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Child Support Enforcement - Sarpy County Nebraska

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subsequent award as the basis for decreasing the original obligation. It would not be<br />

in the best interests of the children to permit (the obligor) to effectively “play one<br />

family against the other” in order to decrease his child support obligation to both.<br />

Erica J. v. Dewitt, 265 Neb. 728, 659 N.W.2d 315 (2003)<br />

Facts: District court modified child support, but did not do so retro to the date of the filing of the<br />

complaint to modify. State appealed, arguing that the court should have back dated the upward<br />

modification. Held: District court acted within its discretion in not back dating modification.<br />

[T]he delays (in bringing the modification action to trial) do not appear to be the fault<br />

of any one individual. We conclude that the district court’s determination to make the<br />

increase retroactive to the first day of the month of the hearing before the<br />

referee…was not an abuse of discretion, and we therefore affirm that portion of<br />

the court’s judgment.<br />

Ferry v. Ferry, 201 Neb. 595, 271 N.W.2d 450 (1978)<br />

Where an award for child support is made in one amount for each succeeding<br />

month for more than one child, it will be presumed to continue in force for the full<br />

amount until the youngest child reaches his majority. The proper remedy, if this be<br />

deemed unjust, is to seek a modification of the decree in the court which entered it<br />

on the basis of the changed circumstances.<br />

Gammel v. Gammel, 259 Neb. 738, 612 N.W.2d 207 (2000)<br />

Citing Rule Q [now § 4-217] of the child support guidelines, stating that a 10% or<br />

greater deviation from the guidelines will justify a modification. A 10% or greater<br />

deviation creates a rebuttable presumption of a material change in circumstances<br />

justifying a modification.<br />

Gangwish v. Gangwish, 267 Neb. 901, 678 N.W.2d 503 (2004)<br />

The paramount concern and question in determining child support, whether in the<br />

initial marital dissolution action or in the proceedings for modification of decree, is<br />

the best interests of the child.<br />

Grahovac v. Grahovac, 12 Neb. App. 585, 680 N.W.2d 616 (2004)<br />

(Voluntary Wastage)<br />

It is well established that a “material change in circumstances” in modification of<br />

child support cases is analogous to the “good cause” standard articulated for<br />

modification of alimony. See also Pope v. Pope, 251 Neb. 773, 559 N.W.2d 192<br />

(1997)<br />

Non-custodial parent who lost high paying job due to alcoholism does not qualify for<br />

reduction in alimony or child support due to voluntary wastage of his talents.<br />

Grange v. Grange, 15 Neb. App. 297, 725 N.W.2d 823 (2006 – <strong>Sarpy</strong> Co.)<br />

A material change in circumstances means the occurrence of something which,<br />

had it been known to the dissolution court at the time of the initial decree, would<br />

have persuaded the court to decree differently. Heistand v. Heistand, 267 Neb.<br />

300, 673 N.W.2d 541 (2004).<br />

We bear in mind that the definition refers to “circumstances” in the plural form; …<br />

Where…the party seeking modification advances multiple reasons for modification,<br />

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