- Divorce
- Child SupportChild Support is the financial obligation that parents have to support their children. While both parents have these obligations, the non-custodial parent often pays a larger portion because the child does not live with him or her. However, there are a number of factors that go into the calculations that determine which parent pays child support and the amount of child support.
- Child Custody and VisitationYes. Indiana Code 31-17-5 allows for grandparent visitation. If this is something you are interested in pursuing, please call us to find out more.
- AdoptionUnlike third-party custody or a guardianship, adoption is permanent and the biological parents have no rights or obligations to the adopted child. Our office handles adoptions, including step-parent adoption and relative adoption, CHINS adoptions, and contested adoptions. Please contact one of our attorneys to find out more about how we can help with an adoption.
- PaternityPaternity refers to the legally established relationship between a child and the child's father. If paternity is not legally established, the father has no rights to the child. Establishing paternity also means, however, that the father has legal obligations to support the child. Paternity may be established at the hospital at the time the child is born by signing a paternity affidavit. If there is a dispute over paternity, then a Court may order a DNA test to establish it.
- GuardianshipGuardianship of a child is when a person other than the child's parent(s) has legal custody of the child. A guardian has full control and decision-making authority regarding the child as long as the guardianship is in place. Parents may voluntarily give guardianship to a friend or relative or a court may grant guardianship against the wishes of the parents if it's deemed to be in the best interests of the child. Guardianships are generally temporary and the goal is to reuinite the children with their parents.
- Spousal SupportAdditionally, one party may be entitled to spousal support if certain criteria are met. Those criteria are: a physical or mental incapacitation that prevents one party from being able support his or her self, there is a child with physical or mental incapacitation and the party lacks the means to support that child, or the responsibilities of the marriage (i.e., homemaking or childcare) interrupted the party’s education, employment, or training.
- Legal SeparationLegal Separation does not terminate a marriage, but it allows the two parties to live separately and grants the court the authority to issue rulings concerning child support, child custody, spousal support, and divisions of property. A legal separation lasts for a period of one year, at the end of which the individuals must decide whether to pursue a divorce or remain married.
- Child AbuseFamily law is a part of civil law that covers domestic relations. This includes marriage, separation, and divorce, for example. It also includes matters involving children, such as paternity, custody, child support, and visitation. Finally, it also address issues of regarding allegations of child abuse or neglect, guardianship, and adoption.
- Criminal DefenseWelcome to our Criminal Defense page. We provide agressive criminal defense on cases ranging from infractions all the way up to major felonies.
- Wrongful Death
- Traffic ViolationsWhether you are an out-of-state truck driver or just commuting to work, if you are issued a ticket for speeding or any other traffice vioaltion, we can help.
- MisdemeanorsIf you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a Level 6 Felony (or Class D felony prior to July 1, 2014) that was reduced to a misdemeanor, you may be eligible to have your criminal records expunged if the following criteria are met...
- Murder
- Probation ViolationIf you have been charged with violating the terms of your probation, it is important to know that the standard of proof used to determine whether you actually violated your probation is less than what is required for other crimes. Additionally, the judge has greater authority when it comes to sentencing probation violations. Because of these two factors, it is important to hire an attorney who has experience with handling probation violations.
- Personal InjuryWelcome to our Personal Injury page. Please click one of the links below to read about that specific area of practice.
- Medical MalpracticePersonal Injury covers the liability involved in accidents- whether it’s a car accident or a slip-and-fall. While we do not take medical malpractice or wrongful death cases, we would be happy to provide a referral.
- Auto Accidents
- Slip and Fall Injury
- Estate PlanningElder Law addresses issues relating to aging and end-of-life matters, such as wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. These are important matters that affect both the client’s life and the lives of his or her family members.
- WillsA will, formally called "The Last Will and Testament, is a document that spells out how a person wishes to have his or her affiars handled after they die. Wills usually designate the individual(s) responsible for managing the estate, specifies how property, assets, and debts will be handled, designates the guardian(s) of minor children, and specifies funeral and burial arrangments. An attorney will ensure that your final wishes are clearly designated and that the will is legally valid.
- Power of AttorneyPower of Attorney is a written authorization that grants one person the power to act on behalf of another person. For example, if a person is temporarily incapacitated, a family member may be granted the power of attorney to handle the person's financial affairs. Additionally, a Medical Power of Attorney will authorize a person to make medical decisions for another person.