Indianapolis Child Custody LAWYER

Harwell Legal Counsel Puts Your Kids First

It is essential that you spend meaningful time with your children, especially after a divorce or separation. When parents separate, their time with their children becomes limited and precious. You want to be sure that you have fair and equitable access to your children and that your custody arrangement is in their best interest. Our Indianapolis child custody attorney believes in putting kids first, and we can help you protect the safety and stability of your children's lives.

To discuss your custody case with an experienced family law attorney, contact Harwell Legal Counsel at (317) 401-8715.

How is child custody determined in Indiana?

There are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody involves making important decisions for your children, such as medical care, education, and religious upbringing. Physical custody relates to where the child will spend their time. A typical physical custody arrangement is 50/50 custody, in which the child spends equal time with each parent.

When determining custody, the courts consider many factors, including:

• The age of the children
• The standard of living of the children
• Any special medical or educational needs of the children
• The social and community needs of the children
• The ability of the parents to provide and care for the children
• The living situation of both parents

There are situations in which one parent will have primary physical custody, but both parents will share legal custody. Additionally, in cases where one parent has sole physical custody, sometimes the courts will arrange visiting or parenting time agreements for the non-custodial parent.

What makes a parent unfit in Indiana?

An unfit parent is a parent that fails to provide proper guidance, care, or support. Also, if there is abuse, neglect, or substance abuse issues, that parent will be deemed unfit. Most cases where a parent is deemed unfit, Child Welfare Services has been involved and there may be a safety plan or an open active investigation against the parent. If a parent for example allows a child to do age inappropriate activities such as watching an R-rated movie by alone, not setting appropriate curfews, abusing the child are all cases of an unfit parent. If the parent also abuses alcohol or drugs they are also considered an unfit parent and will most likely lose custody of their child.

Counsel for Paternity Matters

Harwell Legal Counsel can provide knowledgeable legal representation in cases relating to paternity. Establishing paternity can be vital in matters of child custody and child support. If the parents were married at the time of the child's birth, the husband is generally presumed to be the father. However, many other factors may come into play, and that's where we can help. Reach out today for a free case consultation.

We Care About You

At Harwell Legal Counsel, we know how hard it is to deal with custody disputes. We can help you keep your custody case on track and focused on what matters, the happiness of your children. Our child custody attorney in Indianapolis has years of experience handling custody cases, and we can put this experience to work for you. When you need someone on your side, fighting for you and your family, call us. Our family law attorney offers legal services in both English and Spanish, and we often have same-day appointments available.

Get the support you need with your child custody case today. Contact us today at (317) 401-8715.