Custody & Parenting Time in Indiana
Custody battles can tough for both parents and their children, but that does not always have to be the case. At Vining Legal we have experience working with all sides of a custody case so that we can help you find certainty when you are dealing with child custody issues in Indiana. Our goal is to use the family court process to help split families function better together.
What Custody Problems Do you Face? What are the Possible Solutions?
Navigating child custody issues can be a daunting prospect, often presenting a myriad of complex challenges for parents and families. Whether you're facing disagreements over primary custody, visitation schedules, or decision-making authority, it's essential to understand the scope of the problems you're confronting and explore potential solutions to ensure the best interests of your child are prioritized.
Common Custody Problems:
Disagreements Over Custody Arrangements: Divorcing or separating parents may find themselves at odds regarding who should have primary physical custody, visitation schedules, and how major decisions about the child's upbringing should be made.
Communication Breakdowns: Effective co-parenting relies on open and respectful communication between parents. However, conflicts or breakdowns in communication can impede the ability to make joint decisions or maintain consistency in parenting approaches.
Relocation Concerns: One parent's desire to relocate for employment, family reasons, or personal preferences can raise significant custody challenges, particularly if it impacts the other parent's access to the child.
Possible Solutions:
Mediation and Collaborative Law: Utilizing mediation or collaborative law processes can empower parents to work together with the guidance of legal professionals to reach mutually agreeable custody arrangements outside of court, fostering cooperation and minimizing conflict.
Comprehensive Parenting Plans: Developing detailed parenting plans that outline custody schedules, decision-making processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms can provide clarity and structure, reducing ambiguity and potential for future conflicts.
Child-Centered Approaches: Prioritizing the child's well-being and best interests above individual preferences or grievances can foster amicable resolutions and create a foundation for healthy co-parenting relationships moving forward.
Legal Advocacy: In cases where negotiations falter or disputes escalate, enlisting the support of experienced family law attorneys can provide essential advocacy to protect your rights and interests throughout the custody process, ensuring your voice is heard and your child's needs are addressed.
By identifying the specific custody problems you're facing and exploring viable solutions, you can navigate the complexities of child custody with clarity, confidence, and a focus on securing the best possible outcome for your family.
Indiana Custody Guide
Common Custody Issues.
Custody cases can be difficult but with the right advice they can be more approachable. One of the first things to do is identify what issues are occurring so you can then see what needs to be done. Some of the common custody issues we see in our firm are:
Increasing Parenting Time. Have you been fighting with the other parent for more parenting time? We can help. Sometimes parents are not on the same page about how much visitation is appropriate, especially when one person wants to spend more time with their child or children than the other parent. Sometimes all that is needed is some creative work with the schedule or a plan on how to work toward increasing your time.
Issues During Parenting Time. Do you feel that there are issues occurring during the other parents parenting time? Maybe your child is exposed to arguing in one home, there are problems with step-siblings, or they are not getting to school on time or their homework is not done. We can help you address issues occurring during parenting time and discuss whether or not the issues would warrant a custody modification.
Communication. There are numerous commutation problems that can occur in a custody case. Is there a lack of communication between the parents? Does one parent not show up to parenting time or fail to call when they are running late? Or does one parent not allow you to contact the child during while the child is in their care? We can help you address issues with communication and develop a plan on how both parties will handle future situations.
Safety. Sometimes there are safety issues that may require an emergency custody modification. Something like this could involve substance abuse issues, issues concerning family violence, or issues regarding the child's own health or safety. If you need help addressing safety concerns in your custody case, contact a custody attorney today to get help.
Denial of Parenting Time. Sometimes you are not getting your court ordered parenting time. If one parent denies you parenting time, we can help. We file for contempt and get the court's help in getting your parenting time going forward.
Create a Plan for your Child Custody Case.
While we cannot guarantee results, our custody and parenting time attorneys at Vining Legal have a plan of attack for your custody case. We know that custody cases are fact sensitive and often times require proactive work and active participation in your case. We will work with you at the start to create a plan and show you how to document key issues in your case that will help set you up for success from the beginning.
What We Do.
Obtain Custody Orders
To establish custody, it's imperative to obtain an initial custody order either through a divorce proceeding or a paternity case. Even if your name is on the birth certificate, legal custody and parenting time must be formalized through the court system in a paternity case. This process typically involves filing a petition, negotiating a custody agreement, and, if needed, attending court-ordered mediation to resolve any disputes. If an agreement remains elusive, the court may schedule a contested final hearing to issue an initial custody order.
Securing a formal custody order is not only essential for defining legal rights and responsibilities in your child's upbringing but also for providing clarity and stability for both parents and the child involved. Our dedicated attorneys at Vining Legal understand the significance of this process and are committed to guiding you through every step with precision and care. Whether you're pursuing sole or joint custody, we'll leverage our expertise to advocate for a custody arrangement that prioritizes the well-being of your child while aligning with your preferences and circumstances. From meticulously drafting and filing initial custody petitions to providing vigorous representation in court proceedings, we're here to provide unwavering support and steadfast advocacy throughout the legal process.
Modify Custody Orders
As life unfolds, unforeseen circumstances may arise, prompting the need for adjustments to existing custody orders to ensure they remain relevant and enforceable. Whether you're facing the need to recalibrate custody schedules, contemplating a relocation with your child, or addressing significant shifts in parental circumstances, our seasoned legal team is poised to guide you through the intricate process of modifying your custody order. We begin by carefully assessing your unique situation, identifying pertinent changes in circumstances that warrant modification. Next, we craft a compelling petition to modify custody, outlining these changes and their impact on the well-being of you and your child.
The journey to modifying custody typically commences with the filing of a petition, triggering a preliminary hearing where the court evaluates the merits of the proposed modification and may issue preliminary orders or make initial adjustments. Subsequently, the court may direct parties to engage in mediation to explore amicable resolutions. Should mediation prove unsuccessful in reaching an agreement, we stand ready to fiercely advocate for your interests in a final hearing on custody modification, ensuring that the resulting modifications align with the best interests of you and your child.
Resolve Custody Issues
Disputes over custody can arise at any stage of the co-parenting journey, presenting challenges that require prompt and effective resolution. At Vining Legal, we're committed to helping you navigate custody issues with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Whether you're facing disagreements over parenting time, decision-making authority, or enforcement of existing custody orders, we will work tirelessly to reach favorable resolutions through negotiation, mediation, or, when necessary, courtroom litigation. Our goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence in your parental rights and your child's future.
Ready to Get Started?
We offer competitive pricing and are ready to help out with your custody case today.
Talk to an Attorney Today.
Are you facing challenges with child custody and parenting time arrangements? At Vining Legal, we understand the importance of establishing or modifying custody agreements that truly serve the best interests of your family. Whether you need assistance in setting up initial orders or seeking modifications, our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through the process.
Take the first step towards resolving your child custody concerns. Contact Vining Legal today and let our experienced team guide you through the process, offering tailored solutions for your unique situation. Your family's well-being is our top priority.
FAQs
How do I get started?
Send an email to nathan@nathanvining.com to let us know you’d like to get started and we will send you everything you need to fill out and start the process! You an also schedule a call through the link at the bottom of the page.
Does it matter where I live?
We practice throughout the State of Indiana and can help you no matter where you are. The process we follow is the same no matter where you live.
How long does the process take?
The timeline can vary depending on several factors. A custody case can take anywhere from a couple months to a year. Enforcement actions are typically quicker because you can usually complete them in one or two hearings rather than have to proceed through the whole court process and mediation.
Call or Text for a Consultation.
You may have questions for us and we will have questions for you. Our goal is to understand your whole story so that we can give you the answers you’re looking for. Through a consultation with our firm you will receive information about what laws impact your situation, what you can be proactively doing to make a difference in your case, as well as what you can expect through the court process. You can call or text us now at (317) 279-5668 to talk to an attorney. You can also schedule a meeting at a time that works for you.
Learn More about Child Custody in Indiana
