How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County, Nebraska?

Uncontested divorces in Howard County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Nebraska requires 60 days waiting period after filing. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity and court availability.

How is property divided in Howard County divorces?

Nebraska follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors including marriage length, contributions, and financial circumstances. Howard County District Court applies Nebraska law to property division.

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Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in St. Paul, Nebraska

Q: How much does divorce cost in Howard County?

Filing fees in Nebraska vary by county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases in Howard County.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?

No, Nebraska allows self-representation in divorce cases. However, attorney representation is recommended for contested custody, significant assets, or business ownership. Simple uncontested divorces in Howard County often work well with online service assistance.

Q: Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Nebraska's residency requirement of 1 year, you can file for divorce in Howard County even if your spouse lives in another county or out of state.

Howard County handles divorce cases through the District Court. Whether you live in St. Paul or another Howard County community, this guide provides everything you need to know about filing for divorce in Howard County.

Howard County Divorce at a Glance

County: Howard County
Primary City: St. Paul, Nebraska
Court Type: District Court
Residency Requirement: 1 year
Waiting Period: 60 days

What Makes Howard County Unique

Every county in Nebraska follows the same state divorce laws, but Howard County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.

Local Court Procedures

Howard County's District Court has established local rules that govern how divorces proceed. These include specific document formatting requirements, filing deadlines, and hearing schedules that differ from other Nebraska countys.

Filing Requirements

The Clerk of Courts in Howard County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.

Community Resources

Howard County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.

Howard County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Nebraska vary by county. Contact the Howard County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.

Typical Nebraska Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county

Additional Costs:

Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each

Payment Methods:
Most Nebraska courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.

Attorney Costs in Howard County

Attorney fees in Howard County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.

Hourly Rates:

Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour

Average Total Costs:

Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+

Retainer Requirements:

Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

These are typical ranges for Nebraska attorneys. Actual costs in Howard County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in Howard County

Step 1: Verify Residency

You or your spouse must meet Nebraska's residency requirement: 1 year

Step 2: Gather Documents

Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Nebraska requires specific forms for divorce petitions. Howard County may have additional local forms.

Required documents typically include:

Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)

Step 4: File with the Court

Submit your completed forms to the Howard County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Nebraska countys now offer electronic filing options.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Nebraska law. Service options include:

Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Nebraska may require:

Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 60 days

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.

Howard County Divorce Timeline

Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):

Minimum: 60 days (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect

Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):

Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months

Timelines depend on court calendar availability in Howard County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

Howard County District Court

Howard County's divorce cases are handled by the District Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.

Court Functions:

Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees

Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for Howard County divorce cases.

Nebraska Divorce Court Locator

Howard County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

118th District Court

Court Address:

300 Main

Big Spring,

79721

Phone:

432-264-2223

Fax:

432-264-2256

Website:

http://www.co.howard.tx.us/

Judges:

Judge Timothy D. Yeats

Clerks:

Colleen Barton

Court Name:

14th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

#1 Courthouse Square

Fayette,

65248

Phone:

660-248-2194

Clerk Hours:

8:30am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Charles J. Flaspohler

Court Name:

9th West Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

421 N Main

Nashville,

71852

Phone:

870-845-7506

Fax:

870-845-7505

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Angie Lewis

Court Name:

Howard County Trial Court

Court Address:

104 N Buckeye

Kokomo,

46901

Phone:

(765) 456-2204

Fax:

(765) 456-2267

Clerk Hours:

8am-4pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.in.us/

Clerks:

Kim Wilson

Court Name:

Howard County Circuit Court

Court Address:

9250 Judicial way

Ellicott City,

21043

Phone:

(410) 313 2111

Fax:

(888) 313 0197

Clerk Hours:

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Website:

https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Judges:

Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker

Clerks:

Wayne A. Robey

Parking:

Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.

Court Name:

Howard County District Court

Court Address:

137 North Elm Street

Cresco,

52136

Phone:

(563) 547 9206

Fax:

(800) 645 8891

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.ia.us/

Judges:

Kellyann M. Lekar, Joel A. Dalrymple, Andrea J. Dryer, Todd A. Geer, Bradley J. Harris, David P. Odekirk, David F. Staudt, George Stigler, Richard D. Stochl, Nathan A. Callahan, James D. Coil, Jeffrey L. Harris, Joseph Moothart

Clerks:

Damian Baltes

Court Name:

Howard County Court

Court Address:

612 Indian St.

St. Paul,

68873

Phone:

(308) 754-4192

Fax:

(308) 754-4727

Website:

http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/

Clerks:

Marsha Anderson

Nebraska Divorce Court Locator

Howard County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

118th District Court

Court Address:

300 Main

Big Spring,

79721

Phone:

432-264-2223

Fax:

432-264-2256

Website:

http://www.co.howard.tx.us/

Judges:

Judge Timothy D. Yeats

Clerks:

Colleen Barton

Court Name:

14th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

#1 Courthouse Square

Fayette,

65248

Phone:

660-248-2194

Clerk Hours:

8:30am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Charles J. Flaspohler

Court Name:

9th West Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

421 N Main

Nashville,

71852

Phone:

870-845-7506

Fax:

870-845-7505

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Angie Lewis

Court Name:

Howard County Trial Court

Court Address:

104 N Buckeye

Kokomo,

46901

Phone:

(765) 456-2204

Fax:

(765) 456-2267

Clerk Hours:

8am-4pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.in.us/

Clerks:

Kim Wilson

Court Name:

Howard County Circuit Court

Court Address:

9250 Judicial way

Ellicott City,

21043

Phone:

(410) 313 2111

Fax:

(888) 313 0197

Clerk Hours:

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Website:

https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Judges:

Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker

Clerks:

Wayne A. Robey

Parking:

Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.

Court Name:

Howard County District Court

Court Address:

137 North Elm Street

Cresco,

52136

Phone:

(563) 547 9206

Fax:

(800) 645 8891

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.ia.us/

Judges:

Clerks:

Damian Baltes

Court Name:

Howard County Court

Court Address:

612 Indian St.

St. Paul,

68873

Phone:

(308) 754-4192

Fax:

(308) 754-4727

Website:

http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/

Clerks:

Marsha Anderson

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Howard County

Legal Aid Services

Nebraska has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in Howard County.

Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines

Court Self-Help Resources

Many Nebraska courts offer self-help centers with:

Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources

Contact the Howard County District Court to ask about available self-help services.

Pro Bono Legal Services

Local bar associations in Nebraska may offer:

Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases

Mediation Services

Howard County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Howard County

Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in Howard County.

Benefits of Online Services:

Howard County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case

Best For:

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help

Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees

Online services work well in Howard County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in Howard County

Howard County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.

Child Custody in Nebraska

Nebraska courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:

Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect

Parenting Time

Howard County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.

Child Support

Nebraska uses guidelines based on:

Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs

Mandatory Requirements

Nebraska may require parents in Howard County to:

Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure

Common Mistakes in Howard County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

Nebraska requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.

2. Missing Deadlines

Howard County District Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

Each Nebraska county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.

4. Poor Service of Process

Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Nebraska's service requirements exactly.

5. Not Following Court Orders

Violating temporary orders issued by Howard County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.

6. Failing to Update Information

Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to Howard County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

While self-representation is allowed in Howard County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.

Howard County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County?

Uncontested divorces in Howard County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Nebraska requires 60 days waiting period. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity.

How much does divorce cost in Howard County?

Filing fees vary by Nebraska county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?

No, but whether you should hire one depends on your situation. Attorney representation is recommended for cases involving significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic violence. Simple uncontested divorces often work well with online service assistance.

Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Nebraska's residency requirement (1 year), you can file in Howard County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.

What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?

If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Nebraska, you can request a default judgment from Howard County court.

How is property divided in Howard County?

Nebraska follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.

Does Howard County require separation before divorce?

Nebraska's laws determine separation requirements. 60 days waiting period applies after filing. Formal separation is not required before filing.

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your Howard County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Howard County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.

Are divorce records public in Howard County?

Yes, divorce records filed with Howard County District Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.

Next Steps: Start Your Howard County Divorce

Step 1: Verify you meet Nebraska's residency requirement (1 year)
Step 2: Gather all required financial and personal documents
Step 3: Decide between self-filing, online service, or attorney
Step 4: Complete Howard County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with Howard County Clerk of Courts
Step 6: Serve your spouse with divorce papers
Step 7: Complete any mandatory requirements
Step 8: Finalize your divorce through settlement or hearing

About This Howard County Divorce Guide

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in Howard County, Nebraska. Information covers local procedures, filing requirements, costs, and resources specific to Howard County's District Court.

Last Updated: February 2026

Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Howard County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Nebraska family law attorney.

RETAINER FEE  
PETITION    

COURT FILING FEE  SUMMONS  
AFFIDAVIT
  MOTIONS  
ARGUMENTS  
TEMPORARY ORDERS  HEARINGS  
SUBPOENAS
  DEPOSITIONS
  SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCES  JUDGEMENT

    TRIAL  
APPEALS

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Written By:

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Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in St. Paul, Nebraska

Howard County Divorce at a Glance

County: Howard County
Primary City: St. Paul, Nebraska
Court Type: District Court
Residency Requirement: 1 year
Waiting Period: 60 days

What Makes Howard County Unique

Every county in Nebraska follows the same state divorce laws, but Howard County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

Howard County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.

Howard County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Nebraska vary by county. Contact the Howard County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.

Typical Nebraska Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county

Additional Costs:

Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each

Payment Methods:
Most Nebraska courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.

Attorney Costs in Howard County

Attorney fees in Howard County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.

Hourly Rates:

Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour

Average Total Costs:

Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+

Retainer Requirements:

Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

These are typical ranges for Nebraska attorneys. Actual costs in Howard County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in Howard County

Step 1: Verify Residency

You or your spouse must meet Nebraska's residency requirement: 1 year

Step 2: Gather Documents

Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Nebraska requires specific forms for divorce petitions. Howard County may have additional local forms.

Required documents typically include:

Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)

Step 4: File with the Court

Submit your completed forms to the Howard County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Nebraska countys now offer electronic filing options.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Nebraska law. Service options include:

Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Nebraska may require:

Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 60 days

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.

Howard County Divorce Timeline

Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):

Minimum: 60 days (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect

Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):

Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months

Timelines depend on court calendar availability in Howard County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

Howard County District Court

Howard County's divorce cases are handled by the District Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.

Court Functions:

Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees

Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for Howard County divorce cases.

Nebraska Divorce Court Locator

Howard County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

118th District Court

Court Address:

300 Main

Big Spring,

79721

Phone:

432-264-2223

Fax:

432-264-2256

Website:

http://www.co.howard.tx.us/

Judges:

Judge Timothy D. Yeats

Clerks:

Colleen Barton

Court Name:

14th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

#1 Courthouse Square

Fayette,

65248

Phone:

660-248-2194

Clerk Hours:

8:30am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Charles J. Flaspohler

Court Name:

9th West Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

421 N Main

Nashville,

71852

Phone:

870-845-7506

Fax:

870-845-7505

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Clerks:

Angie Lewis

Court Name:

Howard County Trial Court

Court Address:

104 N Buckeye

Kokomo,

46901

Phone:

(765) 456-2204

Fax:

(765) 456-2267

Clerk Hours:

8am-4pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.in.us/

Clerks:

Kim Wilson

Court Name:

Howard County Circuit Court

Court Address:

9250 Judicial way

Ellicott City,

21043

Phone:

(410) 313 2111

Fax:

(888) 313 0197

Clerk Hours:

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Website:

https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Judges:

Lenore R. Gelfman Richard S. Bernhardt Mary M. Kramer Timothy J. McCrone William V. Tucker

Clerks:

Wayne A. Robey

Parking:

Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.

Court Name:

Howard County District Court

Court Address:

137 North Elm Street

Cresco,

52136

Phone:

(563) 547 9206

Fax:

(800) 645 8891

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://www.co.howard.ia.us/

Judges:

Clerks:

Damian Baltes

Court Name:

Howard County Court

Court Address:

612 Indian St.

St. Paul,

68873

Phone:

(308) 754-4192

Fax:

(308) 754-4727

Website:

http://www.howardcounty.ne.gov/

Clerks:

Marsha Anderson

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Howard County

Legal Aid Services

Nebraska has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in Howard County.

Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines

Court Self-Help Resources

Many Nebraska courts offer self-help centers with:

Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources

Contact the Howard County District Court to ask about available self-help services.

Pro Bono Legal Services

Local bar associations in Nebraska may offer:

Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases

Mediation Services

Howard County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Howard County

Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in Howard County.

Benefits of Online Services:

Howard County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case

Best For:

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help

Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees

Online services work well in Howard County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in Howard County

Howard County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.

Child Custody in Nebraska

Nebraska courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:

Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect

Parenting Time

Howard County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.

Child Support

Nebraska uses guidelines based on:

Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs

Mandatory Requirements

Nebraska may require parents in Howard County to:

Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure

Common Mistakes in Howard County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

Nebraska requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.

2. Missing Deadlines

Howard County District Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

Each Nebraska county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.

4. Poor Service of Process

Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Nebraska's service requirements exactly.

5. Not Following Court Orders

Violating temporary orders issued by Howard County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.

6. Failing to Update Information

Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to Howard County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

While self-representation is allowed in Howard County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.

Howard County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County?

How much does divorce cost in Howard County?

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?

Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Nebraska's residency requirement (1 year), you can file in Howard County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.

What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?

If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Nebraska, you can request a default judgment from Howard County court.

How is property divided in Howard County?

Nebraska follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.

Does Howard County require separation before divorce?

Nebraska's laws determine separation requirements. 60 days waiting period applies after filing. Formal separation is not required before filing.

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your Howard County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Howard County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.

Are divorce records public in Howard County?

Yes, divorce records filed with Howard County District Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.

Next Steps: Start Your Howard County Divorce

About This Howard County Divorce Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Howard County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Nebraska family law attorney.

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Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in St. Paul, Nebraska

Howard County Divorce at a Glance

What Makes Howard County Unique

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

Howard County Court Filing Fees

Attorney Costs in Howard County

How to File for Divorce in Howard County

Step 1: Verify Residency

Step 2: Gather Documents

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Step 4: File with the Court

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

Howard County Divorce Timeline

Howard County District Court

Nebraska Divorce Court Locator

Howard County Family and Divorce Courts

Nebraska Divorce Court Locator

Howard County Family and Divorce Courts

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Howard County

Legal Aid Services

Court Self-Help Resources

Pro Bono Legal Services

Mediation Services

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Howard County

Divorce with Children in Howard County

Child Custody in Nebraska

Parenting Time

Child Support

Mandatory Requirements

Common Mistakes in Howard County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

2. Missing Deadlines

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

4. Poor Service of Process

5. Not Following Court Orders

6. Failing to Update Information

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

Howard County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Howard County?

How much does divorce cost in Howard County?

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Howard County?

Can I file for divorce in Howard County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?

How is property divided in Howard County?

Does Howard County require separation before divorce?

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Are divorce records public in Howard County?

Next Steps: Start Your Howard County Divorce

About This Howard County Divorce Guide

Howard County Divorce Guide: Filing in St. Paul, Nebraska

Howard County Divorce at a Glance

What Makes Howard County Unique

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

Howard County Court Filing Fees

Attorney Costs in Howard County

How to File for Divorce in Howard County

The Ultimate Guide
to Getting Started in Your Divorce