Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyers
Child custody disputes can be an emotionally draining experience for all parties, especially children. Indianapolis divorce attorneys at Broyles Kight & Ricafort have considerable experience in helping families through these child custody issues in Indiana. If you have a dispute regarding child custody (interstate child custody or international child custody), our experienced Indianapolis child custody lawyers can help you achieve the best result for you and your children in Indiana.
Indiana Child Custody & “Best Interests” Standard
Child Custody: In Indiana, custody of a child is determined by the “best interests” standard. The court must determine whether it would be in a child’s best interests to have his mother, his father, or both parents as his custodians.
Types of Child Custody in Indiana: Legal Custody & Physical Custody
There are two types of custody under Indiana law: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make decisions regarding a child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Physical custody defines where the child resides on a regular basis. Parents can share legal and physical custody of a child (referred to as “joint custody”), or one parent can be deemed to be the “legal custodian” or the “primary physical custodian,” with the other parent receiving the right to visit with the child.
Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
Parenting time: Our legislature has adopted the “Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines,” which are designed to standardize the “parenting time” or visitation rights of non-custodial parents in Indiana. The Parenting Time Guidelines represent the minimum amount of time that a parent should have with his child on a regular basis, and also discuss parenting time during holidays. The Guidelines are designed to encourage frequent and meaningful contact between parents and children. There is a presumption that the Guidelines apply in all custody disputes, but a court may deviate from the Guidelines if necessary and appropriate.
To review the Guidelines, click here.
Contact Indianapolis child custody lawyers today to learn more about child custody and parenting time post-divorce in Central Indiana!
The Indian divorce attorneys at Broyles Kight & Ricafort, P.C. recognize that the emotional and financial costs of child custody disputes can be enormous. Our family lawyers strive to achieve the best result possible for you and your children while working to minimize the expense. Although the best results are often achieved through informal settlement negotiations or mediation sessions with a third party, we are prepared to vigorously advocate your case at trial. To schedule a consultation with one of BKR’s experienced family law attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana, call 317-571-3601.
Our divorce attorneys provide legal advice and representation to clients throughout Indiana, including: Marion County (Indianapolis,); Johnson County (Greenwood, Franklin); Hamilton County (Carmel, Noblesville); Boone County (Lebanon, Zionsville); Hendricks County (Danville, Avon); Madison County (Anderson); and Wayne County (Richmond).