In Indiana, the court’s primary and overriding consideration is the “best interests of the child.” Factors that contribute to this determination include the child’s age, the wishes of the parents (and the child, if old enough), the child’s adjustment to their home and community and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
Child Custody
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Fort Wayne Child Custody Attorney
Child custody disputes often cause confusion, sadness and other negative emotions and lasting impacts in a child’s life. Even uncontested separations can leave a child feeling caught in the middle between feuding parents. For this reason, approaching child custody cases with care and an understanding of the resulting implications is incredibly important.
At The Bellinger Law Office, we put our years of legal experience to work helping parents develop child custody and visitation arrangements that put their children’s best interests first. We strive to minimize the stress on your family and secure a positive outcome through your legal case.
Custody Cases We Help With
Custody cases can involve many different components and situations. We regularly assist:
- Parents whose marriage is ending and who refuse to lose out on time with their kids.
- Parents who were never married, but want their parentage and rights legally recognized.
- Parents with a current custody order that just isn’t working for the family anymore.
- Parents wanting to change custody arrangements so they can move.
- Parents wanting to prevent the other parent’s move from changing their parenting time.
- Parents dealing with custody battles and seeking an advocate who won’t back down.
If any of these sound like your current circumstances, our team is here to provide the legal support you need.
Understanding Case Elements: Legal Custody, Physical Custody and Mediation
In Indiana, the discussion of child custody centers on legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions on behalf of a child and includes everything from requesting a child’s school report card to making important health care decisions. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, most arrangements support joint legal custody, meaning that both parents share this role.
Physical custody is what most people think of when they talk about child custody. It typically refers to designating one parent as the primary physical custodian (primary custody) and the other as the noncustodial parent. Generally, this is a major source of contention because the noncustodial parents (usually fathers) may feel that they will not spend enough time with the children. Our goal is to minimize feelings of animosity and develop a plan that favors both parents in a child’s life.
It is important to note that, in many Indiana counties, mediation is mandatory for any family law matter involving children. Parents are required to discuss the issue in an open conversation and encouraged to come up with a solution, or part of a solution, without court involvement. In general, mediation saves couples time and money, and often creates win-win solutions that work better for the parents and children.
Benefits of Working With The Bellinger Law Office for Your Custody Case
At The Bellinger Law Office, we use our legal experience and personal commitment to equip you with the knowledge, representation and confidence you need. We offer:
- Practiced Advocacy: With two decades of legal experience, we handle child custody cases with care and precision to protect your parental rights.
- Child-Centered Approach: We focus on solutions that prioritize the best interests of the children involved, aiming to create stable and positive outcomes for families.
- Personalized Guidance: Every family situation is unique. We take the time to understand your needs and design tailored strategies to achieve the best possible results for you and your child.
- Mediation Experience: Our team is skilled at helping clients navigate mediation processes to find cooperative solutions.
We are here to provide clear, concise communication and steadfast support throughout every step of your custody case.
Call a Fort Wayne Child Custody Lawyer Today
Contact The Bellinger Law Office for a child custody lawyer in Fort Wayne who will relentlessly seek a favorable outcome for you and your children. Call us at 260-428-2214 to schedule a consultation today. We serve clients throughout Allen County, Indiana.
FAQs About Child Custody in Indiana
What evidence is important to gather for a child custody case?
We can help you gather records such as school and medical reports, documentation of your support and involvement in your child’s life (like income that went toward your child’s needs, attending parent-teacher conferences or coaching sports) and communications between you and the other parent. Witness testimony from teachers, family members or counselors who can provide insight as to your parenting abilities can also be very powerful.
Is joint legal custody common in Indiana?
Indiana courts often favor joint legal custody unless there is a compelling reason not to, such as a history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The belief is that it is in a child’s best interest for both parents to be involved in major life decisions.
What happens if we cannot reach an agreement in mediation?
If you cannot resolve all issues in mediation, the unresolved matters will need to be presented to a judge for a decision at a hearing or trial. Any partial agreements made can still be submitted to the court for approval.
What does a final child custody order typically include?
A final order will typically designate legal and physical custody, as well as a detailed parenting time schedule. The order should also specify transportation arrangements and rules for communication between the parents. A clear and comprehensive child custody order can be a vital tool for preventing future disagreements.
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