Indiana recognizes two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child...
Merrillville, Indiana Legal Blog
Answers to common questions about legal separation and divorce
Considering the path forward in your marriage? In Indiana, both legal separation and divorce are options, and understanding their differences can help you to make informed decisions. Is legal separation the same as divorce? No, a divorce dissolves a marriage entirely,...
How to afford your kids’ school post-divorce
Divorce can inspire a whirlwind of emotions, and amidst the upheaval, financial concerns often take center stage. This is often especially true for stay-at-home parents who need to provide for children as they move forward. But here’s the good news: there are steps...
Are you staying in a bad marriage due to a sunk cost fallacy?
How do you know when it’s time to call it quits on your marriage? It’s not easy – and a lot of people continue to stay in toxic relationships because of something called a sunk cost fallacy. A sunk cost fallacy is a cognitive bias that occurs when someone continues...
How long will you pay child support in Indiana?
When a marriage that involves a child comes to an end through divorce or separation, the court will often determine how the child’s needs will be taken care of. This is where the child support order comes in. Child support is meant to take care of the child’s...
Can an Indiana mom prevent a father from establishing paternity?
Fathers in Indiana often struggle to understand their legal rights and protections. Those who are unfamiliar with the law might end up making mistakes, such as giving up their parental rights instead of seeking to assert them. Unmarried fathers, in particular, may...
Is birdnesting a realistic solution?
One potential child custody solution that parents may be interested in using is known as birdnesting. With a traditional child custody schedule, the parents each have their own home and the children spend time living in each location. But with birdnesting, the...
Why co-parents need to take care on social media
Social media platforms now serve as a primary means of communication, expression and information sharing. Yet, while these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also pose specific challenges for co-parents who are navigating the complexities of raising children...
What are the limitations of a prenuptial agreement?
Prenuptial agreements, often referred to as prenups, are contracts entered into by couples before marriage. These agreements usually outline how assets and financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce, although they may address...
2 good reasons not to fall behind on your child support payments
Non-custodial parents can have it rough after a breakup changes the family dynamics. For example, they have the same, or more, financial responsibilities but with potentially fewer parental rewards. The taste can be bittersweet, especially during hardships that rob...