Indiana requires a minimum 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Cases where both sides agree on the terms often move faster, while disputed cases can take several months or longer, depending on the issues involved.
Family Law
Indianapolis Family Law Attorney
If you are going through a divorce or dealing with a pressing issue involving your family, working with an experienced family law attorney is important. You are not expected to have all of the answers, but the appropriate attorney can assist you in obtaining them.
At López Law Office, we walk beside Indiana families through some of their hardest moments. Our team is committed to assisting families in reaching a reliable resolution, no matter the situation. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help.
Who We Help
At López Law Office, our team understands that no family faces the same situation. That’s why we tailor our approach to your specific case, so you can trust that we offer the best solution. We often help families who are in the following situations:
- You are thinking about divorce or separation, have been served with court papers, or need to figure out your next legal steps. Your situation may involve ending a marriage, living apart, the family home, property and debts, financial support, children, or several connected decisions.
- You are a parent or family member who needs clear legal terms for a child’s life. This may cover parentage, decision-making, parenting time, child support, relocation, or a child’s care, whether the parents are married, separated, divorced, or unmarried.
- Your family law matter may affect your finances. This can include a home, business, professional practice, income, real estate, investments, retirement accounts, debts, support, or your ability to stay financially independent.
- You want to bring a child into your family or gain legal authority to care for someone. This may mean formalizing a stepparent, second parent, or caregiver relationship or obtaining the legal standing to care for a child or a vulnerable family member.
- You and the other parent disagree, and the court may need to step in. Disputes might center on the schedule, school, medical care, safety, communication, or what arrangement truly serves the child.
Even if your situation does not exactly match the ones listed above, we encourage you to contact our team anyway. We’ll speak with you and help you decide on what comes next.
The Basic Family Law Process in Indiana
No two family law concerns are the exact same. The issues involved can vary based on a family’s unique dynamics. Knowing the general steps of family law cases can ease some of the uncertainty. Consider the following:
- Filing the petition. One party files a petition with the court, such as a petition for dissolution of marriage or a request involving custody or support. The other party receives notice and has a chance to respond.
- Temporary orders. Early in a case, the court may set temporary arrangements for parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, or use of the home while the case is pending.
- Sharing information. Both sides exchange financial records, documents, and other details. This step, called discovery, gives everyone an accurate picture before any decisions are made.
- Negotiation and mediation. Many Indiana families reach agreements outside the courtroom. Mediation brings both sides together with a neutral third person to work through disputes and craft terms that fit the family.
- Court hearings or trial. When parties cannot agree, a judge hears the evidence and decides the unresolved issues.
- Final order. The court issues a final order that spells out the terms. Once signed, it becomes legally binding for everyone involved.
- Modifications and enforcement. Life keeps changing. If circumstances shift later, orders for custody, support, or parenting time can sometimes be modified, and the court can enforce terms when someone does not follow them.
Indiana also observes a 60-day waiting period for divorce cases, meaning a court cannot finalize a dissolution until at least 60 days after the petition is filed. This time can be used to gather information and work toward a resolution.
Why Choose Us
It’s important to select a team you can trust. López Law Office works one-on-one with our clients, offering highly personalized and effective legal services. Our client-driven approach will help us understand all the underlying issues involved in your case. Here’s what you can expect when you choose our team:
- We keep things personal. You are a person with a story, not a case number. We take time to understand your goals and worries before we map out a plan.
- We communicate clearly and often. You get straight answers, regular updates, and explanations without confusing legal jargon.
- We serve diverse communities. Our doors are open to families from many cultures and backgrounds, and we meet each client with respect.
- We offer practical guidance. We help you weigh realistic options and the likely outcomes of each, so your decisions match your priorities.
- We advocate with skill. Whether your case settles at the table or plays out in the courtroom, we prepare thoroughly and represent you with care.
Our process starts with listening, moves to a clear plan built around your needs, and continues with steady support until your matter is resolved. We can be aggressive advocates or can work amicably to try to resolve contested matters without causing emotions to spiral out of control. We are here to help resolve your family law concerns so you can move forward to the next chapter in your life.
Contact a Skilled Marion County Divorce Attorney: La Abogada Habla Español
You deserve nothing less than experienced representation. López Law Office is dedicated to providing you with steady support and strong advocacy throughout your family law case. We know what it takes to protect your best interests. Contact our legal team for an initial consultation. Hablamos español.
FAQs About Family Law in Indiana
How does Indiana decide child custody?
Courts base custody decisions on the child’s best interests. Judges consider factors such as the child’s age, the wishes of the parents and child, each parent’s relationship with the child, and the child’s ability to adjust to home, school, and community.
Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many families reach agreements through negotiation or mediation and avoid a trial. When parents cannot agree on key issues, a judge may need to decide.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Indiana follows a “one pot” rule, meaning the court considers all marital property together and divides it fairly. Fair does not always mean an equal split, since the court weighs several factors before deciding.
Can a custody or support order be changed later?
Yes. If your circumstances change in a significant way, you may be able to request a modification of custody, parenting time, or child support. The court reviews these requests based on current facts.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any court papers you have received, along with financial documents, existing agreements, and a list of questions. The more we know about your situation, the better we can guide you.
Do you help with adoptions and guardianships?
Yes. We assist families who want to formalize a stepparent, second parent, or caregiver relationship or gain the authority to care for a child or vulnerable family member.
Reviews
What Our Clients Said!
Had a great experience with my team. They made both the prenup and divorce processes very easy. Every member of my team was very communicative and receptive to my questions and concerns.
Hollyann
I cannot recommend Lopez Law Office highly enough. I came to them during an incredibly difficult and stressful time in my life, and from beginning to end, I felt heard, supported, and genuinely cared for. Alexandra Roberts represented me throughout my divorce and custody case, and I truly could not…
Emily
I cannot say enough good things about Alex Roberts, Kacie, and the entire team at López Law Office. For over a year, they stood beside our family through one of the most stressful and emotional experiences of our lives. From the very beginning, Alex was an incredible advocate. They were…
Cassie
I would 100% recommend Vanessa and her team to anyone looking for representation. Vanessa and her team were always very quick to reply and very efficient in moving the process forward. Having never been divorced, I had so many questions for Vanessa, and she always took the time to explain…
Ian
Alexandra and the entire team were fantastic. They helped me greatly through a very difficult time.
David
The best family attorney by far—and not just because she handled my case. She came highly recommended to me, and she exceeded every expectation. Her staff is amazing, and she has built an outstanding team of professionals who truly care about their clients. She is hardworking, effective, knowledgeable, trustworthy, compassionate,…
yessi
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Phone : (317) 634-9484
Fax : 317-634-9860
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
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