Fishers Child Custody Attorney
Create a Parenting Time Plan that Works for You & Your Children
Indiana recognizes two types of custody: physical custody and legal custody.
- Physical custody is where the child will reside the majority of the time. It can be granted to one parent solely or both parents jointly.
- Legal custody is who will make the significant decisions for the child, primarily regarding education, religion, and health-related matters. Like physical custody, the court can jointly award legal custody to one or both parents.
At Massillamany, Jeter & Carson LLP, we can help you protect and preserve your parent-child relationship after a divorce. Contact us online to learn more, or call us at (317) 434-1490.
How Indiana Determines Child Custody
In Indiana, the courts use the “best interest of the child” standard when making custody decisions. Courts are to consider eight (8) factors when determining what is in the child’s best interest. These eight factors are as follows:
- age and sex of the child;
- wishes of the child’s parent(s) and the child, with more consideration given if the child is over 14 years of age;
- the interactions and interrelationships of the child with the parent(s), siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest;
- the child’s adjustment to the home, school, and community;
- the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
- evidence of any history or pattern of domestic violence by either parent; and
- whether the child has been primarily cared for by a third party.
Parenting Time in Fishers, Indiana
In Indiana, we call visitation with a child “parenting time.” Indiana’s legislature has guidelines that are often adopted, in whole or part, in many family law matters. Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines are here: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/rules/parenting/. After the court determines custody of the child, it will establish parenting time for the non-custodial parent. Of course, courts prefer that the parties agree upon a parenting schedule between themselves. Still, if that is not possible, the courts can order the non-custodial parent to exercise parenting time according to the guidelines.
In high-conflict situations, parties may request, and the court may appoint, a private Custody Evaluator to assist in determining custody and parenting time that is in the child’s best interest. A private Custody Evaluator is generally a psychologist or licensed mental health professional that conducts testing and interviews and provides recommendations based on their findings to the court as a report. In addition, other professionals may be engaged throughout your custody or parenting time matter, including Guardian ad Litems and Parenting Coordinators.
Contact Massillamany, Jeter & Carson LLP for Representation
At Massillamany, Jeter & Carson LLP, our Fishers child custody attorneys are highly experienced in parenting time matters and all other custody-related situations. Custody and parenting time conflicts can be highly stressful events in a person’s life. Therefore, we aim to make this process as easy as possible and help you conclude your matter efficiently.
Get started today by calling our team of child custody lawyers in Fishers at: (317) 434-1490.
Work With People Who Care
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A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
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200+ Years' Combined Experience
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We Are Active Members of Our Community
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We Treat Every Case Individually
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Small Firm Attention. Big Firm Results.
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Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Advocates
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I had a fairly simple need but was very happy with the work and would use them again for any other legal work I need in the future.- Former Client
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He was thorough, prepared, and fought hard to make sure my voice was heard. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, dependable, and truly in your corner, I highly recommend Mario.- Former Client
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I’m truly grateful for all the support and professionalism Danielle has shown throughout my case. She was always attentive, understanding, and went above and beyond to protect my interests.- Nancy G.
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Tom is an excellent education attorney! He guided our family through a difficult sexual harassment case involving our child and the local public school. Tom's expertise and persistence led to a positive outcome that has truly made a difference in our child- Laura
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I feel truly blessed to have found Amy Carson. She did a wonderful job with my case and I feel very fortunate to have worked with her. She was attentive, answered all my questions and concerns no matter the time of day.- Emmy K.
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His guidance and service was above and beyond all expectations for the given circumstances.- Logan
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I reached out to Tom Blessing for help with a disability discrimination case involving my son. I felt vulnerable and intimidated taking a stand against an entire school district, but having Tom by my side every step of the way was reassuring and empowering- Suzi S.
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They are very educated on what they do and go above and beyond for their clients. If you ever need, they are the team to call!- Chelsea B.
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These people are not only brilliant, educated lawyers, but proved to personally care about what happened to our family. We feel deeply indebted to Mario M. particularly for the caring service we have been receiving.- Lynn C.
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From the very first interaction, Danielle demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and deep expertise. She took the time to understand every nuance of our case, reviewed evidence thoroughly, and always made sure we felt heard and supported.- Alexandra