What if I need to obtain protection from domestic abuse, sexual abuse, elder abuse or harassment?

Courts are still accepting applications for protection orders. Some courthouses have limited public access, so please check with your local courthouse to see if an appointment is required. A list of resources for victims of domestic violence is found below.

Important note: Please consider speaking with an attorney or with a domestic violence advocate before you request a protection order. Advocates can also help you with filling out a protection order. It is important to have a safety plan in place in case the court does not enter an emergency order. You can read more about safety planning here. You can find out more about the court process by reading Legal Aid’s Protection Order Handbook here, or visiting the Nebraska Supreme Court website here.

A court hearing has been set on my request for a domestic abuse protection order, harassment protection or order, or sexual assault protection order, can I call Legal Aid?

Yes. A court hearing can be set because the other party requested a hearing, or, the court can set a hearing on its own, called an order to show cause. If you receive a notice or order from the court setting your protection order request for a hearing, contact Legal Aid of Nebraska for assistance. You can apply for assistance from Legal Aid by calling 1 (877) 250-2016. If you are working with a domestic violence advocate, your advocate can also help you apply for Legal Aid.

You can find more information about court hearings, including if you are showing signs of illness or have or may have been exposed to COVID-19, See Information for Families prepared by Legal Aid available on Legal Aid’s website.

There have been no changes to state Parenting Time laws. Legal Aid is telling our clients to follow court orders and any approved Parenting Plans. However, in this time of great risk, it is important to be flexible and reasonable. While it may be difficult to reach reasonable agreements with the other party, all parents should be especially motivated to do what is in the best interests of their children at this time. Violating court orders are not the best answer, but if an order is violated, remember that a party should not be held in contempt of court unless the violation was willful and “contumacious” (stubborn disobedience or rebellious defiance of authority).

If you can discuss the situation with the other parent, you should consider several issues. For example, will the children be in a safe household with people who are complying with the governmental restrictions in your area? Would an exchange expose one or more persons to an unnecessary risk? Are there steps that can be taken to decrease the risk at an exchange of custody? Is one parent working from home and able to better supervise the children? Are there very young children, unvaccinated children, or elderly adults in the home? All of these factors should be considered when deciding what is in the best interests of your children.

NO. If you have any symptoms of illness or if a medical provider or public official has ordered to you self-quarantine or if you have COVID-19 or have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or have traveled to a high risk country as indicated by the CDC, you must call the court before attending your hearing or visiting the courthouse. For more guidance, you can use this link to view the Order of the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court regarding COVID-19 symptoms and court attendance.  The Nebraska Supreme Court has a link  to every district court clerk’s office in Nebraska, where you can find the telephone number to call before you attend any court hearing.  If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19, you must call the district court clerk before going to the courthouse.