Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer

There are many times when legal questions about parenting rights can arise, including as part of a paternity case, divorce, modification request, and more. If you face any type of custody case, your right to see and care for your children is on the line, and you need to protect those rights with the help of an Indianapolis child custody lawyer. Do not wait to contact McNeelyLaw for the representation and advocacy you need as a parent. 

Indiana Child Custody Laws

Traditionally, these concepts are known as legal and physical custody, and both need to be resolved in any type of parenting case. Legal custody involves the right to make important decisions for your child, including those about religion, education, and medical care. Physical custody refers to where the child will live on a regular basis.

In Indiana, there is no presumption that shared custody is in the best interests of the child. Instead, courts consider several factors when determining custody arrangements, including:

• The age and sex of the child
• The wishes of each parent
• Any evidence of domestic violence or abuse
• The relationship between each parent and their child
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and supportive home environment

Understanding these factors can be crucial when fighting for your parental rights. This is why having an experienced Indianapolis child custody lawyer by your side can make such a difference.

Ways to Resolve Parenting Matters

Not every custody case involves two parents battling it out in a courtroom. In fact, many parents are able to reach an agreement regarding their parenting arrangement out of court. Options for resolving custody matters include:

• Negotiation: Your Indianapolis child custody lawyer can negotiate with the other parent’s attorney to see if you can find a middle ground on how to divide custody rights. 
• Mediation: When negotiation does not work, parents can participate in mediation with their lawyers representing them. If you reach an agreement, you can simply submit it for the court’s approval.  
• Family Law Litigation: When two parents cannot agree, however, the stakes of the case can become much higher. You will need to litigate the matter before the family court, and your relationship with your child will then be in the judge’s hands. It is critical that you have the right Indianapolis child custody lawyer representing your parental rights in court. 

Often, custody court battles arise because one parent wants to greatly limit the other’s rights or access to the child. This could be due to allegations of abuse, addiction, mental health issues, or other problems that could put the child at risk. Indiana tries to allow children to maintain relationships with both parents whenever possible but will make custody decisions based on the child’s best interest.  

Whether you are trying to get sole custody or fighting against sole custody of the other parent, you need a dedicated advocate standing up for you in court. Our legal team has extensive experience litigating custody matters, and we are ready to help you.  

Speak with an Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer Right Away

Whether you have an out-of-court agreement or need to head to court for your custody matter, you want the right representation from an Indianapolis child custody lawyer at McNeelyLaw. Do not wait to contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss the many ways we can work to protect your parental rights and future with your child.