Family Law

Adopting a child normally terminates the rights of both biological parents, ending their legally recognized relationship to the child. This is not always the case, as Indiana allows for step-parent adoption which only terminates the rights of one biological parent. In a step-parent adoption, the spouse of one of the biological parents adopts the child […]

Adoptive parents have several choices available to them when they are seeking to adopt a child. An adoptive parent can seek a private adoption completed with the assistance of a licensed child placing agency. Adoptive parents can also seek a private adoption of a child they know, whether the child is related to them or […]

Indiana law allows individuals to enter into agreements governing their property and finances prior to a marriage, most commonly referred to as a prenuptial agreement.  The law also allows married individuals to enter into an agreement on how their property and finances shall be divided after a divorce is filed, most commonly referred to as […]

Parties must contemplate and plan for the division of their property whenever a divorce is filed.   The first step is to identify all assets and debts of both parties, no matter how acquired and no matter how titled.   This will include any asset to which a party has a “vested” interest, regardless of whether the […]

Parenting coordinators are appointed by the Court to work with parents in dissolution or paternity cases to manage the co-parenting decision-making process and work to resolve disputes between the parents. Parenting coordinators are neutral third parties who must maintain independence, objectivity, and impartiality. The parenting coordinator’s role will vary depending on the unique needs of […]

While some worry that they are controversial or unromantic, prenuptial agreements are a smart and effective way to plan for your future and protect your interests prior to your marriage.  Prenuptial agreements are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreements Act in Indiana, found at Indiana Code 31-11-3. A prenuptial agreement is an agreement between prospective […]