Quick answer: Nebraska has no alimony formula and no fixed duration. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-365, when a dissolution is decreed the court may order payment of such alimony by one party to the other, and division of property, as may be reasonable, having regard for the circumstances of the parties, the duration of the marriage, a history of the contributions to the marriage by each party, including contributions to the care and education of the children and interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities, and the ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without interfering with the interests of any minor children in his or her custody. The statute treats alimony and property division as serving different purposes: the division distributes the marital assets equitably, and alimony provides for the continued maintenance or support of one party by the other when the relative economic circumstances and the criteria make it appropriate. The child support guidelines say spousal support is determined from the income available after child support. Alimony ends on the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage unless the parties agree otherwise or the court orders otherwise, and a party who wants to change it must file a complaint to modify.
What this calculator shows
The calculator builds a monthly ceiling from the shortfall and the other spouse’s ability to pay, after child support. It does not predict an award. The criteria are in the statutory criteria, changing or ending alimony in modification and termination and the link to child support in alimony after child support.
Property, child support and alimony
The court considers the two separately but together. See the Nebraska property division calculator and the Nebraska child support calculator.
Alimony across Nebraska
The statute applies in every Nebraska district court, from Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney or Fremont.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Nebraska?
There is no formula. The court orders the alimony that is reasonable on the criteria in Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-365, with fairness and reasonableness as the polestar.
How long does Nebraska alimony last?
The statute sets no fixed term; the court decides the amount and period, and alimony ends on the death of either party or the recipient's remarriage unless otherwise agreed or ordered.
Can Nebraska alimony be modified?
Yes, for good cause by a complaint to modify, but amounts accrued before the filing cannot be changed, and a decree that awarded no alimony cannot be modified to award it.
Is alimony used to equalize incomes in Nebraska?
No. Alimony should not be used to equalize the incomes of the parties or to punish one of them, according to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Is alimony decided before or after child support in Nebraska?
The guidelines intend that spousal support be determined from income available after child support is established.