Child Custody
Indiana Child Custody Attorneys
Determining child custody arrangements can be an incredibly difficult process for any parent, whether it’s in the context of a divorce or a paternity case. If you are going through a divorce in Indiana, considering filing for divorce, or have a child that was born out of wedlock, it is important to understand the state’s child custody laws.
Our dedicated Indiana child custody attorneys at McNeelyLaw can help you negotiate a fair agreement in complex situations, and we can advocate for you in court if an agreement cannot be reached. Our full-service law firm assists parents in obtaining and modifying child custody and support orders in Indiana. Get legal counsel immediately to learn about your options and protect your rights.
Who Does McNeelyLaw Serve in Child Custody Cases?
Few legal matters carry as much weight as child custody. The decisions made during this process shape daily life for both parents and children for years to come.
McNeelyLaw regularly works with parents in a wide range of situations, including:
- Divorcing parents who need to establish where the children will live, how parenting time will be divided, and who will make major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
- Unmarried parents seeking a formal court order covering paternity, parenting time, decision-making authority, and child support.
- Parents seeking to modify or enforce an existing order when one parent is not following the current plan, or when circumstances have changed significantly.
- Parents facing relocation or long-distance parenting when one parent plans to move or when the existing schedule no longer works due to distance, school schedules, or travel logistics.
- Parents in contested custody cases where disagreements over parenting time, school choice, healthcare decisions, or safety concerns cannot be resolved without legal intervention.
How Does Child Custody Work in Indiana?
In Indiana, child custody is divided into two parts – legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to who makes major decisions regarding how the child is raised, such as education, health care, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives.
Legal custody can be awarded solely to one parent, or it can be awarded jointly to both parents. In determining whether to award joint custody, courts will consider, among other factors, whether the parents agree to share joint legal custody, the parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate in advancing their child’s welfare, and the physical and emotional environment of each parent’s home.
Physical custody may also be awarded to one parent only (often referred to as sole or primary custody) or shared by both parents (joint custody). Joint physical custody means a child will spend equal time with each parent. Parenting time arrangements (formerly called visitation) should be tailored to the needs of the child. A skilled family law attorney can help you craft custody and parenting time plans that are reasonable and healthy for your family.
In all custody decisions, the court’s primary standard is the best interests of the child. Judges weigh factors such as:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- The mental and physical health of each parent
- Each parent’s job stability and ability to meet the child’s basic needs
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
McNeelyLaw’s attorneys help clients understand how these factors apply to their specific situation, prepare for hearings, and present the strongest possible case on their child’s behalf.
Why Choose McNeelyLaw for Your Child Custody Case?
An experienced child custody attorney who understands the relevant statutes and case law surrounding such cases can represent your interests and help avoid the risks of going in alone without legal representation.
As your attorneys, we bring numerous advantages to your case:
- Depth of experience: McNeelyLaw attorneys bring over 50 years of legal experience to family law cases across Indiana.
- Full-service representation: From negotiating parenting plans to litigating contested matters, our firm handles every stage of the process.
- Statewide reach: McNeelyLaw represents clients across nearly every county in Indiana.
- Client-focused service: Our firm treats every client with dignity, respect, and honest communication throughout the process.
- Proven results: We have represented some of Indiana’s most significant family law cases at both the trial and appellate levels.
Protect Your Parental Rights with McNeelyLaw
Child custody decisions have long-lasting consequences for your family. Waiting too long to get legal advice can limit your options. At McNeelyLaw, we have the necessary experience to help clients resolve their child custody disputes amicably or take their cases to court. Discuss your legal options with our Indiana child custody attorneys if you need assistance in negotiating, modifying, or enforcing a child custody arrangement. Call us today to get a case review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Indiana
What factors do Indiana courts use to determine child custody arrangements?
Indiana courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Relevant factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to provide a stable home environment, employment stability, mental and physical health history, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Indiana?
Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Indiana courts can award either type of custody solely to one parent or jointly to both.
Can unmarried parents get a custody order in Indiana?
Yes. Unmarried parents who cannot agree on parenting arrangements can request a custody order through the court in a paternity proceeding. This order can cover paternity establishment, parenting time, decision-making authority, and child support.
How can I modify an existing child custody order in Indiana?
A custody order can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the order was issued. Examples include a parent relocating, a change in the child’s needs, or one parent failing to follow the current parenting plan. An attorney can help you file a petition to modify the order and present evidence of the changed circumstances.
When should I contact a child custody attorney in Indiana?
You should contact a child custody attorney as soon as a custody issue arises, whether you are filing for divorce, establishing paternity, dealing with a non-compliant co-parent, or facing a relocation dispute. Early legal advice helps protect your rights and improves your ability to reach a favorable outcome.
Meet our team.
Our attorneys who practice Child Custody.
Grace E. Dillow
Attorney
Peter A. Inman
Attorney
Absolute godsend, walked me through the entire process step by step, and had my back through and through, would 100% recommend.
I highly reccommend Brient Hicks. He helped us with the selling of our real estate property. Brient communicated very well and in a timely manner.
We retained McNeely Law to help us resolve a real estate dispute. The team was outstanding and our case was handled professionally, quickly, and fairly.
Great team of people. They helped our family thru a very difficult time and were very patient, professional, and affordable. I would recommend them. Revised:...
Very professional and always responsive. Helped explain things when things were difficult to understand.
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