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Questions Answered by Vanessa Jean Gorden
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... Read more »

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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!

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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.... Read 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... Read more »

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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... Read more »

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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...
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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... Read 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... Read 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... Read 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... Read more »

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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... Read more »

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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... Read 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... Read more »

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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... Read more »

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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... Read 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... Read 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... Read 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... Read more »

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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... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Nebraska on
Q: In NE, is the mother awarded temporary custody after spliting from the Childs father if they weren't married?

My best friend has a 3 year old and was never married to her father. The are no longer together but have not went to court for custody. Does she automatically get temporary custody of the child until the go in front of a judge?

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Jan 5, 2021

Yes. Absent anything to the contrary, natural mom of a child born out of wedlock is considered custodial parent by Nebraska law, but there are a number of factors that may change this, such as whether paternity was established by acknowledgment of the father, whether the parents are residing... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Nebraska on
Q: How do I get paper to file To terminate guardianship To where I could at least get it into court
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 28, 2020

For a minor child, you can use the Supreme Court form here:

https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/CC-16-3-2.pdf

You will have to give notice to the appropriate parties, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: Can somebody that has guardianship keep you from your child if you pay child support
Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 28, 2020

Child Support and Parenting Time are two separate issues. Not paying support doesn't prevent you from visiting and paying support doesn't guarantee a right to visit. Alot depends on whether the guardianship is full or partial. A guardian simply steps into the shoes of a parent and has the... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: My ex husband owes thousands in back child support. Our children are grown and I do not need the back child support.

Can I terminate back child support owed to me? If so how in Nebraska?

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 16, 2020

You can execute a receipt for the amount owed which will cancel it out of the enforcement system.

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: How can my partner get partial custody or temporary guardianship of my child from previous relationship?

Also will it affect the child support pending?

However, my partner have been in my childs life since she was 1.5 years old and is the father figure since. And my ex has not had any contact with myself or my child since Feb 2018. As well my ex lives in another state.

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Dec 2, 2020

From the way I read this question, you are seeking to have a partner/significant other replace the biological parent who is not involved or is only involved with child to pay support. If that's correct, here would be my answer:

1) If you are primarily concerned about what would happen...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Nebraska on
Q: I’m in Omaha Neb If I paid the full retainer fee for an attorney for a friend can I fire the attorney?

Or can only the client fire the attorney? Actually, I’m wanting the partial amount back due to the friend not living up to the conditions of the loan, not necessarily because of the attorney

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Oct 14, 2020

Only the client can fire the attorney and give direction to the attorney on how to represent the client. Further, from your statement here, it sounds like the attorney is performing or performed his or her duties but perhaps the client/your friend is not helping his or her own case...It would be... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Nebraska on
Q: My daughter gets Medicaid for my granddaughter and she and her boyfriend were ordered to child support court.

The judge established he should pay $350+ per month (in Nebraska). Will my daughter see any of that money or does the state take it all? Also, the amount seems very high for someone making only 11 bucks an hour. They said the judge set it according to what his "earning potential" is. Can... Read more »

Vanessa Jean Gorden
Vanessa Jean Gorden
answered on Oct 13, 2020

Yes, your daughter receives the child support directly. Earning potential means income was imputed at the level he could be reasonably expected to earn. (A parent cannot voluntarily quit a job or work for less money to avoid supporting their child/ren). If the parties reside together in the future,... Read more »

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