Working with an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Hessen Cassel, IN

Are you considering divorce but worrying about child custody issues? Are you concerned that your child custody case will become extremely contentious? These are anxieties shared by many parents in the Hessen Cassel area who are thinking about filing for divorce. While child custody disputes in Hessen Cassel are never easy on any of the parties involved, it is possible to reach a point at which you and the other parent can agree to communicate for the sake of your child. Even in cases in which communication seems impossible, you should know that the court will always take into account a wide variety of factors in determining what is in the best interest of your child.

At The Bellinger Law Office, we understand how important it is to do everything you can to ensure that you are awarded custody of your children. We have helped many families throughout the area, and we can examine the details of your case today.

Learning More About Child Custody

Under Indiana Code § 31-17, when the court issues a child custody order, it will first have to make a decision about whether parents will share joint legal custody. In addition, the court will have to decide whether those will share joint physical custody or whether one of the parents will be the primary custodian for the child.

What is legal custody? This is a term that parents should not confuse with physical custody. Legal custody does not indicate where a child will live after a divorce. Instead, legal custody concerns which of the parents will be responsible for making important decisions that will impact the child’s life. For instance, when parents share joint legal custody, they decide together about a child’s education and healthcare.

Physical custody is different than legal custody. When a court awards joint legal custody, it does not necessarily award joint physical custody (although joint physical custody may indeed be awarded). The court will look to numerous factors in determining what is in the best interests of the child.

Learning More About Parenting Time

What do you need to know about child visitation, or parenting time? In addition to making a custody determination, the court will also create a parenting time plan that will specify when and for how long the child will spend time with each parent.

The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines make clear that there is a presumption that “both parents nurture their child in important ways, significant to the development and well being of the child.” As such, the court assumes that the child should be spending time with both parents unless there is a reason to order otherwise.

Discuss Your Case with a Hessen Cassel Child Custody Attorney

At The Bellinger Law Office, we provide assistance to parents throughout Hessen Cassel, IN with a wide variety of divorce issues, including all matters related to child custody. We understand that a contentious child custody case can feel difficult and frustrating, but a Hessen Cassel child custody attorney is here to help. We provide individualized attention to every case we take, and we can discuss your options with you today. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have questions. Contact The Bellinger Law Office to learn more about the services we offer to clients in Hessen Cassel.