When a couple marries, it’s common for one spouse to take the last name of the other. If they have children in the future, or adopt, it’s also common for the child to take the last name of one of their parents. In the unfortunate event of a divorce, the spouse who...
Family Law
Complicating matters in a same-sex divorce
Same-sex marriage has been the law of the land since 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Couples had fewer options before this ruling, and even if they...
Understanding guardianships in Indiana
When a person is not able to make decisions for him or herself, it may be necessary to pursue guardianship. Sometimes, this is because the person is suffering from an illness or a disability. A guardian is appointed by the court and is responsible for the care and...
Same sex divorce and equitable distribution of property
Divorce, by its very nature, can be a difficult process. The emotional toll can be significant on all who are involved, particularly when we consider that most people are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the court system. Beyond the normal difficulties, however, same...
What is considered income for child support calculations?
Parents in Indianapolis need to provide for their children. They need to provide love and support as well as provide for their financial needs. This means that they need to ensure they have a roof over their heads, food to eat and clothing. That can be expensive...
Tips for heading into to the new school year post-divorce
Summer is nearing its end and many kids in Indianapolis are back to school some for the first time in a year or more. However, if a child’s parents divorced over the summer, this school year may look very different than in years past. The following is an overview of...
Name and gender marker change in Indiana
A person’s name and gender is obviously very important to them. But for many people, gender is fluid and how a person is presented at birth is not always how they choose to identify. In Indiana it is possible for a person to change their name and gender. The following...
Property division in an Indiana divorce
When a marriage ends, the couple must figure out how to divide up the marital assets between the two of them. Under Indiana’s equitable distribution laws, marital assets will be divided fairly and equitably between the exes, as determined by the family law judge on...
Is your child custody issue turning into a legal dispute?
Parents in Indiana usually want what is best for their children. However, sometimes the problem is that parents disagree on what, exactly, that is. Whether the parents are going through a divorce or they were never married to begin with, child custody can be an issue...
The court has options regarding spousal maintenance in a divorce
In an Indiana divorce, there are a seemingly endless number of issues that might be in dispute. Often, the couple will focus on children. Custody, parenting time and child support will be at the forefront. Property division is also a frequent topic about which the...