Nebraska child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model, which determines payment amounts based on both parents' combined net monthly income and their proportionate share of that income. Under the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines (Nebraska Supreme Court Rules Chapter 4, Article 2), a parent earning 75% of the combined income would pay 75% of the basic support obligation. For one child with parents earning a combined $3,000 net monthly income, the basic obligation is approximately $450-500 per month. Support continues until the child turns 19—Nebraska's age of majority—which is one year longer than most other states.
Key Facts: Nebraska Child Support
| Factor | Nebraska Requirement |
|---|---|
| Calculation Method | Income Shares Model |
| Basic Obligation Range | $387/month (1 child, $2,000 combined) to $2,800+/month (4+ children, $15,000+ combined) |
| Support Duration | Until child turns 19 (age of majority) |
| Minimum Support | $50/month or 10% of obligor's net income (whichever is greater) |
| Maximum Income Cap | $20,000 combined monthly net income (Table 1 cap) |
| Parenting Time Credit | Available when non-custodial parent has 142+ overnights/year |
| Health Insurance Cap | 5% of responsible parent's gross income |
| Modification Threshold | 10% change in support amount (minimum $25 difference) |
| Filing Fee for Modification | $158 (district court) |
How Nebraska Calculates Child Support Under the Income Shares Model
Nebraska determines child support by adding both parents' net monthly incomes together and looking up the total basic support obligation on Table 1 of the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364, the court must calculate support using the official worksheets, with each parent paying their proportionate share based on income percentage. A parent earning $4,000 monthly (67% of a $6,000 combined income) would owe 67% of the basic obligation, while the parent earning $2,000 monthly (33%) would owe 33%.
The Income Shares Model reflects the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the family remained intact. This approach differs from the percentage-of-income models used in some states because it considers both parents' financial resources rather than just the non-custodial parent's income.
Understanding Net Income for Child Support Purposes
Nebraska uses net income—not gross income—for child support calculations. Under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 4-203, gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, trust income, and capital gains. The following mandatory deductions reduce gross income to net income:
- Federal and state income taxes
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes)
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Union dues
- Alimony paid under a prior court order
- Pre-existing child support obligations for other children
Nebraska Child Support Amounts by Income Level
The Nebraska Child Support Guidelines Table 1 provides the basic support obligation for combined monthly net incomes ranging from $0 to $20,000. These amounts represent the total obligation that both parents share proportionally based on their income percentages.
| Combined Monthly Net Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $387 | $575 | $712 | $824 |
| $3,000 | $450-500 | $700-750 | $850-900 | $1,000-1,050 |
| $4,000 | $550-600 | $850-900 | $1,050-1,100 | $1,200-1,250 |
| $6,000 | $750-800 | $1,150-1,200 | $1,400-1,450 | $1,600-1,650 |
| $10,000 | $1,100-1,200 | $1,700-1,800 | $2,050-2,150 | $2,350-2,450 |
| $15,000 | $1,500-1,600 | $2,300-2,400 | $2,700-2,800 | $3,100-3,200 |
| $20,000 (cap) | $1,800-1,900 | $2,700-2,800 | $3,200-3,300 | $3,600-3,700 |
For families with combined monthly net income exceeding $20,000, courts set support at no less than the Table 1 amount for $20,000 and may order additional support based on the children's demonstrated needs and the family's pre-divorce standard of living.
Example Calculation: How Much Is Child Support in Nebraska for One Child?
Consider parents with a combined monthly net income of $6,000, where Parent A earns $4,000 (67%) and Parent B earns $2,000 (33%). With one child, Table 1 shows a basic obligation of approximately $775. If Parent A is the non-custodial parent, they would pay $519 monthly ($775 × 67%). If Parent B has primary custody and incurs $400 monthly in childcare costs, Parent A would also pay 67% of childcare ($268), bringing the total to approximately $787 per month.
What Expenses Does Nebraska Child Support Cover?
Nebraska child support payments cover the child's basic needs including housing, food, clothing, education expenses, transportation, and ordinary medical care up to $250 per child per year. Under the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, certain expenses receive separate treatment and are added to or credited against the basic support obligation.
Health Insurance Costs
Under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 4-215, the cost of adding children to a parent's health insurance policy is considered reasonable if it does not exceed 5% of that parent's gross income. The parent who pays the premium receives credit against their share of monthly support. For example, if adding the children costs $200 monthly and that represents 4% of the paying parent's gross income, the full $200 reduces their support obligation.
Nonreimbursed health care costs up to $250 per child per year are built into the basic support amount. Expenses exceeding this threshold—such as orthodontics, therapy, or emergency care—are allocated between parents based on their income percentages, though the obligor's share cannot exceed their proportionate contribution percentage.
Childcare Costs
Nebraska treats work-related childcare costs separately from the basic support obligation. Parents share childcare expenses proportionally based on their income percentages. A parent earning 60% of the combined income typically pays 60% of childcare costs in addition to their share of basic support. The court may apply a childcare tax credit imputation under Worksheet 6 when the parent incurring childcare expenses has monthly gross income above specified thresholds ($2,600 for one child, $3,100 for two children).
Extraordinary Expenses
Courts may order separate allocation of extraordinary expenses not covered by basic support, including:
- Private school tuition (if parents agreed pre-divorce or circumstances warrant)
- Special educational needs or tutoring
- Extracurricular activities and sports fees
- Summer camp
- Travel costs for visitation
Parenting Time Credit: The 142 Overnights Rule
Nebraska provides a parenting time credit when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight visitation. Under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 4-212, when a parent has more than 142 overnights per year (approximately 39% of the year), courts must use Worksheet 3 instead of the standard Worksheet 1, typically resulting in reduced support obligations.
How Parenting Time Affects Support Amounts
| Overnights Per Year | Worksheet Used | Effect on Support |
|---|---|---|
| 0-108 days | Worksheet 1 | Standard calculation |
| 109-142 days | Worksheet 1 or 3 | Court discretion |
| 143+ days | Worksheet 3 | Joint custody credit applies |
Worksheet 3 recognizes that both parents bear direct costs during their respective parenting time. When joint physical custody applies, parents typically split reasonable and necessary direct expenditures for the children—such as clothing and extracurricular activities—based on their income percentages. This often results in lower monthly support payments but requires both parents to fund child-related expenses during their parenting time.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Nebraska?
Nebraska child support continues until the child reaches age 19, which is the state's age of majority under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364. This is notably one year longer than most states, where support typically ends at 18. Support may terminate earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, marries, or joins the military on active duty.
While district courts cannot order support beyond age 19, they can enforce settlement agreements between parents that voluntarily extend support. Parents who agree to fund college expenses or support past 19 can include these terms in their marital settlement agreement, and courts will enforce such provisions as contractual obligations.
How to Modify Nebraska Child Support
Nebraska allows child support modification when a material change of circumstances exists under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16 and Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 4-217. A rebuttable presumption of material change arises when recalculating support under current guidelines produces a variation of 10% or more (but not less than $25) from the existing order.
Requirements for Modification
To successfully modify child support in Nebraska, the parent seeking modification must demonstrate:
- A material change in circumstances affecting the calculation (typically income change)
- The change has lasted at least 3 months
- The change is expected to continue for at least 6 months
- Recalculation would change support by 10% or more ($25 minimum difference)
Common Triggers for Modification
Nebraska courts commonly grant modifications based on:
- Job loss or significant income reduction
- Substantial raise, promotion, or new employment
- Changes in parenting time arrangements
- Child's changed medical needs or special circumstances
- Addition of new children in either household
- Changes in health insurance costs
- Emancipation of one child in a multi-child order
Filing a Modification Request
Either parent can file a Complaint for Modification in the district court that issued the original order. The filing fee is $158 as of 2026. Required documents include:
- Complaint for Modification
- Financial Affidavit for Child Support (filed at the time of the Complaint)
- Proposed Child Support Calculation worksheet (presented at hearing)
- Supporting documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s)
Alternatively, either parent may request a review through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services every 3 years without demonstrating changed circumstances.
Nebraska Child Support Enforcement
Nebraska enforces child support obligations through income withholding, which has been mandatory in all support orders since 1988. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-1718, employers must withhold court-ordered support directly from the paying parent's wages using the Income Withholding for Support (IWO) form.
Enforcement Methods Available
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers child support enforcement and can pursue:
- Automatic income withholding from wages
- Interception of federal and state tax refunds
- Suspension of driver's license
- Suspension of professional and occupational licenses
- Consumer credit bureau reporting
- Passport denial (for arrears exceeding $2,500)
- Contempt of court proceedings (potentially resulting in jail time)
- Liens on property and bank accounts
Wage Garnishment Limits
Federal law limits child support wage garnishment as follows:
- 50% of disposable earnings if currently supporting another spouse or child
- 60% of disposable earnings if not supporting another spouse or child
- Additional 5% may be taken if more than 12 weeks in arrears
Making Payments
The Nebraska Child Support Payment Center accepts payments at 233 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE. For questions about automatic withdrawal, electronic funds transfer, or payment issues, contact 1-877-631-9973.
Nebraska Child Support Guidelines: Special Circumstances
Minimum Support Obligation
The minimum child support amount in Nebraska is $50 per month or 10% of the obligor's net income, whichever is greater. Courts may deviate below this minimum only when the parent is disabled or incarcerated and cannot earn income.
Imputed Income for Unemployed or Underemployed Parents
Under the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines, when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, courts may impute income based on earning capacity. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364, when earning capacity is used for an initial determination, there must be evidence that the parent is capable of realizing such capacity through reasonable effort. Courts consider education, work history, job availability, and physical limitations.
High-Income Families
For families with combined monthly net income exceeding $20,000 (the Table 1 cap), courts have discretion to order support above the maximum table amount. Courts consider the children's demonstrated needs, the family's pre-divorce standard of living, and extraordinary expenses. The support amount must be at least equal to the $20,000 income level on Table 1.
Split Custody Situations
When each parent has physical custody of at least one child (split custody), Nebraska uses Worksheet 2. This calculates each parent's obligation for the children in the other parent's custody, with the parent owing more paying the difference to the other parent.
How to File for Child Support in Nebraska
Nebraska requires a one-year residency before filing for divorce or custody actions involving child support. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-349, at least one spouse must have resided in Nebraska with bona fide intention of permanent residency for 12 months before filing. An exception applies if the marriage was solemnized in Nebraska and either party has resided continuously since the marriage.
Filing Fees and Costs
The district court filing fee for divorce (including child support determination) is $158 statewide as of March 2026. Service of process adds $30-60. Total costs for an uncontested divorce without an attorney typically range from $200 to $400. Attorney fees for contested child support matters range from $1,500 to $5,000 for straightforward cases and $5,000 to $50,000+ for complex litigation.
Fee waivers are available for individuals with income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines by filing an Application for Waiver of Court Costs and Fees.
Required Documents
- Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage (or Complaint for Child Support if parents were never married)
- Parenting Plan (addressing custody, parenting time, and decision-making)
- Child Support Worksheet 1 (or Worksheet 2 or 3 if applicable)
- Financial Affidavit
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
Frequently Asked Questions: Nebraska Child Support
How much is child support in Nebraska for one child?
Nebraska child support for one child ranges from $387 per month at $2,000 combined net income to approximately $1,900 at $20,000 combined income. The non-custodial parent pays their proportionate share based on income percentage. For example, if combined net income is $4,000 and the non-custodial parent earns 60% of that amount, they would pay approximately $330-360 monthly for one child.
What is the average child support payment in Nebraska?
The average child support payment in Nebraska falls between $400 and $700 per month for one child, depending on parental incomes. For families with median household incomes (approximately $65,000 annually or $5,400 monthly combined), child support for one child typically ranges from $450 to $550 per month before adding childcare and health insurance costs.
Does Nebraska child support include childcare costs?
No, Nebraska does not include childcare costs in the basic child support amount. Work-related childcare expenses are calculated separately and divided between parents based on their proportionate income shares. If one parent earns 65% of combined income, they typically pay 65% of childcare costs in addition to their share of basic support.
How long does child support last in Nebraska?
Nebraska child support continues until the child turns 19, which is the state's age of majority. This is one year longer than most states. Support may end earlier if the child becomes emancipated, marries, or joins the military. Parents can agree to extend support beyond 19 (such as for college expenses) through their settlement agreement.
Can I modify Nebraska child support if I lose my job?
Yes, job loss constitutes a material change of circumstances that may warrant modification under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364.16. You must demonstrate the income change has lasted at least 3 months, is expected to continue for 6+ months, and results in a 10% or greater change in the calculated support amount (minimum $25 difference). File a Complaint for Modification in your district court.
What happens if my ex does not pay child support in Nebraska?
Nebraska enforces child support through automatic wage withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), passport denial, credit bureau reporting, property liens, and contempt proceedings. Contact Nebraska DHHS Child Support Enforcement at 1-877-631-9973 to report non-payment. Arrears accrue interest and do not disappear over time.
Does parenting time reduce child support in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska provides a parenting time credit when the non-custodial parent has 142 or more overnights per year. Courts use Worksheet 3 for joint physical custody situations, which typically reduces support. For 109-142 overnights, using Worksheet 3 is at court discretion. Below 109 overnights, the standard calculation applies without adjustment.
How does Nebraska calculate child support for high incomes?
For combined monthly net income exceeding $20,000, Nebraska courts set support at no less than the Table 1 maximum and may order additional support based on the children's demonstrated needs and pre-divorce standard of living. Courts consider private school, extracurricular activities, travel, and lifestyle factors when determining appropriate support above the guidelines cap.
Who pays for health insurance in Nebraska child support cases?
Either parent may be ordered to provide health insurance for the children. The cost is considered reasonable if it does not exceed 5% of that parent's gross income. The parent paying premiums receives credit against their support obligation. Uninsured medical expenses above $250 per child per year are divided proportionally between parents.
Can Nebraska child support be paid directly to the other parent?
While Nebraska requires income withholding in most cases, parents may agree to direct payment arrangements. However, direct payments offer no enforcement protections and create proof-of-payment issues. The Nebraska Child Support Payment Center provides official payment records that protect both parties. Most attorneys recommend using the state disbursement unit.
This guide provides general information about Nebraska child support laws as of 2026. Filing fees verified as of March 2026—confirm current amounts with your local district court clerk before filing. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult a Nebraska family law attorney.