Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Helping You Protect Your Family

Few things matter more than your relationship with your children. When you face a custody dispute, you may worry about where your children will live, how often you will see them and what their future will look like. These concerns can feel overwhelming, especially when you and the other parent cannot agree.

At McHenry Haszard Law, we understand how much is at stake. Our child custody attorneys help parents throughout Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska navigate difficult family matters with care and practical legal guidance. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options and help you work toward an arrangement that supports your children’s well-being.

How Do Nebraska Courts Decide Child Custody?

Nebraska courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. This means the court considers what arrangement will support your child’s safety, health, stability and overall development.

Under Nebraska law, factors the court considers include:

• The child’s existing relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s involvement in raising and caring for the child
• The child’s physical, emotional and social well-being
• The child’s wishes, when they are mature enough to express a reasoned preference
• Evidence of domestic abuse, child abuse or neglect
• Evidence concerning the benefits of the child having equal access to both parents

The court also considers whether the proposed arrangement allows for safe, appropriate and continuing contact with family members. No single arrangement is right for every family.

Our child custody lawyers can help you understand how these factors may apply to your circumstances and present your concerns to the court.

What Are Your Child Custody Options?

Custody involves more than deciding where your children will live. Nebraska law distinguishes between legal and physical custody. Either type may be shared or awarded to one parent.

The main types of custody arrangements include:

• Joint legal custody: Both parents share responsibility for important decisions about their child’s education, health care, religious upbringing and other major matters.
• Sole legal custody: One parent has the right to decide when it comes to the child’s upbringing.
• Joint physical custody: Both parents share the child’s everyday care, and the child regularly spends time living with each parent.
• Sole physical custody: The child primarily lives with one parent, although the other parent may still have parenting time.
• Parenting time and visitation: A parenting plan sets out when children spend time with each parent. It may cover regular schedules, holidays, school breaks, transportation and communication.

The court must approve the parenting plan, even when both parents agree on its terms. At McHenry Haszard Law, we help parents develop practical arrangements that account for their children’s needs, family routines and changing circumstances.

Can You Modify An Existing Child Custody Order?

Your family’s needs may change over time. A custody arrangement that worked when your children were younger may no longer suit their needs.

Nebraska courts may modify custody when there has been a material change in circumstances and the proposed change serves the child’s best interests. Depending on the facts, reasons for seeking a modification may include:

• A parent’s relocation that affects the existing custody arrangement
• Significant changes in a parent’s ability to care for the child
• New concerns about the child’s safety or well-being
• Changes in the child’s health, education or other needs that make the current arrangement less suitable

A change in circumstances does not automatically justify a new custody order. Our attorneys can review your situation, explain the legal requirements and help you pursue a modification when appropriate.

What If The Other Parent Violates The Custody Order?

When the other parent repeatedly misses exchanges, interferes with scheduled parenting time or disregards the custody order, it can disrupt your child’s routine and strain your relationship. Keep records of missed visits, messages and other relevant incidents. Avoid changing the custody arrangement on your own without legal guidance.

Nebraska courts can take steps to enforce parenting time orders. Depending on the circumstances, the court may order measures to secure compliance or use its contempt powers. Our child custody attorneys can help you understand your enforcement options and take appropriate steps to protect your parental rights.

Consult A Lincoln Child Custody Attorney Today

You do not have to navigate a custody dispute without support. Whether you are establishing custody, seeking a modification or dealing with a violation of an existing order, McHenry Haszard Law is here to help.

With more than 45 years of combined legal service to the Lincoln community, our firm brings extensive family law experience and local knowledge to your case. We provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions about your family’s future.

Call our Lincoln office at 402-858-4263 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with a child custody lawyer. We serve parents throughout Lincoln, Lancaster County and Southeast Nebraska.