Nebraska Court Case Search: Find Your Lawsuit Fast
Nebraska's JUSTICE system lets you search most court cases online for $15 per search. If you've been sued for debt in Nebraska, finding your case is just the first step. You must file an Answer within 30 days to protect your rights and avoid automatic judgment.
Answer Your LawsuitYou need to find your Nebraska court case. You want answers now. Good news: Nebraska maintains searchable public records for all 93 counties. You can access most civil cases online through the state’s JUSTICE system.
What Information Shows Up in Nebraska Court Records
Nebraska’s public record search system gives you access to three main case types:
Nebraska Debt Lawsuit? Respond Before the 30-Day Deadline
You found your case online. Now you need to file an Answer before the court's deadline. Our partner Solo walks you through every claim and defense in minutes.
Answer Your Lawsuit Now- Criminal cases: Domestic violence, parole violations, sexual assault, robbery, drug offenses, and other criminal matters
- Traffic court cases: Speeding tickets, reckless driving, license suspensions, DUI charges, and accident reports
- Civil cases: Debt lawsuits, contract disputes, small claims, evictions, bankruptcies, and legal judgments
You’re probably here for civil cases. That’s what we’ll focus on today.
Nebraska’s Civil Court Structure Explained
Understanding court jurisdiction helps you find your case faster. Nebraska civil cases flow through four court levels:
County Courts
County Courts handle civil cases up to $57,000. Small claims matters stay under $3,600. Most debt collection lawsuits start here.
District Courts
District Courts handle civil cases with no monetary limit. They also hear appeals from County Courts.
Court of Appeals
Appeals Courts review lower court decisions. They determine if rulings should be modified or reversed.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is Nebraska’s highest court. It administers the entire state court system and hears final appeals.
If you’ve been sued for debt, your case likely started in County Court. Knowing this saves you search time.
How to Search Nebraska Court Records Online
Nebraska’s Judicial Branch operates the JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search. You can use it to find your court records now.
The search costs $15 per query. You pay even if nothing shows up. That’s why gathering information first matters.
Information You’ll Need to Search
- Party name (your name or the plaintiff’s name)
- Court type (County or District)
- Case type and subtype
- County where filed
- Year filed
- Judge name (if known)
- Attorney name (if known)
The more details you provide, the better your results. Case numbers include the county code and case number. Search results show party names, case numbers, captions, judge names, and attorney information.
What to Do When You Can’t Find Your Case Online
Some records aren’t digitized yet. You may need to contact the court directly.
Use the Nebraska court directory to find contact information. Hover over your court type on the side menu. Select “Court Contacts” to see phone numbers and addresses statewide.
Call during business hours. Court clerks can tell you if your case exists and how to get copies.
Understanding Nebraska Judgment Records
A judgment is the court’s final decision in your case. Court clerks enter judgments into the official docket. These become public records.
You can request judgment records from the clerk’s office that handled your case. Most courts provide standard request forms. You’ll need the case number and party names.
Expect to pay service fees and per-page copying charges. Courts accept cash, certified checks, money orders, or credit cards.
Judgment records include party names, the judge’s name, claims made, and the final decision. These documents matter when creditors try to collect.
How to Respond to a Debt Lawsuit in Nebraska
Finding your case is just the first step. You must respond to win. The most important action you can take is filing an Answer.
Your Answer responds to each claim in the Complaint. You must address every allegation. You also state your affirmative defenses.
Affirmative defenses give you legal grounds to fight back. Common defenses include statute of limitations, lack of standing, and insufficient evidence.
Our partner Solo helps you draft a proper Answer in minutes. You respond to each claim correctly. You include the right defenses. You file on time.
Steps to Answer Your Nebraska Debt Lawsuit
- Read the Complaint carefully and note every claim
- Draft your Answer responding to each allegation
- Include your affirmative defenses
- File your Answer with the court before the deadline
- Send a copy to the plaintiff or their attorney
- Keep proof of filing and service
After filing, check your case status regularly using the JUSTICE system. You’ll see updates about hearings, trials, and responses to your Answer.
Nebraska Court Case Deadlines Matter
You typically have 30 days from service to file your Answer. Missing this deadline means automatic judgment against you.
Creditors can garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, or place liens on property. You lose your chance to negotiate or settle.
Act fast when you receive court papers. Search for your case online. Confirm the deadline. Respond before time runs out.
How Judges Get Assigned in Nebraska
Nebraska assigns judges to cases randomly, either digitally or manually. The judge with the lowest docket and page number gets your case.
If multiple cases get consolidated for discovery or trial, the judge with the lowest numbers hears all matters. You can’t choose your judge.
Case numbers identify your lawsuit uniquely. The court assigns numbers when you file. Case numbers help you track status online and at the courthouse.