best family law lawyer indianapolis

In determining the rights and responsibilities both parents have towards a child, establishing paternity may simplify the process. In Indiana, paternity provides a child born outside of marriage a legal father. Establishing paternity outlines a father’s legal rights and responsibilities towards a child. Additionally, establishing paternity can aid in issues revolving around child custody, parenting time, and child support. Resolving paternity issues may allow a child the rightful ability to bond with both parents. How…

A common question comes up during and after a custody case:  Am I allowed to move out of state if I have custody of my kids?  The answer is, not surprisingly, it depends.  In Indiana, relocating when there is an ongoing custody case or following a custody case is governed by the state statutes. In the last few years, the Indiana legislature has updated the law to make the requirements on a relocating parent less…

Since the groundbreaking civil rights victory in Obergefell codified same-sex marriage in 2015, same-sex couples across America have utilized the legal protection to build their lives and their families. However, there have been some recent insinuations from the Supreme Court that the legal principle of substantive due process may be getting a new, conservative-leaning interpretation. Substantive due process not only is one of the key building blocks that fortifies same-sex marriage but also interracial marriage….

Twenty-two states have abortion bans that would become law almost immediately if Roe V. Wade is overturned. Many of these state bans contain no exceptions for rape or incest survivors.  While Indiana is not one of the States with “trigger laws”, there has been strong indications that Indiana would move fast toward implementing abortion laws.  Whether or not, Indiana will contain a provision for an exception of rape or incest survivors, is unknown.  So, what can…

A Quick Look at Stepparent Adoption Adoption is an instrumental process in the lives of many Indiana children and can give them the consistency needed for a well-balanced life.  An adoption requires a petition filed to the court containing information regarding the child sought to be adopted along with information of the petitioner seeking to adopt. So what happens when the petitioner is married to a biological parent of the child? With divorce at its…

The Next Steps after a Dissolution Petition It is important to know what to expect after a dissolution action has been filed.  Every situation is based on different facts, personalities, finances, and issues.   Those differences make it impossible for an attorney to predict the exact outcome or timeline of an individual case but there are basic guidelines that each dissolution follows. Per Indiana Code, at least 60 days must pass from the time the dissolution…

How to Go About Changing Your Name as an Adult Pick a name, any name.   You can refer to yourself as anything you choose.   The ridiculousness level of a chosen name does not matter.  However, all government and legal documents must reference your legal name.   In Indiana, your name can be changed by life-changing events such as adoption, marriage or divorce.   It is also possible to change a name pursuant to Indiana Code 34-28-2. With…

Dividing Up the Marital Pot: Debts & Assets Determining how to divide assets and debts is an important and necessary part of the divorce process.   The marital residence is part of the “marital pot” to be divided.  Sometimes it is an asset while other times there is debt associated with the home that should be divided.  See our blog What Makes Up a Marital Pot? for more on how Indiana views the division of assets….