Indianapolis Divorce Attorney
Compassionate and Practical Legal Help During Troubling Times
Many people who are going through divorce or separation don't know what they are entitled to or where the hidden risks are. At the López Law Office in Indianapolis, I will take the time to answer your questions and guide you through issues such as property division, child custody and support, and spousal support.
My name is Vanessa López and I represent clients throughout Indianapolis in all manner of divorce and family law-related matters. My approach to divorce cases depends on each client's needs. I can take a firm negotiating stance to protect financial or parenting interests, or I can work as a mediator to minimize conflict between the divorcing spouses. Contact my office to learn more in a free consultation.
Spousal Maintenance in Indiana
Many divorcing spouses have questions about spousal support and spousal maintenance (Indiana does not have alimony). Will the spouse with the higher income have to pay financial support to the lower-earning spouse? If so, for how long?
Divorce judges can order one spouse to pay temporary spousal maintenance to the other while the divorce proceedings are ongoing. These temporary spousal support orders help the divorcing spouses meet their joint financial obligations before final decisions are made.
As far as spousal support after divorce, Indiana law has clear rules on spousal maintenance payments after a divorce. Spousal maintenance will be granted in any of the following three situations:
- If a spouse is disabled, the divorce judge may order the other spouse to make lifetime support payments to the disabled spouse.
- If the divorcing spouses have a seriously disabled child, the divorce court may order the working spouse to pay spousal maintenance to the parent who does not work or works less than full time because of the child's special needs.
- If one spouse has no work history outside the home, a divorce judge may order rehabilitative spousal maintenance, usually for about three years, so the nonworking spouse can get education or vocational training sufficient to get a job and become economically self-sufficient.
Certified Domestic Relations Mediator
As a certified mediator, I can help you and your spouse reach an amicable divorce settlement outside of court. If you go to court, you lose control over the outcome of your divorce since a judge will make the decisions. Mediation allows you and your spouse to reach an amicable divorce settlement. I offer mediation services in English and in Spanish.
Attorney Vanessa López
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La abogada habla español
Learn more general divorce information by reading the articles in our Divorce Information Center. Or, to discuss your dissolution of marriage 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.
