Spousal and Child Support

In Nebraska, child support is usually paid by the spouse who does not have primary custody. Nebraska courts follow the Income Shares Model to determine the amount of the child support payment. This approach is aimed to provide the child with the same level of support as if the parents were still married. To calculate the amount, both parties' income is estimated, and then, a percentage is assigned to each parent.

So, regardless of who has custody of a child, the spouse with a higher income is responsible for the more significant portion of child support. The custodial parent is expected to spend his/her share of child support on the child's needs directly, providing day-to-day care and maintenance.