Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Vanessa Jean Gorden
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: Do I have any legal right to my grand children if something happens to my son when he has brain surgery?

I have been with my grandchildren since birth, their moms live in Az, one mom is strung out on drugs with no contact with her daughter, and the other mother contacts her daughter and gets her stuff. but neither one of these mothers have not physically visited their daughter for 4 yrs now. I just... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Mar 14, 2024

Your son should consider a Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers during his recovery AND a will that names a person of his choice as testamentary guardian for the children. If the worst happens and he passes during or after surgery, the person named as guardian would at least have a chance at... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: Nebraska.Owned home got married sold home purchased new home with all the money I made on sale.New home has only my name

I am getting divorce do I have to split. I bought home during marriage but all the house was paid for with my home sale.

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Sep 30, 2023

You may be able to “trace” your premarital property into the new home you purchased to have the court separate it from the marital estate before dividing what is marital. You will need an experienced divorce lawyer to help you through that process. Best wishes!

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: If a child has lived in the same state for 3 years and out of state parent wants primary, how likely is that to happen?

Our son has lived with me in one state for 3 years and my ex lives out of state. He is now asking for primary custody and wants to move son out of state. Son is doing incredible well here and always lived with me. What are the chances a judge would change to allow exp primary? These is no reason... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Sep 20, 2023

The person seeking to modify custody and remove a child from a custodial parent in Nebraska typically has a difficult road. They have to prove that (1) there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the initial custody order was entered, such as unfitness by the custodial... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: So my 18 year old son just went off to college.my parents have guardianship over him I don't know how long they have

Guardianship for the bank sent me over the reliant card with a child support on it I'm not sure what to do so is he now and my custody

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Sep 20, 2023

You will want to use the Nebraska.gov/Justice system to pull the public records of guardianship to see if it is still in place or has been terminated (this will cost a nominal fee). Your best bet is to visit with an attorney familiar with custody and guardianship to advise you on next steps. If... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: terminate child support, joined the millitary.

How do I fill out the affidavit to obtain termination of child support. He joined the military, and his mother has agreed to terminate the support. I only have 4 boxes to check, he died, he got married, he's 19, and the child has been emancipated by court order form ______. None of these fit... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Sep 20, 2023

You can try writing in the correct reasoning and having both parents sign off and have signatures notarized. However, depending on how much your child support is each month, your best bet is likely to just hire a lawyer to draft a Stipulated Termination so the lawyer can reference your specific... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: Hello, I finally got to the court date and now they say the complaint was not signed. Everything canceled what do I do.

I have no attorney, I done all they asked. I had a court date now I don't. Because they say the complaint wasn't signed. Not sure what they are talking about. Is there anything I can do to get the proceedings back on track to get this divorce over with. Thank you for your help

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on May 9, 2023

Hello. There is a lot of more specific information required for an attorney to help make sure you followed everything required. I'm assuming that you are talking about an original divorce action where you are the Plaintiff based on your characterization of this question as divorce. Your best... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Nebraska on
Q: My wife has taken our children out of state (from NE to AZ). Is there anything I can legally do to stop her?
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Apr 17, 2023

Yes. If you file for dissolution and an ex parte motion for temporary custody, your spouse is very likely to be ordered to return the children to Nebraska as all 50 states have enacted some version of the UCCJEA. If you do nothing and six months passes, then the new state would likely be considered... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: how do i answer a complaint to modify custody
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Mar 20, 2023

That depends. You may not believe anything needs to change and you can file a General Denial type Answer to require the moving party to prove their allegations. Or you may also want to allege a different set of material and substantial circumstances that have changed and request a different... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: Do I still need to Emancipate my daughter and go through a court proceeding to do so?

My 18 year old daughter moved from Nebraska, where she is considered a minor at age 18, to Kentucky, where she is considered an adult, do I still need to go through court proceedings to emancipate her in order to stop paying child support on her? Neither her mother, nor I support her monetarily.... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Oct 26, 2022

Check your child support order. Most include the language that child support continues until the minor child attains the age of majority, dies, marries, joins the military or is "otherwise no longer dependent upon the parents for support". You should be able to file a quick Complaint to... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Nebraska on
Q: Is a judge able to refuse to hear a contempt case I filed on my daughter's father for refusing 9 court ordered visits?
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Oct 24, 2022

For contempt, the Judge must first determine the threshold question of whether the facts as stated in the Application or Motion for Contempt or Order to Show Cause would make a prima facie case for contempt. If so s/he will sign the Order. If not, s/he will decline to sign the Order. If the Order... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: My ex husband is asking for the address connected to my bank account in order to transfer funds for the spousal support.

He is abusive and I don't want him have my address. He is withholding the payment until I give him the information. I need that income to make my monthly bills. Can you tell me what my legal options are?

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 2, 2022

If there is a Court order for support he needs to pay through the Court or through the Nebraska Support Payment Center. He does not need your address. Best wishes!

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Nebraska on
Q: My spouse doesn't want to come to divorce court in Nebraska I was told there is a waiver she can sign?

We agree on everything she is in California and won't sign the paper to appear so I can file. I was told by the District court there is a waiver she can sign so not to have to appear???

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jul 11, 2022

This might be two different questions from reading the above:

1) She must either be served by Sheriff with the Complaint for Dissolution OR sign a Voluntary Appearance in order for Nebraska to grant your divorce. The mandatory 60 day waiting period cannot commence until one of those...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Domestic Violence for Nebraska on
Q: Do I have to be notified ahead of the hearing date why someone is taking me to court so I can prepare?

The plaintiff is my ex bf whom I have a restraining order on and that no longer lives with me. The notice does not state what the reason is for the hearing. Clerk of the District Court said they do not have that information and that I should have an attorney with me on that date but I cant hire a... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jun 23, 2022

You would be well served to schedule a consultation with an attorney and bring in the notice of hearing you received. A Nebraska attorney can review the document and access the public court file and tell you what the hearing is about. For example, has your ex filed for a hearing on the protection... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Nebraska on
Q: My ex wife is keeping my 12 year old son from school. What are my odds of getting custody if I go into this?

She works at the same school he attends and she either keeps him home when she doesn't want to go to work or when she does go she takes him out 2-3 hours early when she leaves. I've talked to the assistant principal and she told me she's talked with my ex wife, but she gets the... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Apr 6, 2022

The only way to have an evaluation of your specific case would be to have a confidential consultation with an attorney who is experienced in family law and familiar with the Judge on your matter and to review your current Parenting Plan and court orders as well as the child's current... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: My boyfriends childrens mother filed for health benefits and he is now being ordered to test for paternity/child support

Will it be more beneficial for him to go to court and establish a custody agreement? Is there a chance he could receive full custody if he has a full time job/place to live/clean record?

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jan 7, 2022

Generally, the State of Nebraska initiates child support actions if a parent seeks state benefits and no support is in place. Once that case is opened, if there is no custody/parenting time order and he would like to have one, he will want to make sure the mother is added as a party and file an... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: Can child support be modified after a custody modification was signed 4 years ago?

In 2018 I my childs dad took me to court for more time with out son, he also wanted child support modified at that time too. We agreed on a parenting plan that gave him a few extra days and week on/off in the summer. I was at a place in my life where I didn't need the full amount of child... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jan 6, 2022

Maybe, depending on whether there is a material and substantial change in circumstances that would result in support going up or down by more than 10%, including a change in incomes, expenses for the child, etc. You will want to visit with an attorney about your specific facts on this though as the... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: Just finalized child support and divorce in April. Daughter is currently 17. I got a raise. What can my ex do to get ch

Child support raised in his favor? In Nebraska it's only reviewed every 3 years. I am more than willing to raise it for him.

Is there a cap on it? Thank you

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 26, 2021

Either parent is free to pay anything additional you would like. If you wish to raise it through the courts, that requires filing a Complaint to Modify and Voluntary Appearance and Stipulation and proposed Order to make a change that is permanent and enforceable. Generally the change needs to be... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Nebraska on
Q: I was adopted and im 18. My parents kicked me out and threw away all of my belongings. Can I take it to court?

I was adopted back in 2016 of the start of the year. I am 18 now and was kicked out of my home for “not doing what’s best for me” when I had job interviews scheduled they refused to take me. I have been asking them nicely for my belongings and I learned from my little sister who lives in that... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Oct 19, 2021

The legal age of majority is 19 years old in Nebraska, not 18 years old, and legally your parents are still responsible for you. Start with the child abuse hotline and see if NDHHS can suggest some resources for you. There is likely not a lot of recourse for your personal property unless it was... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: Wife and I are divorcing. She is giving me full custody. Can she waive alimony and i waive child support?

Wife and I agree on a simple, uncontested divorce. We have 3 minor children. She is granting me full legal and custodial custody, uncontested. She is leaving the state and going far away, so any joint custody will be impossible. She said that she does not want alimony because I have to raise the... View More

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jul 21, 2021

Yes, either party can waive alimony, and if it is waived at the time of divorce, it can never be requested again in the future. Child support is a different story. Even if it is waived initially, it can be modified to request support in the future. There are circumstances where the State will... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: CPS is trying to get a hold of me and I'm not sure why do I need to return their phone calls
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Feb 9, 2021

If you are concerned that you may be accused of something, you can request a lawyer reach out to them for you or be present when you are interviewed. If you are a parent being investigated, be aware that they may go to school or elsewhere to interview your children. You may wish to visit... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.