All About Family Law in Indiana
Family law in the state of Indiana deals with issues that pertain to the family such as divorce, child custody and spousal support. Many family court cases in Indiana involve the subject of divorce, and the state employs a no-fault system for divorce. This means that you do not have to prove that your spouse has done something wrong if you seek to end your marriage. While having a reason is not necessary, it may be beneficial to cite a fault in some issues of divorce such as property division.
Indiana is among the states that require a six-month separation period before you can get a divorce. While you do not have to physically separate from your spouse during that time, it must be a period of separation without cohabitation. Further, you and your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing for divorce for the divorce to even be possible.
If you have children and seek a divorce in Indiana , the issue of who will get custody of the children is very important. The main concern in any issue related to children in court is whether the decision is in the best interests of the child. This holds true for child support, custody awards and visitation. It is also the biggest concern in divorce cases, as well, if the divorce involves children.
Indiana provides child support guidelines, and every parent must provide support to their child until he or she is 19, graduated from high school or emancipated. Generally, support must be provided until the child is 21 or finishes high school, but the emancipation of a child sometimes supersedes this standard. The amount of the support varies from case to case but is usually determined by the number of children in the family and the combined adjusted income of the parents.
In Indiana, if someone is unable to pay support due to circumstances like a job loss, the court could order a modification of the payment required. Otherwise, the obligated parent must continue to pay even if he or she has had a change of income.
Importance of Retaining a Family Law Attorney
There are many reasons to hire an experienced family law attorney. A family law attorney with experience in the area of your family law matters will be able to give you the attention you deserve and the legal representation that is necessary for you to put these matters behind you.
A family law attorney will do everything possible for you to adequately resolve your family law matters in an efficient and effective manner. Family law attorneys have a thorough knowledge and understanding of issues such as divorce; child custody and support; and guardianship.
A family law attorney will initially meet with you at no charge to discuss your personal situation and explore your potential case. They will be able to listen to your needs and wants and provide you with practical solutions that will fit your particular circumstances. An initial consultation is the perfect time for you to ask any questions you may have and to learn more about this specific area of law and how an experienced family law attorney may be able to help you.
Family law attorneys solely cover matters correct to family law and take great pride in what they do. They are always keeping up-to-date and well-informed with the never-ending changes within specific laws, as well as the courthouse rules, procedures, and paperwork. Family law attorneys provide services that will not only protect your rights, but also help you keep your children from being negatively impact thereby keeping your family intact.
Characteristics of an Excellent Family Law Attorney
When searching for the best family law attorney in Lafayette, it is important to identify the qualities that will enhance your chances of success. First and foremost, experience is a vital quality to consider. You want to work with a lawyer who has a proven track record of success with handling cases similar to yours. These professionals know the ins and outs of family law in Lafayette, and they will use what they know to get you the best possible results. The right attorney will also be patient and knowledgeable, and most importantly, they will listen to what you have to say. When an attorney is a great communicator, they can better express your position in a way that is professional and confident. Finally, when you work with an attorney who possesses an excellent reputation, you can expect to enjoy a smoother ride as you navigate through your case. A great reputation will get your family law attorney to the top of the list and waiting for you and your case.
The Best Family Law Services in Lafayette, Indiana
Family law attorneys in Lafayette offer a variety of legal services in all areas of family law to individuals and couples facing a family law matter. This includes mediation to settle a dispute without going to court, legal representation as divorce lawyers, or simply family law consultation. Family law mediation can be a cost-effective and efficient way for couples to settle their differences on topics such as parenting time and distribution of assets. A family law attorney can serve as a mediator, helping to keep you out of an expensive courtroom litigation. If no agreement can be reached and litigation is required, your family law attorney will help you with the entire process, from filing the paperwork to attending court on your behalf.
Divorce lawyers in Lafayette work with individuals who are either filing for divorce or are going through a proceeding in court. In some cases, clients simply need help filing the paperwork and understanding the underlying process . An experienced lawyer will help couples navigate the marriage dissolution process smoothly for the best possible outcome. In cases where the two parties do not agree on the terms of the divorce – such as how to divide the assets and time with children – divorce lawyers also represent their clients in mediation. They can also represent their clients during traditional litigation to settle such disputes.
Family law attorneys in Lafayette also draft prenuptial agreements for individuals preparing to marry and postnuptial agreements for those already married. A family law attorney can help you create a legally sound, enforceable agreement that clearly states how property will be divided in the event of a divorce. The importance of these contracts cannot be understated, as a prenuptial agreement provides protection against financial loss or liability during a divorce. If you have any questions about family law or need help with your case, please consult an attorney right away.
Selecting the Right Attorney for Your Needs
When considering the right family law attorney, however, the fees alone should not be the only factor which you consider. You should also consider the attorney’s reputation and what other attorneys have to say about that attorney. For example, you should ask other attorneys whether the attorney is competent to handle the particular issues you are having. You should also consider the family’s legal needs. Some attorneys, for example, handle a high volume of cases and handle a high volume of different types of cases such as divorce, paternity matters, adoptions, custody modification issues, guardianships, and restraining order issuances. Other attorneys may handle lower volume cases but have less case diversity. You may want to choose an attorney who has more case diversity or less case diversity depending on what your legal needs are. For example, if you have a complicated demand for an accounting action of a grantor retained annuity trust, you may want to choose an attorney with a lot of sophisticated estate planning and tax experience. Whatever the case may be, make sure that the attorney’s skills and experience align with your legal needs. In some circumstances it might even make sense to hire another attorney with a different specialization to do a portion of the work to completion. You should also consider whether the attorney is located where you prefer to be located. For example, if you need a lawyer to attend to a motion that can be handled, you may want to find a lawyer that has a ton of experience in that particular type of motion.
How to Get Started with a Family Law Attorney
From the outset, hiring a family law attorney is a process that demands time and attention. The first step in the process typically involves a consultation to discuss your needs, questions, and legal situation. Most likely, you found us on the web because you have a pressing need to hire a family law attorney, and we are here to help, but it is important that you find the right fit for you.
The initial consultation is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of your situation, and a good attorney can help guide you through the details. Further, the initial consultation is essential to ensuring your attorney is the best fit. There is no reason to hire someone who does not inspire confidence or, worse yet, does not understand your legal needs. It is a good idea to approach the initial visit much as you might an interview; have questions ready and focus on the attorney’s willingness to spend the time necessary to meet your needs. Your case deserves attention, and choosing to hire a family law attorney represents a significant step toward your well-being or recovery.
Many attorneys will require payment before work begins or they will bill you by the hour. Your budget should be clearly defined before you enter into an agreement. On occasion , an attorney may agree to hold a portion of the payment until after a successful resolution. Transparent billing processes are essential, and a follow-up meeting should be scheduled so you are updated and your case is still fresh in mind.
The best way to ensure you are getting what you need is to be prepared. Know what to expect and be able to discuss your situation in detail. Bring any supporting documentation necessary and be clear about your expectations. This is also a good time to read between the lines—you should have enough information to get a good instinct about whether the attorney is a good fit for you. It is not a crime to look elsewhere, and the best lawyers will understand your concerns and assist you with a smooth transition if needed.
Regardless of your situation, we are happy to sit down with you in a no-pressure environment to discuss your legal options. Whether you call or stop by, we are here to make you comfortable and test the waters before you commit.