Omaha Child Custody Attorneys Protecting Your Connection With Your Child
Divorce can be a challenging time for families, especially when it comes to determining child custody arrangements. At Reisinger Booth & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we are here to provide clarity and support as you navigate these important decisions.
Since 1993, we have helped parents in the Omaha area make informed decisions for their families. Our experienced attorneys will help you fight for the best possible outcome for you and your children. We take a compassionate approach, always considering what is in the best interests of your child, while protecting your rights as a parent.
How Do Nebraska Courts Make Custody Decisions?
Nebraska courts decide custody by focusing on the arrangement that is in the child’s best interests. Judges look at things like the child’s age, their emotional needs, their relationship with each parent and how well each parent can support the child’s well-being. If the child is old and mature enough, the court might ask what they want. By considering these details, the court tries to reach a custody plan that helps the child thrive and keeps good relationships with both parents.
What Are The Types Of Custody In Nebraska?
Child custody involves decisions about both where your child will live and who will make major decisions about their life. It is important for parents to understand both types of custody. Physical custody determines where the child will live. If one parent has sole physical custody, the child would mostly live with them while having visitation with the other parent. Joint physical custody lets the child live with both parents for a significant time, so both can be part of the child’s daily life. This helps keep things stable and lets the child have strong bonds with both parents.
Legal custody involves making important choices about the child’s life, including their schooling, health care and religion. Nebraska can give either sole or joint legal custody. Sole legal custody lets one parent make these decisions alone, while joint legal custody means both parents have a say in these decisions. Parents may share legal custody even if one has sole physical custody.
What Is Visitation?
Visitation, or parenting time, is part of maintaining a strong relationship between the child and their noncustodial parent. We work diligently to ensure that visitation schedules are fair and allow both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Our goal is to create a plan that supports your child’s well-being and fosters a positive, ongoing relationship with both parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody In Nebraska
Custody questions often continue as you work through a parenting plan or court order. The following answers explain Nebraska custody issues that may affect your rights and your child’s daily life:
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Nebraska?
Legal custody concerns the important choices you make for your child, such as decisions about school, medical care and religious upbringing. Physical custody addresses your child’s living arrangements and the time they spend in each parent’s care. Nebraska courts may award legal and physical custody in different combinations depending on the circumstances.
What factors do Nebraska courts consider when determining the best interests of your child?
A judge looks at circumstances that affect your child’s safety, stability, health and relationship with each parent. Your child’s wishes may also matter when they can understand the issue and give sound reasons for their preference. The court can consider other relevant facts as it determines which custody arrangement serves your child’s needs.
What is a mandatory parenting plan, and what must it include?
Nebraska requires a parenting plan when a court case involves parenting responsibilities for a child. Your plan should address custody, parenting time, decision-making, exchanges, safety and how you will handle future disagreements or requested changes. These terms give you and the other parent a clearer framework for caring for your child after separation or divorce.
At what age can your child choose which parent to live with in Nebraska?
Nebraska does not set a specific age when your child gains the final say about where to live. Instead, a judge may consider your child’s preference when they are able to understand the choice and explain their reasoning. Your child’s preference can influence the decision, but it does not control the outcome by itself.
How can you modify an existing child custody order or parenting time schedule in Nebraska?
To change an existing custody or parenting time order, you generally need to show that circumstances have changed in a meaningful way since the court entered it. You must also explain why adjusting the current arrangement would better serve your child’s best interests. The court must approve the modification before the new terms replace your existing order.
Take The First Steps Toward Your Family’s Future Today
If you are facing a divorce and have concerns about child custody, reach out to our Omaha office. Our family law attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your connection with your child remains strong. Call us at 402-590-5384 or contact our office online for a consultation and let us help you secure a positive future for your family.