FAQs FOR FAMILY LAW

  • I signed the birth certificate in the hospital, doesn't that establish paternity?

    Yes,  however to establish parenting time and child support  you must file a petition with the court.

  • Will the court take my wife's income into account when calculating the child support for a child from a previous relationship?

    No. The child support obligation worksheet will only take into consideration the parent of the child's income.

  • My hours were cut at work, now I can't pay my support, what do I do?

    You can file a motion with the court asking them to lower your payments based on your new income.

  • My husband and I have been separated for many years, now I want a divorce. Can I still get one even if I don't know where he resides?

    Yes. You can file for the divorce and serve him notice in a local newspaper of his last known address.

  • How long will it take for my divorce to be final?

    You must wait at least sixty (60) days from the date of filing. However if there are custody, child support or property disputes, it could take much longer.

  • How long will I have to pay support for my child?

    Indiana Law requires you to pay until the child is 19 unless the child is enrolled in college.

  • My child's father never returns the clothes that I send my children in on the weekends. What can I do about that?

    Both parents are responsible for clothing while the child is in their care.

  • I was married in another state but now I reside in Indiana, where would I file for a divorce?

    You must file your divorce in the state where you reside. Indiana requires that you reside in the state for six (6) continuous months and the county for three (3) continuous months prior to filing.

  • What do I have to prove to the court in order to get my divorce finalized?

    The law in Indiana only requires that there is an “irretrievable breakdown” in the marriage.  You do not have to prove adultery, abuse or any other allegation.

  • What does the court consider while determining child custody?

    The court will decide custody based on the “best interest of the child.”

For further information on parenting time (visitation) click the following link: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/rules/parenting/



For further information on child support, click the following link: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/rules/child_support/

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