Almost everyone who gets married means for it to last forever, but there are myriad reasons couples might need to separate. Because no two situations are exactly alike, family law in most states provides several methods for ending a marriage, some of which allow you to retain certain benefits of a legal union. To help you understand your options, below are the methods for dissolving a marriage.

How to End a Marriage in Nebraska

1. Legal Separation

If you want to end your marriage but aren’t ready for a divorce, opt for a legal separation. A judge will issue a decree settling many of the same matters as a divorce, which often provides vital emotional and financial security. However, the legal union between you and your spouse remains intact, so you can still file joint tax returns, remain on each other’s health insurance, and enjoy hospital visitation rights.

2. Divorce

Divorce is the most common approach to ending a marriage, completely dissolving the legal union between you and your spouse. In Nebraska, any assets acquired during the marriage will be distributed in a manner that seems just and reasonable, and the court will issue orders deciding child support and custody concerns. Once the divorce is finalized, the parties will have no rights or responsibilities regarding one another, and each is free to remarry.

3. Annulment

In some circumstances, you may have the marriage annulled, essentially making it as though the union never happened. Nebraska family law only allows for an annulment if either party was impotent or mentally ill at the time of the marriage, the marriage was illegal, or one spouse was coerced. You may also apply for an annulment if either party had another living spouse at the time of the marriage.

If your marriage is coming to an end, the family law attorneys at Reagan, Melton, & Delaney LLP have the experience and legal skill to identify your options and guide you through the process. They’ve been serving families throughout Lincoln and Omaha for over 15 years, providing award-winning representation in a variety of difficult situations. Visit their website for more information on their family law services, call (402) 932-9494 to speak to an attorney in Bellevue, or dial (402) 476-6585 for a consultation at their offices in Lincoln.