Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer

Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer 

Under Indiana child custody laws, parents have rights and responsibilities regarding children even when they are not in an intact relationship. These issues are central to a divorce case, but they may also arise in paternity matters involving unmarried parents. However, there are numerous myths and misconceptions about how the laws operate. Custody does not only refer to where the child lives, and courts do not automatically give preference to the mother. Plus, child custody issues also impact visitation and support, leading to additional complications you may not expect.

No matter what position you occupy in an Indiana child custody case, experienced legal representation is essential. You can trust our team at López Law Office, P.C. is prepared to handle challenges and develop a solid strategy for achieving your goals. Please contact our firm to set up a consultation with an Indianapolis child custody lawyer who can advise you on specifics, and check out a helpful legal summary. 

Overview of Indiana Child Custody Laws

There are two types of custody that may be at issue in a divorce or paternity case:

• Legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make important decisions on raising the child, including medical care, education, and activities.
• The parent with whom the child resides most of the time has physical custody.

Indiana family laws indicate a preference for parents to share in legal custody and make decisions jointly. Generally, the parent who does not have physical custody will exercise visitation rights and parenting time, but joint shared custody is an option. The non-residential parent will usually be responsible for paying child support. 

When making decisions on child custody, Indiana courts review the child’s best interests. However, parents are free to work out an agreement for custody, and the judge will likely approve an arrangement that supports the child’s best interests.

Legal Help with Child Custody Cases

At López Law Office, P.C., our Indianapolis child custody lawyers are committed to protecting your parental rights and helping you build the framework of a solid parent-child relationship. You can count on our team to:

• Evaluate your situation and advise you on the laws;
• Assist you with assessing goals and priorities;
• Counsel you during negotiations and attempts to reach a child custody agreement;
• Represent you during mediation, a process in which a neutral third party works to help parents compromise on custody issues;
• Handle the litigation process if your case goes to a contested hearing on child custody;
• Address enforcement issues and defend allegations of misconduct; and,
• Help with child custody modifications, when circumstances change and adjustments become necessary.

Set Up a Consultation with a Skilled Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer

This overview is useful, but you can see how important it is to have a skilled legal advocate on your side. For more information, please call (317) 634-9484 or go online to reach López Law Office, P.C. We can schedule a consultation with Attorney Vanessa López Aguilera, who will assess your circumstances and counsel you on child custody laws in Indiana. Hablamos español.