Nebraska Court Records

Nebraska Court Records are official documents generated during court proceedings in the state. These records encompass various materials, such as books, papers, statistical schedules, calendars, and reports for administering and managing court cases.

They are essential to the public as they provide access to crucial information about court proceedings. These records can contain details about legal actions, judgments, filings, evidence, hearings, and other pertinent information about specific court cases.

By accessing court records in Nebraska, individuals can gather valuable insights into the legal system, monitor the progress of ongoing cases, or conduct legal research.

In Nebraska, the primary laws governing the public accessibility of court records are the state's Public Records Law and Section 1-803 of the Supreme Court Rules. These statutes recognize the public's right to access and inspect court records.

Under these laws, court records are generally public unless they fall under specific exemptions, such as sealed or confidential records involving sensitive matters like adoptions, juveniles, or certain types of ongoing investigations. By granting public access to state court records, the laws recognize the significance of keeping the judicial process transparent and accountable.

This accessibility fosters trust in the legal system, facilitates research and analysis by historians, sociologists, political scientists, and anthropologists, and enables individuals to monitor state residents' criminal and judicial history.

Which Nebraska Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?

A comprehensive understanding of the operational dynamics of the state court system is imperative for efficiently locating Nebraska Court Records. Within Nebraska, the court system comprises multiple court types, but the primary custodianship of court records falls under the purview of the trial court system.

Here are the primary courts that make up the trial court system in Nebraska:

Nebraska District Courts

Nebraska District Courts are judicial bodies with the authority to hear a wide range of cases. They handle civil and criminal matters, ensuring justice is served within the state.

Regarding civil cases, these courts oversee various types of disputes. These courts have the power to hear general civil claims that surpass the amount of $57,000. They review and evaluate the financial limit for civil case jurisdiction every five years and have the authority to modify it if needed.

In criminal cases, Nebraska District Courts actively adjudicate both felony cases and those considered lesser offenses under the law.

Furthermore, District Courts in Nebraska play a vital role in handling domestic relations cases. They actively hear and decide upon most issues related to family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and spousal support.

It is important to note that County Courts in Nebraska also share jurisdiction over certain domestic relations cases with District Courts. Depending on the circumstances and applicable laws, specific family law matters may be heard in either District or County Courts.

Nebraska County Courts

Nebraska County Courts have limited authority over specific civil and criminal cases. They handle matters related to general civil claims, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile issues.

In civil proceedings, County Courts have jurisdiction over specific civil claims, including general civil claims involving $57,000 or less. Each County Court has a dedicated Small Claims division to address most general civil claims within specific financial limits.

In criminal cases, these courts preside over misdemeanors, infractions, and city and village ordinances violations. They also conduct preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Furthermore, Nebraska County Courts hold exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, except in cases where a will contest is transferred to the District Court at the request of one of the parties. They actively handle issues related to guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships, and juvenile matters.

In counties with no dedicated Juvenile Court, the County Court within that jurisdiction actively hears and addresses juvenile-related cases.

Nebraska Juvenile Courts

Nebraska Juvenile Courts are active judicial bodies with exclusive jurisdiction over minor cases. They specifically handle matters related to the well-being, care, and rehabilitation of children within the state.

These courts have the authority to hear and decide upon a wide range of cases concerning minors. These cases may involve delinquency, dependency, neglect, abuse, and status offenses committed by juveniles.

Furthermore, Juvenile Courts in Nebraska may handle certain domestic relations cases about minor children's custody, care, or support. It includes proceedings related to child custody disputes, child support matters, and parental rights issues.

Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court

Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court is an active judicial body with statewide jurisdiction that explicitly handles cases related to workplace accidents and illnesses.

This court hears and decides upon claims made under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act. These claims typically involve injuries or illnesses suffered by workers in the course of their employment.

The Workers' Compensation Court in Nebraska has the authority to adjudicate disputes and determine the appropriate compensation and benefits for workers injured or who have fallen ill due to work-related circumstances.

To ensure accessibility and fair proceedings, judges from the Workers' Compensation Court actively travel throughout the state to handle cases and provide necessary legal judgments and resolutions for workers and employers involved in workers' compensation claims.

In addition to the trial courts, the court system in Nebraska encompasses the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. These higher-level courts allow individuals to contest rulings made by the lower trial courts, ensuring a fair and comprehensive judicial process.

Moreover, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals in the state have access to and can deliver certain Nebraska Court Records.

What are the Common Public Court Records in Nebraska?

As part of their steadfast dedication to promoting transparency and facilitating access to justice, the courts in Nebraska diligently provide, upon request, the following frequently sought-after types of court records:

Nebraska Civil and Small Claims Records

Nebraska Civil Court Records and Small Claims Court Records are two distinct types of legal documents maintained by different courts in the state.

While both types of records involve civil cases, there are notable differences in their monetary limits, the types of cases they may contain, the procedures followed in each court, and the courts responsible for maintaining the respective records.

Nebraska Civil Court Records encompass cases that exceed the monetary limit set for small claims court. It may include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, and other civil matters involving significant money. The District Courts in the respective counties that filed the case maintain these records.

On the other hand, Small Claims Court Records pertain to cases that fall within the monetary limit set for small claims court. The Nebraska Small Claims Court does not allow judgments to exceed $3,900.

These court records primarily involve cases related to minor disputes, typically involving landlord-tenant disputes, accident disputes, consumer service complaints, or breaches of contract. Generally, the County Courts in the respective counties that filed the case maintain these records.

The procedures followed in each court also differ. The civil court generally involves filing a complaint, serving the defendant, discovering evidence, pre-trial conferences, and, ultimately, a trial. The court proceedings in civil court tend to be more formal and complex, and parties often require legal representation.

In contrast, small claims court procedures are more straightforward and accessible to individuals without legal representation. Parties can file a complaint, attend a hearing, present their case, and have the judge decide based on the evidence presented.

To obtain Nebraska Civil and Small Claims Records, individuals must visit the appropriate court in the relevant county where the case was filed. They can request access to specific case records by providing the necessary details, such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, and the approximate date of the case.

Access to these records may involve a fee, and certain restrictions or redactions may apply to protect sensitive information.

What Information Do Nebraska Civil and Small Claims Records Contain?

Nebraska Civil Court Records and Small Claims Court Records share several common types of information that may be included in their respective records. The possible information contained in both types of records includes:

Case details such as the case number, the names of the parties involved (plaintiff and defendant), and their contact information
Filing documents
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial dates
Supporting evidence
Court correspondence, such as notices, summonses, or subpoenas
Case disposition or the outcome of the case
Financial information such as the awarded amounts, payment schedules, and any liens or garnishments associated with the case
Appeals and appellate court decisions

Nebraska Criminal Records

Nebraska Criminal Records, also known as rap sheets, refer to the documentation and information related to the individual's criminal offenses within the state. Nebraska's law enforcement agencies, courts, and other criminal justice entities create and maintain these records.

The information in Nebraska Criminal Records may vary but typically includes details about arrests, charges, convictions, sentencing, probation, parole, and any other relevant legal actions taken against an individual.

The records may also include personal identifiers, such as name, date of birth, aliases, physical description, fingerprints, and photographs. Additionally, criminal records in Nebraska can contain information about outstanding warrants, court orders, and other pertinent legal documents related to a person's criminal history.

Criminal records are essential for the judicial system as they provide an individual's criminal history, which helps determine appropriate sentencing, establish behavior patterns, and assess the risk posed by a defendant.

In addition, many employers and background screening companies request access to criminal records to assess the suitability of job applicants. These records help employers make informed hiring decisions and ensure the safety and security of their workplace and customers.

Furthermore, landlords and property managers often request criminal records to evaluate prospective tenants. It allows them to assess potential risks and make informed decisions about renting property to individuals with a criminal history.

Lastly, individuals need access to their criminal records to review and verify the accuracy of the information. They can use these records to demonstrate their rehabilitation, apply for specific licenses, or challenge any incorrect or outdated information that may be present.

How To Obtain Criminal Records in Nebraska

While several criminal justice agencies, courts, and correctional facilities in Nebraska can give access to Nebraska Criminal Records, the official channel for obtaining a criminal record in Nebraska is the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP).

The NSP provides three methods of accessing a criminal record in the state.

The most convenient and accessible way to obtain Nebraska Criminal Records is through the NSP's online criminal background check platform. To use this method, individuals must provide information about themselves and the person they're interested in. Note that there is a fee involved in completing the search online.

Those who prefer a more traditional approach can make an in-person request at the Criminal Identification Division (CID) office. Individuals can fill out a criminal record request form and pay the required fee directly by visiting the office. This method allows individuals to interact directly with the authorities and ensure the accuracy of their requests.

Another option is to submit a mail-in application. To do this, individuals must accurately complete the same request form mentioned above. Then, they need to send the filled-out form along with the payment to the CID office mailing address provided in the form.

Nebraska Traffic Records

One of the standard Nebraska Court Records is the traffic records. Nebraska Traffic Records are official documents that contain a motorist's traffic history. They provide a comprehensive account of a driver's violations and convictions.

Though these records are public, and anyone with interest can request them from their lawful custodians, primarily the courts in the state, access to these records is not absolute. Certain parts or the entire record may be restricted from public viewing if deemed sensitive or prohibited by law.

The Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act and the Nebraska Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act govern traffic records in the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) custody.

Under these laws, only the records owners, individuals with the subject's written consent, and exempted entities can access the entire records—not the general public.

Once obtained, a typical Nebraska Traffic Record contains the following information:

Details of traffic accidents
Information about traffic tickets, such as the issuance date, the type of ticket, and the points assessed
Court cases associated with the offenses or convictions, such as the date of judgment, sentencing, and fines
The court where the hearing took place
Any restrictions placed on the driver's license or driving privileges
Administrative adjudications and withdrawals
Personal information about the driver, such as their name, birth date, address, physical description

How To Access Nebraska Traffic Records

Interested individuals can request and check their Nebraska Traffic Records from the DMV. They can make the request online, in person, or by mail.

For online access, individuals must visit the One-Time Driver License Search Application site provided by the DMV. This site enables Nebraska driver's license holders to retrieve their records instantly.

To access the service, individuals must provide specific details about the Nebraska driver, such as their name, driver's license number or social security number, and date of birth. However, the service is not free, and one must pay the application fee using a credit card or electronic check.

Alternatively, individuals can request their traffic records by mail or in person by filling out and submitting the Application for Copy of Driving Record form. Requesters have the option to choose between a 5-year or a complete record. Each document incurs a small fee, payable by check to the Nebraska DMV if requested by mail.

Make sure to send the completed form by mail or deliver it in person to the address provided on the form.

If individuals require assistance or have inquiries regarding the application process, they can contact the Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3918.

Nebraska Probate Records

Nebraska Probate Records are official documents that pertain to the administration of estates and the distribution of assets after an individual's death.

Maintained by the probate court division of either District or County Courts in Nebraska, these records serve as a crucial resource for individuals, genealogists, historians, and legal professionals.

They offer valuable genealogical information for those researching their family history, often including details about the deceased person's family members and their relationships. These records also provide insights into the decedent's financial situation, including their property ownership, debts, and any claims against the estate.

Furthermore, they offer transparency in the probate process, ensuring that the distribution of assets is carried out according to the deceased person's wishes and in compliance with applicable laws.

The information contained in Nebraska Probate Records can vary but typically includes details such as the deceased person's name, date of death, will (if applicable), names of beneficiaries, inventory of assets and debts, and the appointment of an executor or administrator to oversee the estate's distribution.

Additionally, these records may contain court filings, hearings, and other legal documents related to the probate process.

In Nebraska, each county has its probate court system. The court clerks are generally responsible for confiscating and maintaining probate records.

Interested individuals can obtain Nebraska Probate Records by identifying the county where the probate proceedings occurred and then contacting the respective county probate court. The court clerks will provide guidance on the required procedures, fees, and necessary forms for accessing the records.

Depending on the court's policies, individuals may request records in person, by mail, or even through online platforms if available.

Nebraska Family Records

Nebraska Family Records from courts provide a comprehensive and detailed account of legal proceedings within the state's family court system. These records document cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity disputes, and domestic violence.

Family court records in Nebraska are valuable resources for legal professionals, researchers, and individuals seeking information about specific cases. They contain essential information about the parties involved in the case. It includes the individuals' names, addresses, contact information, and their respective legal representation.

Additionally, they provide a chronological overview of the case, documenting all filed documents, motions, orders, and judgments. Furthermore, they may include financial information such as income statements, property valuations, and division of assets and liabilities.

In Nebraska, the District or County Courts in respective counties generally maintain these records. But some records, especially those involving minors, are in the Juvenile Courts in Lancaster, Douglas, and Sarpy counties.

The court clerk's office systematically maintains Nebraska Family Records to ensure integrity and accessibility. They organize, catalog, and archive these records.

In addition to traditional methods like in-person and mail-in requests, technological advancements have made it easier for interested parties to remotely access these court records since some county courts have digitized many of them. Thus, some courts in the county may offer online access to these records.

However, sensitive information, such as social security numbers and confidential medical records, may undergo redaction or protection to safeguard privacy rights. Access to specific records may also face restrictions in cases involving minors or situations where the court deems it necessary to protect individuals' safety and well-being.

Nebraska Bankruptcy Records

Nebraska Bankruptcy Records document the filing and proceedings of bankruptcy cases in the state's bankruptcy court. These records typically include the following information:

Details about the bankruptcy case, such as the case number, date of filing, and the bankruptcy chapter (e.g., Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13)
Personal information about the person or entity filing for bankruptcy, including their full name, address, and contact information
Information about the creditors to whom the debtor owes money, including their names, addresses, and contact information
Details about the debtor's financial situation, including their income, assets, debts, and liabilities
Statements of financial affairs such as income sources, employment history, recent financial transactions, and any legal actions involving the debtor
Various notices, motions, orders, and other court documents related to the bankruptcy case
Reports filed by the bankruptcy trustee appointed to oversee the case
Documentation related to the mandatory meeting of creditors
Documents related to the discharge of debts and the closing of the bankruptcy case

The state trial courts hold most Nebraska Court Records. However, when it comes to bankruptcy records, the responsibility falls on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which is part of the federal court system.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska is the specific bankruptcy court for the state. It has two divisions in Lincoln and Omaha, each with a courthouse. These courthouses handle bankruptcy cases and keep the Nebraska Bankruptcy Records.

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), bankruptcy records are available to the public. Since bankruptcy is a federal process, these records are not subject to state privacy laws.

However, sealed bankruptcy records and confidential information, like social security numbers, are not public. Only authorized individuals, such as the record holder and others specified by federal laws, can access sealed records and confidential information.

How To Obtain Bankruptcy Records in Nebraska

Interested individuals can request records from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska by visiting the U.S. bankruptcy clerk's office in person, by mail, email, online, or by phone.

Visiting the bankruptcy court locations in Nebraska in person gives the public access to the clerk's office terminals, allowing individuals to search for bankruptcy records. There is a fee per page if they want to print documents from these terminals. The clerk's office also charges for record searches.

If someone prefers to receive bankruptcy records by mail, they can mail a written request to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nebraska, including their phone number, a self-addressed envelope, and payment.

Alternatively, interested parties can submit a written request through email to NEBml_Documents@neb.uscourts.gov. They need to pay applicable fees before the court sends the requested records. Those representing themselves without an attorney should not submit email requests, especially if they have a pending case.

Another option to find Nebraska Bankruptcy Records is through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). To use this online platform, one must register an account. Record searches on PACER also have a fee per page, but charges are billed quarterly.

But the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska website allows people in Nebraska to search for bankruptcy cases for free online through its court's electronic case filing system, CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files).

Lastly, the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVIS) offers free access to bankruptcy records in Nebraska by calling (866) 222-8029. The MCVIS provides bankruptcy information using voice prompts and is available daily, except during scheduled maintenance.

Does Nebraska Have a Case Search?

The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides an online portal called JUSTICE Court Case Search System (JCCSS) that allows individuals to search for cases within the state. This court case search system grants individuals access to various criminal, civil, traffic, probate, and certain juvenile cases filed in Nebraska's 93 District and County Courts.

Using the JCCSS, users can retrieve information such as case details, party listings, court costs, payments, and the register of actions.

To access Nebraska Court Records using the JCCSS, individuals must subscribe to Nebraska.gov. Once subscribed, users can utilize the system to view up to 30 court cases. This case management system incurs a fee per search, and users can conveniently make payments through Gov2GO Pay or by credit/debit card.

To search for court records of interest, subscribers can use the name of a party involved in the case as a primary criterion and select additional criteria to narrow the search. Once the search is complete, the retrieved data are accessible to users for three days. In using this system, note a 24-hour delay before newly entered cases are accessible for search.

Aside from the JCCSS, Nebraska offers another case search option called the Nebraska Judgment Case Search (NJSC) system. This platform provides information on County and District Court records using general case information such as the court type, case type, county, and judgment date.

While searching for cases is typically free on this platform, individuals who wish to view case details must pay the applicable fee. In addition, users must have a Nebraska.gov account to utilize this service.

If the required court documents are unavailable in these court case systems, the best alternative is to contact the court directly for assistance. Individuals can reach out to the clerk of the specific court that filed the case and inquire about the availability of the documents they need.

Individuals can utilize the directory available on the Nebraska Judicial Branch website to contact the appropriate court clerk.

Counties in Nebraska

Courts in Nebraska

Douglas County District Court1701 Farnam St., Omaha, NE

Nebraska Court Of Appeals1445 K St., Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Supreme Court1445 K St., Lincoln, NE

Lancaster County District Court575 S. 10th St., Lincoln, NE

Sarpy County District Court1210 Golden Gate Dr., Papillion, NE

Hall County District Court111 W. 1st St., Grand Island, NE

Buffalo County District Court1512 Central Ave., Kearney, NE

Dodge County District Court428 N. Broad St., Fremont, NE

Lincoln County District Court301 N. Jeffers St., North Platte, NE

Madison County District Court1313 N. Main St., Madison, NE

List of Content

Which Nebraska Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?
What are the Common Public Court Records in Nebraska?
Does Nebraska Have a Case Search?