Family Law

Divorce is rarely as simple as separating from your spouse. Many times there are assets involved, shared property questions, and custody disagreements. As a parent, you’ll need to make some tough decisions regarding your family’s future. It is important that you retain a qualified attorney who is accessible to you and will work diligently on your behalf to help you reach your goals.

When your family situation is changing, you need legal representation that is in your best interest. Our Family Law attorneys provide thoughtful guidance, personal attention, and dedicated representation. They will work closely with you and the other party to negotiate and reach a settlement. Should your case go to trial, our attorneys are also well-versed with the courts and the court system. They will explain your rights, the court rules, and the filing process, and answer all of your questions along the way.

For some families, a formal legal separation is a workable alternative to divorce. A legal separation is different from divorce because you will still be legally married to your spouse, but you will be living separately. A legal separation is similar to divorce in that you will still have to negotiate custody, visitation time, child support, payment obligations, and the temporary division of property. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal separation process and help you and your spouse negotiate an agreement that works for both of you.

It is not uncommon for family relationships and finances to change after a divorce. Our attorneys understand that many circumstances necessitate changes to your original support or child custody order.

Whether you are the custodial parent needing additional support, or are seeking a modification/change to your current child support agreement, we can help you pursue the support you need. With years of experience helping parents understand their options when structuring child support agreements, Van Valer Law Firm knows what it takes to reach an amicable arrangement.

As circumstances change, it may also become necessary to modify other agreements that were included in the divorce decree, such as parenting and visitation time. Indiana law allows parenting time schedules to be modified by the court whenever the modification would serve the best interests of the child/children. Our Family Law attorneys can review your current parenting time schedule or visitation plan and discuss your options with you.

Adoption

Whether you are preparing to build your family through adoption or want to solidify existing relationships, we are here to advise you and advocate for your interests. Our Family Law attorneys have experience in Adoption Law and can complete the necessary legal work to finalize the adoption process in an efficient manner. We handle both related and unrelated domestic adoptions, including grandparent adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and adoptions through the State or a reputable adoption agency.

Guardianship

If you are planning on taking care of a child on a long term basis, then you should consider becoming a guardian. Whether you are a grandparent, friend, or caretaker interested in seeking guardianship of a minor, we can help. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in drafting petitions and completing the court required documents to obtain guardianship.

Protect your best interests with a prenuptial agreement. Our experienced Family Law attorneys can help you reach a premarital agreement, and ensure that your terms are memorialized in a document that will stand up in court. Whether you are interested in creating a prenuptial agreement or you believe you have grounds to challenge the validity of an existing agreement, Van Valer Law Firm is here to help.

Whether you are seeking to establish the existence of a father-child relationship, an allocation of parental responsibilities, an allocation of parenting time, or child support, the experienced Family Law attorneys at Van Valer Law Firm can guide you through the legal process.

We can help you with all matters related to child custody during your divorce and at times of modification to your divorce decree. We will listen to your goals and advise you on the most effective course of action that is in the best interest of your child/children. Our attorneys have in depth knowledge of Indiana family law and can offer effective strategies for negotiation and mediation of your objectives.