Types of Divorce in Indiana
Indiana Divorce Lawyers & Laws
Related Legal Issues & Selecting a Divorce Attorney
The Divorce Process Step by Step:
You start by filing a petition. One spouse submits it to the court. The other gets served papers. They respond within set times.Next comes discovery. You share financial info. This includes income, debts, and assets. Honesty matters here.Temporary orders may apply. Courts set rules for custody or support during the wait.Mediation often follows. You meet with a neutral party. You try to agree on terms. This avoids trials.If no agreement, you go to trial. Lawyers present evidence. Judges rule on disputes.Finally, courts issue the decree. This ends the marriage. You follow the terms from then on.The whole process lasts 4-10 months on average. Simple cases finish sooner. Complex ones drag out.
Indiana Divorce Laws on Property Division:
Indiana follows equitable distribution. Courts divide assets fairly, not always equally. They consider marriage length, earnings, and needs.You classify property first. Marital assets include most items gained during marriage. Separate property stays with one spouse. This covers gifts or inheritances.Debts split too. You handle loans, credit cards, and mortgages.Our attorneys value your assets accurately. We fight for your fair share. We protect your future stability.
Child Custody and Support in Divorce:
Children come first in Indiana divorces. Courts focus on their best interests. They look at parents’ health, home setups, and bonds.You arrange legal and physical custody. Legal means decision-making rights. Physical means where kids live.Joint custody works for many families. Kids split time between homes. Sole custody fits if one parent can’t care well.Support payments ensure kids’ needs. Courts use guidelines based on income and time shares. You pay for basics like food, school, and health.We help craft parenting plans. We advocate for your role as a parent.
Alimony and Spousal Support:
Alimony helps one spouse after divorce. Indiana calls it spousal maintenance. Courts award it rarely. They check if one spouse needs help and the other can pay.Factors include marriage length, earning gaps, and health issues. Awards last short terms usually.You discuss this in settlements. Our lawyers negotiate fair terms for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce:
- Many people rush decisions. This leads to regrets. Take time to think.
- Hiding assets backfires. Courts punish dishonesty.
- Ignoring emotions harms talks. Seek counseling if needed.
- Forgetting taxes affects settlements. Property transfers may trigger costs.
- Not updating wills leaves old spouses as heirs. Fix this quickly.
- Our team spots these pitfalls. We guide you around them.
Why Choose Foster, O’Daniel, Hambidge & Lynch?
- We bring years of experience in Evansville divorces. Our attorneys know local courts and judges.
- We offer compassionate service. You get personal attention. We listen to your concerns.
- Our track record shows success. Clients praise our results.
- One said, “They made a hard time bearable.”
- Another noted, “Professional and thorough.”
- We handle all related issues. This includes wills, custody, and support.
- You get full service under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Evansville, IN
- How long does divorce take in Indiana? Courts wait 60 days minimum after filing. Most cases end in 4-10 months.
- Do I need a lawyer for divorce? You can go alone, but lawyers help. They protect your rights and speed things.
- What if we agree on everything? File as uncontested. It simplifies and saves money.How do courts divide property? They aim for fairness. Not always 50/50.
- Can I change custody later? Yes, if big changes occur. Show it’s best for kids.
- What about pets in divorce? Courts treat them as property. You negotiate custody.
