Fort Wayne Family Lawyers

Family Law Attorneys Serving Clients in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Planning for any type of family law issue in Indiana can be difficult given the complexity of most family law cases. Whether you are planning to file for divorce and need assistance with various aspects of your divorce, you are anticipating a contentious child custody case, or you need help establishing paternity in order to seek child support under Indiana law, our experienced Fort Wayne family lawyers can speak with you today about your case. Our firm represents clients in a wide range of family law matters, and we can begin working with you today on your case.

Family Law Matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The dedicated Fort Wayne family law attorneys at The Bellinger Law Office represent clients in many different kinds of family law cases, such as:

• Filing for divorce;
• Equitable distribution of marital property;
• Same-sex marriage and divorce;
• Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support;
• Child custody cases, including visitation and parenting time;
• Child support calculations and collections;
• Modifications of child custody, including relocations;
• Domestic violence and protective orders; and
• Establishing paternity.

Fort Wayne Divorce and the Equitable Distribution of Marital Property

Our family lawyers in Fort Wayne routinely assist clients with divorces, including filing for divorce and handling the equitable distribution of marital property. Indiana is an equitable distribution state, which means that any divorce in Fort Wayne will require the court to classify all assets and debts as marital or non-marital (or separate) property. Separate property will not be subject to division, but all marital property will be distributed between the spouses based on what the court determines to be fair or equitable given the circumstances of the parties and the marriage.

Assets and debts acquired prior to the marriage are classified as separate property, while most assets and debts acquired after the date of marriage are classified as marital property. There are some exceptions to the marital property classification. Property acquired after the date of marriage but expressly excluded by a valid prenuptial agreement, or acquired as a gift or through an inheritance, can also be classified as separate property. 

Fort Wayne Child Custody and Paternity

Child custody and paternity are also common family law matters. Indiana courts can decide child custody in a divorce case involving minor children from the marriage, or entirely separate from a divorce case. When parentage or paternity is in question, a paternity case can also allow a father to seek child custody after establishing paternity, or can allow a parent to seek child support from the legal father.

Contact Our Family Law Attorneys in Fort Wayne

Are you going through a complicated family law case, or do you need help planning to file a family law case in Indiana? An experienced Fort Wayne family law attorney at our firm can learn more about the facts of your case and can discuss your options with you based on your particular circumstances. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to find out more about how we can assist you with your family law matter. Contact The Bellinger Law Office for more information.