Child Custody
Child Custody Lawyers for Parents, Grandparents and Other Family Members
Child custody are often some of the most mentally and emotionally draining cases to handle. Not only do you have to consider what's best for you, but more importantly, you are faced with having to figure out what's best for your child as well.
Since custody cases are so high stakes and involve so much potential emotional turmoil, it's important that you seek counsel from a Carmel child custody lawyer that understands the complex legal system and will keep your best interest at heart. With a trusted attorney on your side, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your case will be handled in only the most professional manner.
With a decade of family law experience, attorney Joshua R. Hains approaches every case with a depth of knowledge that allows clients to fully understand all of their options before they make any life-altering decisions. If you have children and are preparing to go through a divorce or separation, then you are dealing with a custody-related dispute. If you need help with any issues related to child custody in Indiana, Attorney Hains can help. To discuss your situation in confidence, call (317) 588-2883 for a free initial consultation with our top Carmel custody lawyers.
Experienced Legal Representation for Indiana Child Custody Matters
Our Carmel child custody lawyers represent parents, grandparents and other family members in all child custody-related matters under Indiana law. He has extensive experience helping clients overcome challenging situations involving:
Parenting Time
Attorney Hains assists clients in navigating their parenting time cases. If you are looking to establish or modify your court ordered parenting time, or negotiate a parallel parenting agreement, Hains Law, LLC can guide you through the process.
Learn more about parenting time.
Parental Relocation
After divorce, it often happens that one parent decides to move. Whether that move is within the state or across the country, Hains Law, LLC can help you navigate your parental relocation case. While always keeping in mind what is best for the child, Joshua R. Hains can shed light on your legal options.
Grandparent Visitation
Determining grandparent visitation can be stressful for all parties involved. Whether you are seeking visitation rights to see your grandchildren, or are entering into this legal process as a parent, you need a trusted lawyer to work for you. Attorney Hains has experience with all aspects of grandparent visitation cases and will work tirelessly to help you reach the outcome you desire.
Modification of Custody Orders
Once the child custody agreement is settled, you or your ex-spouse may desire a change in the order. If a custody order modification is in your future, our Carmel custody lawyers can offer legal advice and guidance from step one to done. Whether you are the parent initiating the change, or the parent reviewing the change of order, Attorney Hains can assist in making the adjustments in the best interest of the child or children.
Third-Party Custody
Navigating a third-party custody agreement is never an easy feat. With high emotions on the table, it can be a challenge to see the situation with a clear head. However, with a decade of experience in family law matters, Attorney Hains can offer clarity and insight during what might otherwise be an overwhelming process.
What Parents, Grandparents and Other Family Members Need to Know about Child Custody in Indiana
Regardless of the circumstances you are facing, and regardless of your relationship with the child or children involved, making informed decisions and securing a desirable outcome requires a detailed understanding of the laws that govern child custody cases in Indiana. While you can – and should – rely on the advice of an experienced attorney, it can also be helpful for you to learn about the basic terminology and guiding principles that will be involved in your case.
1. Parallel Parenting: Resolving Custody in High-Conflict Divorces and Separations
Even in hotly-contested divorces and separations, it will generally still be in the children’s best interests for their parents (or the court) to arrive at a custody determination that maintains some level of interaction between the parents. But, if interactions among parents are likely to remain hostile and could potentially jeopardize the children’s wellbeing, Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines offer the alternative of parallel parenting.
In a parallel parenting arrangement, each parent engages with his or her children independently, and strict, legally-enforceable rules control everything from pickup and drop-off responsibilities to timing and method of communications. While the circumstances in which parallel parenting are appropriate are limited, if you and your spouse or partner simply cannot get along, it may be an option to consider.
2. Understanding the Limits on Child Custody Modification
Since the original custody determination must reflect the best interests of the child or children involved, a child custody order may only be modified if a change in circumstances warrants reconsideration of the “best interests” factors listed above. In order to modify custody or parenting time, one or both parents must file a petition with the appropriate court. Simply deviating from a custody order or parenting time plan, even with the consent of your child’s other parent, is not permitted, and it can have serious negative ramifications.
As a result, when addressing child custody during a divorce or separation, parents should assume that the custody award entered at the end of the process will be final. Parents should think carefully about what they want and what is best for their children, and they should do their best to anticipate any changes that may happen in the future.
Indiana Child Custody FAQs
Q: If my child is getting divorced, do I need to seek visitation in order to see my grandchildren?
Not necessarily. In most circumstances, grandparents will not need to seek visitation as a result of their child’s divorce. In fact, Indiana law only allows grandparents to seek visitation under limited circumstances. However, if you are concerned about your ability to spend time with your grandchildren, it is worth exploring your options, and we encourage you to contact us to learn more.
Q: When can a non-parent seek custody in Indiana?
In Indiana, non-parents (referred to as “third parties”) can seek custody upon a clear showing that the proposed custody arrangement is in the child’s best interests. This is not always, or often, easy, as the courts generally assume that it is in a child’s best interests to be raised by his or her parents. However, if you are concerned for a child’s safety or wellbeing, or if you have formed a strong emotional bond with someone else’s child, you may be eligible to obtain custody. Seeking guardianship of the child may be an option as well.
Q: I need to move for work. How will this affect my custody or parenting time rights?
When one parent needs to move for work, this can present challenging circumstances for both parents and their children. Relocation requires court approval, and this approval is not guaranteed. Whenever possible, parents who need to relocate should seek to reach an amicable solution with their former spouse or partner, but they will need to be prepared to convince the court to order a modification to their existing child custody order as well.
Q: How can a father establish paternity out of wedlock in Indiana?
There are three primary ways in which a father can establish paternity out of wedlock in Indiana: (i) by signing a paternity affidavit at the hospital within 72 hours after birth; (ii) by signing a paternity affidavit at the local health department after 72 hours have passed; or, (iii) by obtaining a court order. In contested paternity cases, Indiana uses DNA testing to determine whether a putative father is a child’s biological parent.
Contact Carmel Custody Lawyers to Ensure the Best for Your Children
Whether you are preparing to negotiate parenting time, need help securing grandparent visitation rights or facing any other issue involving the custody of a child in Indiana, Hains Law, LLC can help you achieve a desirable outcome as quickly, painlessly and cost-effectively as possible. Attorney Joshua R. Hains brings a decade of experience to each case, ensuring that every client receives the personal and comprehensive attention they deserve. To get started with a free, no-obligation initial consultation, call our Carmel, IN law offices at (317) 588-2883 or request an appointment online today.