Indianapolis Child Custody Attorney
In the past, courts typically granted mothers primary physical custody of children after a divorce in Indiana. However, today there are many different types of child custody arrangements, including plans in which fathers and even grandparents have primary custody. At the López Law Office in Indianapolis, I will take the time to learn about your family and craft a parenting plan that works for you.
My parents separated when I was seven, so I know what it's like to be a child of a divorced family. It's important to understand that you will still be a family after divorce. You will just be a different kind of family. As your lawyer, I will help you work together and focus on the best interests of your child.
Child Custody and Support in Indiana
- Legal custody. The presumption in Indiana is that both parents will have legal custody of children. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about how your child is raised, including medical decisions, religious decisions and education decisions.
- Physical custody. Physical custody is where your child lives. In most cases, one parent will have primary physical custody while the other parent will have parenting time according to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines.
- Child support. Both parents are required to support their children. Indiana child support guidelines give the non-custodial parent credit for the number of overnights the child has with said parent per year. In addition, there is a presumption that both parents will contribute to college expenses.
- Modification to child custody. Child custody and parenting time can be changed after divorce if there are substantial changes in the child's situation, such as issues at school, issues at home or relocation. Indiana courts will consider the best interests of your child in deciding whether there should be a change in custody or parenting time.
- Modification to child support. Child support can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if you lose your job, or either parent’s income goes up or down.
- Enforcement of divorce orders. If your ex-spouse is not paying child support or is not abiding by a child custody and parenting agreement, you can go to court to enforce the order. If contempt is found, the judge can force your ex-spouse to pay your lawyer's fees.
Attorney Vanessa López
Free Attorney Consultation
To discuss your child custody and support case with lawyer 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.
