Chesterton Family Law Attorney

Chesterton Family Law Attorney

While divorce, the terms of divorce, and post-divorce term modifications are common family law concerns, there is much more to this branch of the law than simply divorce. Primary matters also include the determination of paternity, adoptions, prenuptial agreements, and more. If you are experiencing a family law issue, it’s time to reach out to an experienced Chesterton family law attorney from Smith Legal Group LLC.

The Divorce Process

While no two divorces are alike, the following terms do not vary (as applicable to the divorce in question): 

• Parental responsibilities and parenting time (what you may think of as child custody arrangements)
• Child support
• The equitable division of marital property
• Alimony (or spousal maintenance)

Each of these (other than the equitable division of marital property) can also be addressed in terms of post-divorce modifications – if the related circumstances have changed significantly. Additionally, both child custody and child support are family law concerns that are frequently addressed outside of marriage and divorce.  

The Determination of Paternity

In Indiana, the determination of paternity is a crucial aspect of family law cases involving children. Establishing paternity is essential for defining the rights and responsibilities of both parents. This legal process often arises in various situations, such as when a mother seeks to secure support for the child, fathers aim to gain parental or custodial rights, or both parents strive to enable the development of a strong family bond with the child. The clarity on paternity allows the child to bond with both parents and ensures that the rights and obligations of each parent are formally recognized and established within the framework of Indiana state law. Moreover, the establishment of paternity plays a significant role in shaping the best interests of the child and contributes to the overall well-being of the family unit.

Adoptions

Adoptions afford couples (and individuals) the rights and responsibilities that accompany becoming the legal parents of a child who was born to someone else. While the adoption process is challenging, the rewards are difficult to overstate.  

Prenuptial Agreements

Although prenuptial agreements have something of a bad reputation, it is ill-founded. A prenuptial agreement is simply a legal contract that allows couples to address financial matters (that would likely come up in a divorce) prior to marriage. While prenups neither encourage nor facilitate divorce, they can help take the financial guesswork out of the equation, which can provide couples with the peace of mind they need to move forward and build strong marriages. Prenuptial agreements are created before a couple marries, but they don’t go into effect until the couple is married. In other words, the prenuptial agreement has no bearing if the couple does not go through with the marriage.  

An Experienced Chesterton Family Law Attorney  Is Standing by to Help

If your family is facing a legal concern, an accomplished Chesterton family law attorney at Smith Legal Group LLC has the impressive experience and legal insight you’re looking for. Your case is important to you, which makes it important to our legal team, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about how we can help you today.