Indianapolis Divorce and Property Division Attorney

Criminal Defense · Bankruptcy · Wills · Mediation · Workers' Comp

Whether you are an English speaker seeking compassionate and skillful legal assistance, a Spanish-speaker looking for legal help in your own language, or a person involved in a bilingual dispute — the López Law Office can help.

Contact the López Law Office at 317-644-6261 to learn how I can help you with the following legal issues:

Family Law

• Divorce: I will take the time to answer your questions and guide you through issues such as property settlement, spousal maintenance and child custody and support.
• Property division: Under Indiana divorce and property division rules, the divorce court will split all marital assets and debts precisely in half unless your lawyer makes a compelling argument for a different division of assets.
• Child custody and support: In the past, courts typically granted mothers primary physical custody of their children in a divorce in Indiana. However, courts are becoming more progressive, understanding that a father can also be the primary physical custodial parent. I will help you assert and protect your legal rights whether you are a mother or a father in a custody dispute setting.
• Paternity actions: These are legal proceedings to establish the father of a child born to unmarried parents. Once paternity is established, the court can order child support, parenting time and custody. 
• Domestic relations mediation: Mediation can be a less invasive and less costly alternative to trial. As a certified mediator, I will help you find acceptable compromises in divorce and child custody cases.
• Children in Need of Services (CHINS) and juvenile delinquency cases: If a parent or guardian is neglecting a child, or if the child is severely misbehaving, it may be a CHINS matter. There are also situations where a minor may get in trouble for staying out past curfew, running away, getting in trouble at school, shoplifting, drinking alcohol or other misbehavior. In such cases, it's important for the minor to have proper legal representation because - even though a juvenile record is sealed in Indiana - a judge may ask about your juvenile history if you get in trouble as an adult.
• Guardian ad litem (GAL): I serve as a GAL volunteer for children who need an advocate to protect their best interests in court.
• LGBT family issues: Same-sex couples require access to a family law attorney just as opposite sex couples do. My office places a high value on Indianapolis' growing diversity.
• Second parent adoptions: Stepparents, single parents and same-sex couples provide a much-needed service when they give permanent homes to children who need stable families. I can help with the legal paperwork and the home study and celebrate with you at the final adoption hearing.

Workers' Compensation

Many injured workers don't receive the benefits they deserve because they are unaware of workers' compensation rules. I offer a free initial consultation to explain your rights.

Wills and Guardianships

Estate planning is about more than protecting your property. It's also about protecting your family. I write wills and guardianships to help families protect their children's futures.

Criminal Defense

As a criminal defense attorney, I represent clients who have been charged with theft, battery, violation of probation, possession of a controlled substance and other crimes:

• OVWI/DUI/DWI : The true cost of an OVWI/DUI/DWI conviction can be many thousands of dollars. The OVWI conviction can also result in job loss, loss of your driver's license, loss of parenting time if you're divorced and unable to pick up your children, and inability to pay child support if you are unable to work.I can help mitigate these consequences.
• Domestic violence : If police are called to your home over a domestic incident, the presumption is that somebody will go to jail. From that point forward, the case will take on a life of its own, even if your spouse is not interested in pressing charges.

Bankruptcy

Credit card companies may try to tell you that you cannot file for bankruptcy protection if you have a job. However, most people with serious debt problems are eligible for debt relief under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the new bankruptcy laws.

Bilingual Civil Mediation

I am a trained civil mediator available to mediate business and neighborhood disputes of all shapes and sizes. I perform English-English and Spanish-Spanish mediations as well as Spanish-English mediations. Cut the costs of your mediation sessions by hiring a bilingual mediator and forgoing a translator.

In the past, members of the Indianapolis Latino community did not have the choice of a Spanish-speaking lawyer to represent them in a legal case. Now they have a choice.

Free Attorney Consultation:
La abogada habla español

To discuss your legal case with attorney Vanessa López, call 317-644-6261 (español: 317-715-1847) or fill out our simple contact form. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Hablamos español.