Indianapolis Child Custody Attorney: Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests
When children are involved in a family conflict, the uncertainty causes anxiety and stress for everyone as you work toward a resolution. At Patel Defense, LLC, we understand the emotional toll this takes on you and your family.
Our founding attorney, Monish Patel, is a tough litigator who has been helping his clients in Noblesville and Indianapolis and the surrounding communities navigate difficult legal challenges for over 20 years. He is passionate about advocating for his clients’ rights, especially in contentious and high-conflict divorce cases. As an experienced litigator, he can handle complicated negotiations and see a case through trial if necessary.
What Are The Different Types Of Custody In Indiana?
In Indiana any family law case that involves children, like a divorce, will require that the court decide custody. There are two different types of custody, legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody grants a parent the right to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing. These decisions include:
- A child’s education
- Health care decisions
- Religious instruction
Legal custody can be awarded to one parent as sole legal custody, where that parent makes decisions for the child alone. It can also be awarded to both parents as joint legal custody. When parents have joint legal custody, they work together in a co-parenting relationship to make decisions and provide care for the child.
Physical custody refers to where the child will live. Physical custody can also be sole, where the child lives primarily with one parent. It can also be joint where the child spends time with both parents.
How Is Child Custody Determined In Indiana?
Child custody decisions in Indiana are made from the perspective of the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors to determine what arrangement will best serve the child’s emotional, physical and psychological needs. It is important to have a knowledgeable attorney who can advocate for your child’s best interests and ensure that your voice is heard during the custody determination process.
What Do Judges Look For In Child Custody Cases In Indiana?
Indiana family courts consider multiple factors when determining child custody. These factors include:
- The age and sex of the child
- The child’s relationship with parents, siblings and other significant individuals
- The child’s adjustment to home, school and community
- The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
- Evidence of a pattern of domestic violence by either parent
- The ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving environment
The court will also consider a child’s preferences. A child’s preference will be given more consideration if the child is at least 14 years old.
Oftentimes, parents are able to negotiate an agreement regarding custody. Attorney Monish Patel is a tough negotiator and litigator. He understands the complexities of child custody cases. He will fight aggressively for your child’s best interests and will work diligently to ensure that your rights and your child’s well-being are protected.
What Are The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines?
Indiana has established Parenting Time Guidelines to help parents create a workable schedule that ensures children maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents. These guidelines provide a framework for:
- Regular parenting time: Typical schedules for weekdays, weekends, holidays and vacations.
- Extended parenting time: Adjustments for longer periods, such as summer vacations.
- Special considerations: Adjustments for the needs of infants and young children, as well as children with special needs.
The guidelines emphasize the importance of regular and consistent contact with both parents, promoting a stable and loving environment for the child. An experienced lawyer can help you understand these guidelines and advocate for a parenting time arrangement that works best for your family.
Schedule A Consultation With An Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyer
To learn more about your child custody rights and discuss your child’s best interests, contact us for a confidential consultation. To schedule an appointment, send us a message through our website or call us at 317-643-5459.