Establishing paternity is a crucial step for fathers who want legal rights to their children. In Indiana, paternity grants a father the ability to seek custody or parenting time and ensures the child has access to financial and emotional support. However, without legal recognition, a father may have no parental rights. If you are an unmarried father, it’s essential to take the right legal steps as soon as possible.

Grandparent visitation rights can be a complex and emotionally charged issue. While parents have a fundamental right to decide who has access to their children, grandparents sometimes play a significant role in a child's life, particularly when a parent is absent or deceased.

An emergency custody order is a legal measure that allows a parent to seek immediate custody of a child if the child is in danger. Indiana courts issue these orders in cases where a child faces abuse, neglect, exposure to harmful environments, or an immediate safety risk.

Filing for divorce in Indiana can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can make it easier. Whether you’re filing for an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure you’re prepared.

Expungement in Indiana offers individuals a second chance by sealing or removing criminal records from public access, allowing them to pursue better job opportunities, housing options, and financial stability. However, the process is complex, and one mistake can lead to delays or denial of your petition.

A Child in Need of Services (CHINS) adjudication can have significant consequences for families, as it allows the state to intervene in parenting decisions. However, Indiana courts have consistently held that not every child who has faced difficulties qualifies as a CHINS unless state intervention is truly necessary.

Going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. However, an uncontested divorce in Indiana provides a faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective option for couples who can reach an agreement on all key issues.

Divorce is often perceived as a long, stressful, and expensive process. However, in Indiana, couples who agree on all major issues can file for an uncontested divorce, which is a faster and simpler way to dissolve a marriage. By understanding the legal process and preparing the necessary documents, you can finalize your divorce efficiently while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Expungement in Indiana offers individuals with past convictions a second chance by sealing or removing their criminal records. This process can open doors to better employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, not all convictions are eligible for expungement under Indiana law. If you're wondering whether your record qualifies, it's essential to understand the limitations and exclusions that may apply.

When parents separate, custody decisions can become complex, especially when one parent seeks sole legal custody. Indiana law generally favors both parents having a role in decision-making for their children, but that isn’t always possible. The case of Wells v. Wells illustrates the key factors that can lead a court to deny joint legal custody.

Dividing assets in a divorce can be complex, but when it comes to pensions, the process can become challenging. Many individuals assume that all retirement benefits accumulated during the marriage are subject to division, but Indiana law treats unvested pensions differently. Indiana courts have consistently ruled that unvested pension benefits may not be included in the marital estate.

When a parent wants to relocate with their child, it can significantly impact custody and parenting time. Indiana law strives to balance the rights of both parents while prioritizing the child’s best interests. Courts evaluate relocation requests carefully, considering the impact on the child’s stability, relationships, and overall well-being.

For many parents with a challenging history, securing meaningful parenting time can be an uphill battle. Courts prioritize a child's best interests, and parents with past criminal convictions, substance abuse issues, or other concerns may initially face supervised visitation or limited contact. However, as demonstrated in Moslander v. Vincent, change is possible.

A criminal conviction or arrest can follow you for years, limiting your job opportunities, housing options, and even firearm rights. Even if decades have passed, an old conviction or dismissed charge may still show up on background checks, creating unnecessary barriers to a better future.

Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially if you and your spouse have been separated for years. Many couples delay filing because they believe the process will be complicated, costly, or emotionally exhausting. However, Indiana law allows for an uncontested divorce, which is the simplest and fastest way to legally end a marriage when both parties agree on the terms.

Parenting time disagreements, relocation, and enforcement issues are common challenges in co-parenting. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a framework to resolve disputes, handle relocation notices, and enforce parenting time orders fairly.

Effective co-parenting requires open communication and information sharing. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines emphasize that both parents have a right to access and share important details about their child’s education, health, and activities. When parents fail to obtain and exchange information, it can cause confusion, inconvenience, or even cause issues for the child.

The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines acknowledge that life is unpredictable. Work obligations, family emergencies, illnesses, or special events may require adjustments to a parenting time schedule. While courts expect parents to follow their parenting time orders, they also recognize that flexibility is sometimes necessary.

When establishing parenting time schedules for infants and toddlers, Indiana courts follow specific guidelines to ensure a child’s developmental needs are met. Infants require frequent but short visits, while toddlers gradually transition to extended parenting time, including overnights.

Charged with a felony in Kosciusko County? Understand the legal process and your defense options. Contact Warsaw criminal attorney Nathan Vining for expert representation.