This series aims to help those going through a divorce to avoid common mistakes people make in this situation. Our last post focused on working with your lawyer. In this post, we will look at three mistakes’ people make when trying to co-parent with their ex. Mistake...
Child Custody
Could a co-parenting app help your family?
As a parent facing divorce, you may wonder how you and your spouse will manage to co-parent in an amicable way after the divorce. The good news is that more help for parents exists now than ever before and technology could be a key contribution. Tech companies have...
What does an Indiana parenting coordinator do?
In Indiana, the court may order divorcing parents to enter into parenting coordination. This process is a form of dispute resolution that focuses on the children in hopes that the parents can find a way to work together during co-parenting. The court most often...
Can I modify my divorce decree?
When the judge issues your divorce decree, you may be perfectly happy with the result or sense problems from the beginning. After your divorce is final, you may be able to modify some aspects of a divorce decree, but not others. For example, you can rarely change the...
Is the concept of attachment really the best guide in custody cases?
During custody cases, people like to use the concept of "attachment" when discussing what type of arrangement might be in the child's best interest. But what does that mean and is it really the most useful guide for discussing custody? In general, people use...
Court of Appeals of Indiana rules on biology vs. best interest of the child
Indiana courts have long held that in custody issues, the best interest of the child should be their primary concern. A recent case before the Court of Appeals of Indiana puts that idea to the test. In G.S., Jr. vs. H.L., the court had to choose between a child's...
Court affirms grandmother’s custody rights over mother’s objections
The legal standard for custody decisions in divorce cases is the best interests of the child. Sometimes that means custody may go to a third party, like a grandparent – even when a parent is available. For example, in In Re the Matter of: Paternity of W.M.T. (Ind....
New guidelines for parenting time during a health emergency
The Indiana Supreme Court recently issued new and amended guidelines for how parents should handle their parenting responsibilities during the pandemic or another health emergency. The keys are to be flexible and cooperative and to promote the health and best...
Grandparents must establish certain factors to win visitation rights
Grandparents often play a special role in the life of a child. In the past, however, they did not have a right to see their grandchildren under common law. Many states have changed that. Indiana has recognized grandparent visitation rights since 1982. The Indiana law...
Crafting a child-focused post-divorce relationship
Custody arrangements can seem overwhelming, especially if parents have gone through a contentious divorce. Angry and hurtful feelings can linger. However, prioritizing your children’s best interests can help you move on. Successful co-parenting isn’t defined as having...