Zachary W. Anderson Law

11/05/2026

Raising your stepchild or grandchild and thinking about adoption? In Nebraska, the existing parents’ rights, consent requirements, background checks, and the child’s best interests all matter. A stepparent adoption usually adds a parent, while a relative adoption usually replaces the legal parents. Our new post explains how the process works and what to gather before talking with a lawyer.

Adopting your stepchild or grandchild in Nebraska? Learn whose consent is needed, when a home study applies, how long it takes, and what adoption changes.

11/04/2026

If you’re raising a transgender child in Nebraska, the conversation after Election Day may be about a team, a sense of belonging, or how to get through the next school day. Our latest article explains what Initiative 442 addresses, how it differs from existing law, and what parents can ask their school. We also discuss bullying concerns and what to consider when co-parents disagree about changing schools. Your child’s needs deserve careful, practical attention.

Nebraska Initiative 442 explained: school sports rules, timing, questions for schools, and co-parenting decisions for families of transgender children.

11/04/2026

A better job. Family nearby. A house with room to grow. Can that be enough to move your child out of Nebraska? A Nebraska Court of Appeals decision from this week shows what judges weigh when one parent wants to relocate, and why the details of your child’s daily life matter most. Read our latest article on the blog. 🏡📚

A proposed $115,000 job and family housing weren't enough in a 2026 Nebraska relocation case. Learn what courts weigh before a child can move out of state.

11/03/2026

🗳️ It’s Election Day, Nebraska, and there’s a part of your ballot that’s easy to overlook.

You’ll see questions asking whether certain judges should be retained. Nobody is running against them, there are no party labels, and the choice is yes or no.

Before you fill in those ovals, here are a few things to know:

A majority of “yes” votes on a judge’s question means the judge serves another six-year term.

A majority of “no” votes on that question means the seat becomes vacant when the judge’s current term ends. That happens later, not on election night. The vacancy is then filled through Nebraska’s merit-selection process.

48 judges are standing for retention across Nebraska this year. Your ballot includes the judges whose questions apply where you live, plus two Workers’ Compensation Court judges who appear statewide.

The Nebraska State Bar Association’s judicial evaluation can help. Consider it alongside judges’ biographies and other reliable information.

These votes deserve attention. Our courts make decisions about custody, guardianships, estates, and other matters that affect people’s lives.

Have a case pending? A retention vote doesn’t change an existing order or extend a deadline. If you have questions about your case, talk with your lawyer.

Our guide explains the process and points you to resources to help you make an informed decision:

👉 https://www.zandersonlaw.com/blog/how-do-you-decide-whether-to-retain-a-nebraska-judge-in-2026

Haven’t voted yet? Your county election office can confirm your polling place. Feel free to share this with someone who has questions about the judges on their ballot.

Learn how Nebraska judicial retention voting works in 2026, which judges appear on your ballot, and where to find official information.

11/03/2026

Does a marriage have to be terrible before divorce is an option? In Nebraska, you don’t have to prove your spouse did something wrong. And talking with a lawyer while you’re still undecided doesn’t mean you have to file. Our new post covers what the law requires, how legal separation differs from simply living apart, and what to ask before you decide anything. 👉

Nebraska doesn't require proof of wrongdoing to divorce. Learn what "irretrievably broken" means, how legal separation differs, and what to do while undecided.

11/02/2026

“My brother wants to be Mom’s guardian, but he’s also in her will. Is that allowed?” In Nebraska, being a potential heir doesn’t disqualify someone from serving. Prior transfers, home sales, caregiver pay, and resistance to needed care can change the picture, though. Our latest post explains how courts look at these conflicts and what safeguards protect the person who matters most.

Being named in a parent's will doesn't disqualify you as a Nebraska guardian or conservator. Learn when courts see a real conflict and what safeguards apply.

10/29/2026

Can having different political views affect who gets custody of your children?

Political disagreements can put a strain on relationships, but when divorce and children are involved, those differences can become even more complicated.

In Nebraska, custody decisions aren’t based on which political party a parent supports or who they voted for. Courts focus on what’s in the best interests of the child.

However, political disagreements can become relevant when they interfere with parenting responsibilities, expose children to ongoing conflict, or prevent parents from making important decisions together.

Disagreements over education, medical care, and other parenting decisions can create additional challenges, especially when parents share joint legal custody.

While having different beliefs isn’t grounds for losing custody, how those disagreements affect your children can matter.

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help Nebraska families navigate divorce, custody disputes, and parenting plans while keeping their children’s best interests at the center of the conversation.

Contact our office to learn more about your options.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

10/27/2026

When Clio introduced Zachary W. Anderson Law as the 2026 Reisman Award winner for Best New Law Firm, this is part of how they described our story:

“[W]hat he needed most was a q***r attorney who understood him without having to explain himself. No firm in Nebraska offered that. So he built a solo practice run on one belief: treat people like people, instead of files. The firm pairs sharp legal work with a holistic approach to family law, guardianships, probate, and estate planning, helping clients reach a workable plan. Its founder, a neurodivergent q***r business owner known as Nebraska’s Premier Q***r Attorney, built a practice where nobody has to fit a mold.”

Reading those words, and hearing our story shared on a national stage, means more to me than I can adequately express.

When I started this firm in April 2025, I wanted to build the kind of practice I had needed during my own divorce. A place where people could be themselves, feel understood, and receive excellent legal representation while navigating some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

I also wanted to challenge the idea that professionalism requires us to hide parts of who we are. Being q***r, neurodivergent, and unapologetically myself isn't something I need to separate from being an attorney or a business owner. Those experiences inform how I lead, how I advocate, and how we care for our clients.

What began as a solo practice has grown into an incredible team of 12 people who share that commitment. I'm grateful for every person who has helped build this firm, every client who has trusted us, and everyone who believed in this vision even when the future was uncertain.

I'm especially grateful to Clio for recognizing that building a successful law firm can also mean doing things differently.

I'm proud to share this video from our recognition at ClioCon and to celebrate this incredible honor with the people who made it possible.

When Zachary W. Anderson went through his own divorce, he couldn’t ...

10/26/2026

Meet Patrick Patino [he/him/his]

Patrick is an attorney working with Zachary W. Anderson Law, where he helps entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the legal side of starting, operating, growing, and transitioning their businesses.

Patrick describes himself as a “legal Swiss army knife,” and his practice reflects that versatility. His work includes business formation, contracts, corporate filings, ongoing business matters, ownership transitions, and business exits. He enjoys working with small-business owners and helping them make informed decisions that support their long-term goals.

Patrick brings a calm, practical approach to his work. He understands that business owners already have plenty on their plates, and he believes legal counsel should make their lives easier, not more complicated. He values straightforward communication, sensible advice, and finding solutions that account for both the legal and business considerations involved.

He also believes practicing law doesn’t have to look or feel like it did decades ago. Patrick embraces technology, avoids unnecessary legal jargon, and prioritizes building genuine relationships with the people he represents.

Patrick graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he received CALI Awards for Excellence in Bankruptcy and Small Firm Practice. He is licensed to practice law in Nebraska and Minnesota.

We’re grateful to have Patrick’s experience and perspective as we continue expanding our Business & Corporate Law practice. Please help us welcome Patrick to Zachary W. Anderson Law