Nebraska Divorce Filing Fee: $200 in Every County

The short answer

The district court filing fee for a divorce (a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage) in Nebraska is $200 effective July 1, 2026, and it is the same in every county. Nebraska sets this fee by statute, so Douglas County (Omaha), Lancaster County (Lincoln), Sarpy County (Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista), and every other county charge the same amount.

Because the fee is statewide, you do not need to look up a different number for your specific county. The Nebraska Judicial Branch filing-fee schedule is the official source; confirm with the clerk before filing because fees can change.

What the filing fee actually covers

The Nebraska divorce filing fee pays for opening your case file with the district court, processing your Complaint for Dissolution, part of the judge's docket time, and issuing the summons if requested.

It does not cover service of process (sheriff or process server), parenting-class fees if you have minor children, notary fees on signed forms, document-preparation services, or any later motion fees.

The realistic total out-the-door cost

Without children, a typical uncontested case includes the $200 district court filing fee effective July 1, 2026, sheriff service if needed ($30–$50), and notary fees ($5–$25). Add the DivorceQuik no-children packet at $750 flat and the realistic total is roughly $950–$1,000.

With children, add the parenting class for each parent ($40–$80) on top of the filing fee, service, and notary costs. With the DivorceQuik with-children packet at $1,500 flat, the realistic total is roughly $1,800–$1,900.

By comparison, attorney-assisted uncontested divorces in Omaha and Lincoln typically run $1,000–$2,500 in attorney flat fees, and contested divorces can exceed $8,000 in attorney fees alone.

How to pay the filing fee

Nebraska district courts generally accept cash in person at the clerk's office, a personal check payable to the Clerk of the District Court, a money order or cashier's check, and in many counties a debit or credit card (sometimes with a small processing fee).

A handful of counties now accept electronic filing with online card payment. Confirm what your specific county clerk accepts before you go.

Can the filing fee be waived?

Yes. Nebraska allows fee waivers for people who cannot afford the filing fee. The process is called In Forma Pauperis (IFP) and uses form DC 6:7 (Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis), DC 6:7.1 (Affidavit and Application), and DC 6:7.2a (Notice and Order).

Eligibility is based on income, assets, and household size, and the judge has discretion. If approved, your filing fee — and sometimes service fees — are waived.

What about service of process?

After filing, your spouse must be served with the divorce papers. You have three options. A Voluntary Appearance is free: your spouse signs form DC 6:4.3 and you file it, with no service cost. Sheriff's service ($30–$50) means the county sheriff personally delivers the papers. A private process server ($50–$100) is faster than the sheriff in some counties.

Voluntary Appearance is the cheapest and fastest option, and it is the path most uncontested couples use. The Judicial Branch counts the 60-day period from the next day after it is filed.

Watch out for inaccurate fee numbers

A few sources online publish outdated Nebraska divorce filing fees. Confirm the current amount against the Nebraska Judicial Branch filing-fee schedule instead of relying on an old search result or a bundled estimate.

The filing fee is $200 statewide effective July 1, 2026, according to the Nebraska Judicial Branch filing-fee schedule.

Disclaimer

DivorceQuik is a document-preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. The information above is for general educational purposes. Filing fees may change; always verify the current fee with your county clerk before filing.