The decision to end your marriage may be one of the hardest you ever make, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Nobody understands your boundaries better than you do, and if those boundaries are crossed, it’s understandable to want to move on. You must hire a lawyer, meet every significant filing deadline, and avoid mistakes. Knowing what you shouldn’t do during the process of ending your marriage is crucial. A Nebraska attorney can guide you through this challenging time.

It’s rare for ending a marriage to be straightforward. Even uncontested cases can encounter roadblocks. If your case is contested, you may not know exactly what to expect. Situations can quickly become hostile or unpredictable. Once the process is finalized, it’s up to you to rebuild your life. Until that time, taking the right steps and avoiding costly mistakes is essential. Our firm can help.

Hiring an Experienced Attorney

One of the most important things you can do is hire an experienced lawyer who understands your position and can provide the guidance you need. You will want someone familiar with cases like yours and knowledgeable about Nebraska’s laws regarding ending a marriage. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team brings a personalized, focused, and empathetic approach to helping clients through this process.

As you navigate this challenging transition, it may help to understand the state’s trends around marriage and marital dissolution. According to recent CDC data, Nebraska has a relatively low rate of marital endings at 2.6 per 1,000 residents as of 2023. The marriage rate, however, remains high at almost 52% as of 2025, according to World Population Review.

Ending a marriage can be emotionally taxing, so prioritizing your mental health is critical. Numerous programs and support groups across Nebraska can help, including Genuine Kindness Counseling or DivorceCare. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and having someone to talk to about your fears and concerns can make a real difference.

What You Should Avoid During a Marital Separation

Certain behaviors could seriously harm your position or result in significant losses during the process of ending your marriage. Alienating the court, disrespecting legal procedures, or acting impulsively can negatively affect the outcome. Here are some key actions to avoid:

  • Do not weaponize your children. Using them as leverage or trying to manipulate outcomes can backfire. The court may see you as unstable or vindictive, which could affect custody arrangements.

  • Do not hide assets. You are expected to disclose all assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and valuables. Hiding property could result in fines, legal penalties, or even jail time.

  • Do not miss deadlines. Legal proceedings involve extensive paperwork that must be completed and filed correctly. Missing deadlines can have serious consequences, so working with an experienced lawyer is critical.

FAQs

Q: How long does ending a marriage take in Nebraska?

A: The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your situation. If your case involves substantial assets, custody arrangements, or other complications, you may be facing a longer process. Having an experienced attorney on your side is highly recommended.

Q: Do I need my spouse’s permission to end the marriage?

A: No. Nebraska is a no-fault state, meaning you are not required to provide a specific reason to end your marriage. While your spouse cannot prevent the process, retaining a lawyer is wise, as legal proceedings can still be complex.

Q: Can I start dating before the process is finalized?

A: Yes, you can. However, dating during the proceedings may complicate matters like custody or asset division. Waiting until everything is resolved is often the safest approach, especially if you have children.

Q: Should I hire an attorney for this process?

A: Yes. Legal separation proceedings are often unpredictable and emotionally charged. You may face a spouse who hires their own legal team, so having experienced legal guidance can make a substantial difference.

Contact Us Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you determine the right steps during the process of ending your marriage. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about how we can support you.