(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-706: Criminal Nonsupport(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-292: Termination of Parental Rights(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): Passport Denial for Child Support Arrears(law.cornell.edu)
- Federal Office of Child Support Services: Passport Denial Program Overview(acf.gov).gov
- Nebraska Unicameral Update: ADC Child Support Income Exclusion (LB233)(update.legislature.ne.gov).gov
- Section 4-218 Basic Subsistence Limitation (amended eff. Jan. 1, 2026)(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov