Custody
Usually, divorcing couples agree to have joint legal custody of their children. Thereafter, both parents will have an similar voice in the daily decisions that affect the child's education, health care, spiritual training, and other common aspects of a parent's responsibility, regardless of where the children live. Also, one parent will normally maintain physical custody and have the children live in that parent's home. Normally, the other parent will then have periodic overnight visits with the children. The visits usually follow a visitation or parenting plan.
If the parents are not able to agree as to which parent will have the firsthand custody of a child, or if one parent feels that the other parent is unsound to have any custody at all, the court has the power to settle the dispute. Furthermore, the judge´s job is to arrange a custody agreement that looks out for the best interests of each child.
Indiana counties often require custody disputes to go through mediation before they will be heard in court, and a guardian ad litem will most likely be appointed to investigate and evaluate the family situation, especially d the quality of the relationship between the parent and each child, and the ability of each parent to operate responsibly. Indiana child custody lawyer Tony Zirkle works to help you understand this process, and make sure that your qualities as a parent are distinctly demonstrated to the guardian at litem, and where necessary, clearly demonstrated in court.
Similar rules and procedures apply in child custody cases involving unmarried parents--the best interests of the children are the premiere consideration. It is necessary for fathers who desire regular joint legal custody and visitation arrangements with their children to establish paternity first because if the mother or the State of Indiana already recognizes paternity, it will be essential to apply to the court for a custody and parenting time decree. This is done to set up a secure and lasting right of access to your children.
Indianapolis child custody lawyer Tony Zirkle also assists parents in working out problems regarding the relocation of either parent out of state. Sixty (60) days' notice of an intent to move is necessary so that acceptable custody and visitation arrangements can be made before the parent leaves Indiana. For more information regarding our ability to defend your interests in any child custody issue, please contact The Law Offices of Tony Zirkle in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
The Indianapolis, Indiana Divorce lawyer information offered by The Law Office of Tony Zirkle and contained herein, regarding Indianapolis, Indiana Divorce lawyer statutes and claimants' rights is general in scope. No attorney/client relationship with our Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana Divorce lawyer is hereby formed nor is the Divorce lawyer information herein intended as formal legal advice.