Hamilton County Child Custody Lawyers
We understand the importance of your child and the bond you share. We also understand that divorce can change this relationship.
As Indiana child custody attorneys, we work to create the best possible arrangement for both you and your child, and we advocate strongly for protecting your interests and seeking the custody arrangements that you want.
We serve clients in Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Avon, Zionsville, and Indianapolis, and in the following counties:
- Hamilton County
- Boone County
- Marion County
- Tipton County
- Madison County
- Hendricks County
We would invite you to call us for a free consultation and to learn about how we can help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation so that we can learn about your custody matters. Once we meet with you, we can answer your questions about Indiana custody law, and explain how we can help you in your matter.
Child Custody in Indiana
Custody Basics
There are two forms of child custody:
- Physical custody is where the child lives or spends most of his or her time.
- Legal custody concerns the right to make major decisions for the child, including school, religion, and healthcare. A parent may have sole or joint physical or legal custody.
In determining custody, courts look to the best interest of the child. In doing so, they consider the following nine (9) factors:
(1) The age and sex of the child;
(2) The wishes of the child’s parent or parents;
(3) The wishes of the child, with more consideration given to the child’s wishes if the child is at least fourteen (14) years of age;
(4) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child’s parent(s), the child’s sibling(s) and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest;
(5) The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community;
(6) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
(7) Evidence of a pattern of domestic or family violence by either parent;
(8) Care by a de facto custodian; and
(9) All other relevant factors.
What if the Parents Don’t Agree to Custody Arrangements?
The best interests of the child are usually achieved when the parents can reach an agreement concerning custody arrangements. Because courts often do not fully appreciate the particular circumstances and needs of those involved (such as work commitments and other matters), they often will not be able to make the best decisions. It is therefore usually far better for both the parents and the children if the parents can develop their own custody arrangements.
If the parties cannot agree on a parenting time schedule, the court will likely establish a schedule consistent with the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG). The IPTG provides a detailed schedule for parenting time, including the division of holidays, as well as other various provisions that structure how parenting time will occur, including matters such as transportation of the child(ren), exchanges of the child(ren), and communication.
Modification of Custody Orders
A child custody order may be modified; however, the court may not modify a child custody order unless the modification is in the best interests of the child, and there is a substantial change in one or more of the factors described above.
We Can Help
Our dedicated and experienced child custody attorneys and staff provide attentive service to every client in a Christian manner. Once we learn about your interests and needs, we will work diligently toward seeking to obtain for you your desired custody objectives.
If you are interested in learning more about child custody law in Indiana, or if you would like to discuss your case with one of our attorneys, please call (317) 773-1974 or fill out our online submission form to schedule a free initial consultation.