The cost depends on the complexity of your case. A straightforward, uncontested divorce costs significantly less than a contested one involving disputed custody, business valuation, or significant assets. Family law attorneys typically work on an hourly basis with an upfront retainer, and costs rise if your case becomes contested or goes to trial.

What’s harder to quantify is the cost of not having an attorney. Agreements reached without legal guidance can have long-term consequences for your finances, your parenting rights, and your future. During your initial consultation, we’ll give you a clear picture of what to expect based on your specific situation.

Indiana has a presumption that all assets and debts existing on the date of the filing are divided 50/50. There are some circumstances and factors which allow the court to deviate from this presumption like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and inheritances. For a full analysis of all factors that the court might consider for a deviation, you should talk to an attorney.

Indiana courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody. There are two types of custody: legal custody (the right to make decisions about education, healthcare, and religion) and physical custody (where the child lives).

Parents can share joint custody, or one parent may be designated the primary custodial parent with the other having parenting time. Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines provide a framework for typical arrangements, but every family’s situation is unique.

Indiana uses an income-shares model to calculate child support, meaning both parents’ incomes are factored in, along with the number of children, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. The goal is to ensure children maintain a standard of living similar to what they would have had if the family remained intact.

Child support orders can be modified. For example, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss or significant income change, the court can modify the child support. Read more about how Indiana child support works.

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into before marriage that outlines how assets and debts will be divided if the marriage ends in divorce or death. It can also address spousal support and protect a business or inheritance.

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy — they’re a practical tool for anyone entering a marriage with significant assets, debts, children from a prior relationship, or a family business. In fact, the number of prenups in the US has increased over 500% in the past 20 years.

A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, but it’s entered into after marriage. Couples might pursue a postnuptial agreement when working to rebuild trust and establish clear expectations within the marriage.

Legal separation allows a married couple to live apart and divide finances and responsibilities without formally ending the marriage. Some couples choose separation for religious reasons or to allow time to decide about the future of the marriage.

Divorce permanently dissolves the marriage and legally separates all assets, debts, and responsibilities. Understanding the differences between these options is an important first step. Learn more about legal separation and divorce in Indiana.

If you or your spouse own a business, a divorce becomes significantly more complex. The business may need to be valued by a financial expert, and there are several ways it can be handled — one spouse buys out the other, the business is sold and proceeds divided, or in some cases both parties continue co-ownership.

Protecting a family business during divorce requires careful legal and financial strategy. Read about passing down a family business and protecting it in complex situations.

Unmarried parents have the same rights and responsibilities regarding their children as married parents — but those rights must be legally established. For fathers, this starts with establishing paternity. Once paternity is established, custody, parenting time, and child support can all be formalized through the court.

Whether you’re seeking custody, parenting time, or child support, our attorneys can help you navigate the process and protect your relationship with your child. Learn more about custody for unmarried parents in Indiana.