Nebraska Laws

This page summarizes ten Nebraska laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Nebraska Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Nebraska, you generally have 4 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Nebraska Comparative Negligence Laws

Nebraska follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Nebraska Minimum Wage in 2026

The Nebraska minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Applies to employers with 4 or more employees. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Nebraska Final Paycheck Laws

In Nebraska, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 2 weeks, whichever is earlier. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Nebraska Small Claims Court Limits

In Nebraska, you can sue for up to $7,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the county court (small claims). Lawyers cannot appear at the hearing. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Nebraska Security Deposit Laws

Nebraska security deposit limit: 1 month's rent (plus a pet deposit of up to a quarter month). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 14 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Nebraska Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Nebraska, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 7 days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Nebraska Small Estate Affidavit

Nebraska small estate limit: $100,000 in personal property. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate: a separate affidavit transfers real estate up to $100,000, filed with the register of deeds. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Nebraska Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Nebraska abolished common law marriage in 1923. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Nebraska Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Nebraska: 1 year of residence, or no minimum if married in Nebraska and a spouse has lived there since. Waiting period: 60 days after service. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Nebraska

Popular cities: Omaha · Lincoln

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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