In today’s world, fathers are more active in their children’s lives than ever. In households where both parents work, some fathers are their children’s primary caregivers. However, in the unfortunate situation where a divorce occurs, many fathers feel “doomed” and have the belief that mothers always get “custody”. This blog explores what “custody” means and provides key tips for fathers who seek custody in a divorce.
The point to start with is an understanding of both “physical” and “legal” custody under Indiana law. ... Read More
06
Jun2019
23
May2019
The family dynamic is something that is always changing, and there is certainly no “standard” or “normal” family. After a divorce or a final determination in a paternity case, often one parent of a child has what is called primary physical custody, and the other parent (the “non-custodial parent”) has what is called parenting time. The terms of the non-custodial parent’s parenting time may take many different shapes, but in general, if ... Read More
15
Feb2019
Normally these cold, overcast days and dark weather leave us a bit glum. Nevertheless, for parents who have children who are not in a relationship with the other parent (by paternity and the relationship did not last or divorced parents), it’s time to think about the Spring Holidays, Holy days and the Summer and, well of course, parenting time. On the upside, on February 2, 2019, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so it should all be a little brighter and happier soooooon . . . .an early ... Read More
21
Dec2016
The holidays are special times for most families, including those parents who have not married or have divorced: Special school events. Holiday parties. Family gatherings. All of this occurs with a lot of corresponding planning, from purchasing gifts to cooking meals. For parents who are not married, coordinating schedules can he a major source of conflict. This blog puts forth five important tips divorce attorneys use to help their clients avoid most conflict during the holidays:
Know the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines: The Indiana Supreme Court has adopted the Indiana Parenting ... Read More
14
Jan2016
Because every divorce case with children is a little to a lot different from every other case, Indiana’s voters, appellate court’s and General Assembly give domestic trial court judges wide latitude (called “discretion”) to make child custody decisions. Indiana’s judges often agonize over the unfortunate situations they see, hear and must decide.
To help judges, there are four key legal presumptions or assumptions trial court judges follow that are important for you to know if you are involved, or will be involved, in a child ... Read More
22
Jul2015
A common set of questions or concerns with clients or litigants in divorce is why does a divorce take so long (since the statute only says sixty days have to pass), and why can the divorce process become expensive in terms of costs (custody evaluations) and legal fees.
At a simple level, a divorce lawyer has had to untangle the emotional dynamics of a case - legally advocating a clients objective in the case as it relates to division of assets in a just and ... Read More
18
Feb2014
The Indiana Supreme Court has adopted the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines as a tool to assist with developing a plan for “frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with each parent”, with the first Guidelines going into effect on March 31, 2001. Since the initial Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines were adopted and became effective in 2001, they have been reviewed and revised on two occasions, which became effective January 1, 2008, and March 1, ... Read More
01
Oct2013
As family law matters progress, one of the first issues to be determined by the parties is parenting time/custody. In some instances, the parties can agree to or are ordered to have joint physical custody. Other times, one parent is granted sole physical custody pursuant to the other parent’s parenting time.
Parenting time is often granted, at a minimum, pursuant to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTGs)1. Generally, for older children, this ... Read More
25
Sep2012
Previously, we examined some of the proposed changes to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines1. A new step has been made toward this transition to new rules. The Family Law Committee has reviewed the comments about the proposed new rules, and the Indiana Supreme Court will now review and approve or deny same.
There are several substantial changes in the proposed new guidelines. One addition is stronger language regarding the use of technology to foster the relationship between parents ... Read More