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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Nebraska

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Nebraska: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about ending your marriage is stressful enough. Figuring out how the Nebraska divorce process works, especially if you want to keep things simple and avoid big legal bills, can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through how an uncontested divorce in Nebraska works in plain English, with the Nebraska specific “insider terms” DIY filers actually search for.

We’ll explain who qualifies, what “simple divorce” means, what steps are involved, how long it usually takes, and how much it tends to cost. Most importantly, we’ll cover the Voluntary Appearance (Form DC 6:4.3), which can save cooperative couples money by avoiding sheriff or process server fees.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm, and this guide is legal information only, not legal advice. Nebraska laws, court rules, forms, and fees change over time. Always double check current requirements with the Nebraska Judicial Branch and your local District Court before filing.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Nebraska

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, divorce is called a dissolution of marriage. A judge ends the marriage by signing a final court order called a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

An uncontested divorce in Nebraska generally means you and your spouse agree the marriage is irretrievably broken and you are not asking the judge to resolve a dispute about:

  • Property and debts
  • Spousal support (alimony), if any
  • If you have children: custody, parenting time, and child support

Nebraska courts also use the term “Simple Divorce” in self help materials. These “simple divorce” packets are not a different legal case type. They are streamlined DIY instructions meant for straightforward, cooperative situations.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Nebraska?

To file for divorce in Nebraska, you must meet the legal requirements (especially residency). For an uncontested case, you also need practical cooperation.

2.1 Nebraska’s strict one year residency requirement

Nebraska has one of the stricter residency rules in the country. In many cases, you qualify to file only if:

  • You or your spouse has lived in Nebraska for at least one full year immediately before filing (with the intent to make Nebraska your permanent home), or
  • Your marriage was solemnized in Nebraska and you (or your spouse) have lived in Nebraska continuously from the marriage date until filing.

If you don’t meet one of these, the Nebraska District Court generally cannot grant your divorce, even if everything is agreed.

2.2 Grounds: “irretrievably broken”

Nebraska is effectively a no fault state for most divorces. The key legal finding is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. In uncontested cases, both spouses usually agree to this.

2.3 When your case is a good fit for uncontested divorce

  • You both want the divorce and can cooperate respectfully.
  • You can fully disclose finances and reach an agreement.
  • If you have children, you can agree on custody and parenting time and complete required child support paperwork.
  • No one is being pressured, threatened, or misled.

3. Step by Step: Nebraska Uncontested Divorce (Complaint + Voluntary Appearance)

This is the procedural win many DIY Nebraska filers miss: in a cooperative case, the Voluntary Appearance (Form DC 6:4.3) is often the key to avoiding service fees and starting the court’s 60 day clock sooner.

Step 1 – File the Complaint and the two required confidential forms

One spouse (the “plaintiff”) starts the case by filing a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage in Nebraska District Court.

Nebraska “hard stop” alert: Nebraska requires two separate confidential data forms to open many divorce cases. These are filed in addition to your public paperwork:

  • Confidential Employment and Health Insurance Information (Form DC 6:5.11)
  • Confidential Social Security, Gender, Birth Date(s) Information (Form DC 6:5.12)

Most states combine these. Nebraska does not. If you file only one, the clerk may treat your filing as incomplete.

Step 2 – Use the Voluntary Appearance to waive formal service

Instead of paying a sheriff or process server to serve your spouse, cooperative couples often use the Voluntary Appearance (Form DC 6:4.3). When your spouse signs and files this form, they are formally telling the court:

  • They know the divorce case exists, and
  • They submit to the court’s authority, so formal service is typically unnecessary.

Crucial timing note: Nebraska’s 60 day waiting period is commonly measured from the date of service or the date the Voluntary Appearance is filed. If you file the complaint but your spouse has not been served and has not filed the Voluntary Appearance yet, you usually have not started the clock.

Step 3 – Put your agreement into the Decree of Dissolution

In Nebraska, the terms of an uncontested case are often written into the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. Your decree typically includes property and debt division, any alimony terms, and (if applicable) parenting and child support terms.

Step 4 – File the Vital Statistics Certificate worksheet

Nebraska also requires a Vital Statistics Certificate worksheet so the divorce can be recorded properly with the state. This is typically a DHHS vital records item, not a court “DC” form. In some counties, you may need to get the correct worksheet from the clerk or the DHHS source your court uses.

Step 5 – Final hearing or decree without hearing (depends on county and judge)

Depending on your county and the judge’s procedures, you may have:

  • A brief final hearing, or
  • A decree entered without a hearing (when allowed and all required forms are filed).

Nebraska “60-day clock” (plain-English explanation)

In many Nebraska cases, the court’s minimum waiting time is tied to the date your spouse is officially brought into the case — usually by service or by filing a signed Voluntary Appearance (DC 6:4.3).

  • File the Complaint to start the case.
  • Start the clock when service is completed or the Voluntary Appearance is filed.
  • Wait 60 days from that service/appearance milestone (in many cases).
  • After that, the court can schedule a brief final hearing or enter the Decree of Dissolution under local practice.

Note: County and judge procedures can vary, so confirm local steps with your District Court clerk.

4. If You Have Children: Parenting Education + Parenting Plan + Child Support Paperwork

If you have minor children, the case can still be uncontested, but Nebraska courts will scrutinize your paperwork more closely because the judge must protect the children’s best interests.

The Parenting Education “hard stop” most parents don’t expect (Form DC 6:5.5)

In divorce cases involving children, Nebraska’s Parenting Act typically requires parents to complete a Basic Level Parenting Education Course. Courts commonly require you to file a Certificate of Completion of Parenting Education Course (Form DC 6:5.5).

Practical reality: If the certificate is missing, many courts will delay scheduling or finalization until it is on file. Plan to complete the course early so it doesn’t become the last minute reason your decree is not signed.

  • Parenting plan: A written plan covering legal and physical custody terms, parenting time schedules, holidays, decision making, and logistics.
  • Child support documentation: Nebraska usually requires child support worksheets and financial information so support can be calculated under Nebraska’s guidelines.

Even if both parents agree, the judge can request changes if something appears unclear or inconsistent with Nebraska guideline expectations.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Nebraska?

Nebraska has two timeline realities that matter for DIY filers:

  • Strict residency: you generally must meet Nebraska’s one year residency rule before you can file.
  • 60-day waiting period: Nebraska has a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. In many cases, the clock runs from the date of service or the date the Voluntary Appearance is filed.

In many uncontested cases, a realistic overall range is roughly 2–3 months from the service or voluntary appearance milestone to a signed Decree of Dissolution. It can be longer if paperwork needs correction, parenting education is not completed, or the court’s calendar is busy.

Extra Nebraska timing note: Nebraska divorces can include post decree timing rules that affect when you are allowed to remarry. If remarriage timing matters to you, verify the current rule with a Nebraska lawyer.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Nebraska?

The main costs in a Nebraska DIY divorce are usually the filing fee, plus any service costs unless you use the Voluntary Appearance (DC 6:4.3).

  • Filing fee: often around $160–$164 in many counties, but always confirm with your District Court clerk because fees can change.
  • Electronic filing: if you e-file (often encouraged), you may see a small convenience or processing fee at checkout.
  • Service of process: can add cost if you use a sheriff or process server.
  • Money saving move: when appropriate, using the Voluntary Appearance (Form DC 6:4.3) can eliminate service fees.
  • Notary, copies, certified copies: common small expenses.
  • Cases with children: may include additional requirements (parenting education fees, extra paperwork).

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY is not a good fit if there is abuse, intimidation, hidden assets, complex property, major custody conflict, or immigration, tax, or benefits issues that could create long term consequences. In those cases, consider at least a consultation with a Nebraska family law attorney or legal aid service.

8. Where a Self Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Nebraska provides helpful self help materials, but many people still get stuck on sequencing, missing forms, and timing triggers. A self help kit can add structure, especially around Nebraska’s high friction steps:

  • Starting correctly with the Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Filing both confidential forms correctly: DC 6:5.11 and DC 6:5.12
  • Using the Voluntary Appearance (DC 6:4.3) to avoid service costs when appropriate
  • Making sure the Decree of Dissolution contains complete, consistent terms
  • Completing parenting education and filing the DC 6:5.5 certificate in cases with children
  • Submitting the Vital Statistics Certificate worksheet so the case can be finalized

Download Our Nebraska Uncontested Divorce Self Help Kit

9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you meet Nebraska’s one year residency rule and you and your spouse can agree on the major terms, an uncontested divorce can be a realistic, affordable path, especially if you use the Voluntary Appearance (Form DC 6:4.3) to avoid unnecessary service costs.

  • Confirm you qualify under Nebraska’s residency rules.
  • File the Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage and the required confidential forms: DC 6:5.11 and DC 6:5.12.
  • If cooperative, have your spouse sign and file the Voluntary Appearance (DC 6:4.3).
  • If you have children, complete parenting education and file the DC 6:5.5 certificate early.
  • Prepare a complete Decree of Dissolution of Marriage reflecting your agreed terms.
  • Do not forget the Vital Statistics Certificate worksheet.
  • Follow your county’s process for final hearing or decree without hearing.

Remember: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm, and this is not legal advice. Always confirm current court requirements with your local Nebraska District Court and seek legal help if anything feels unclear, unfair, or unsafe.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.