Last updated 1 day 5 hours ago
The most significant changes to the guidelines are:
- Changes to the holiday parenting time schedule, including adding Fall Break, MLK Day and President’s Day to the holiday schedule, if observed by the child’s school, and changes to the division of the Christmas vacation period. The division of Christmas vacation in the current version of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines involves counting certain days, dividing those days in half, allowing each parent to have the child on Christmas, and then exchanging the child for the New Year’s holiday. However, the new division is more straightforward and easier for parents to follow. It states that the entire Christmas vacation period should simply be divided in half. Whichever parent does not have Christmas in his/her half shall have from noon to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. This change eliminates the New Year’s holiday as a separate holiday and instead includes it as a part of the Christmas Vacation holiday. See Section II.G.2 of the proposed Guidelines if you would like to read all of the changes made to the holiday parenting schedule.
- The addition of several sections pertaining to Parenting Coordination. This includes sections regarding qualifications of parenting coordinators; terms of using parenting coordinators; the role and authority of the parenting coordinator; impartiality; reports, recommendations and court action; and confidentiality. Section IV of the proposed Guidelines contains the new provisions regarding parenting coordinators.
- The addition of a section on parallel parenting. Parallel parenting is a deviation from the standard parenting time guidelines that provides a way for high conflict parents to raise their child(ren) with as little contact as possible. The additional section specifically provides that joint legal custody is not appropriate in a parallel parenting situation, and that parents in these situations should seek out education on how to co-parent better. Section V of the proposed Guidelines contains the new provisions regarding parallel parenting.
There are other additional changes to the rules which can be reviewed here. The Domestic Relations Committee is accepting comments on the proposed changes until March 26, 2012. Visit this website for details on how to comment on the proposed changes.
If you would like to speak to an attorney about how these changes may affect you or how the current guidelines affect you, contact Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. at (317)660-8243.
Last updated 4 days ago
Marital troubles can lead any couple to the brink of divorce, but before your relationship progresses to this stage, speak with a family lawyer to review all of the options available to you. Divorce is not an easy decision for any couple to make and proceeding with a legal separation may be an ideal way for you and your spouse to determine whether there is a future for your relationship. A legal separation can help make the situation much more manageable while you are attempting to resolve your differences.
During this time of separation, spouses retain the responsibilities and benefits of marriage while they work out their marital issues. This may include staying on a spouse’s insurance or being held liable for debts incurred by your spouse. For those with children, a legal separation allows the court the opportunity to order temporary child support or outline child custody terms. In the state of Indiana, married couples looking to legally separate may only do so for the course of one year. At this time, the couple must then decide whether to move towards divorce or stay married.
To learn more about legal separation, contact the family law attorneys at Ruppert and Schaefer, P.C. Our firm can help you manage your divorce, child custody arrangement, property division, and other family law issues. Call (317) 660-8243.
Last updated 12 days ago
When most people think about divorce, they think about spouses and their attorneys fighting for every last asset they own. While this unfortunately happens in many divorces, most divorces are very different from depictions commonly seen in movies and television. Many divorces are settled through a process called divorce mediation. Here’s a closer look at what mediation is, how it works, and what its advantages are.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is essentially a negotiation process that takes place between spouses pursuing a divorce that is used to determine the distribution of property, child custody, taxes, and other issues. It’s an alternative process to going to court. Sometimes mediation is court ordered and sometimes divorcing couples decide to mediate without being required to do so. In many ways, mediation sets the tone for a cooperative working relationship for raising children and managing property as a divorced couple
How Does Mediation Work?
The mediation process is moderated by a mediator, who is typically a family law or divorce attorney. The mediator will help to guide the conversation about how property and custody should be divided and creates an agreement based on the decisions made during the mediation process. There is typically only one mediator involved—a neutral party who communicates with both you and your spouse during the process.
Is Mediation Right for Me?
Mediation is a desirable alternative for spouses interested in a quiet, private divorce without the hassle and publicity of going to court. Mediation also is a cooperative effort, so it’s great for spouses who are committed to working together to raise children even after divorce. Finally, mediation can also help to save money since it takes less time than the average litigated divorce.
Are you looking for a divorce mediator? Contact Ruppert and Schaefer, PC today. Our law firm provides excellent mediation services for divorcing spouses, and also provides legal services for child custody, adoption, and other family law cases. Call (317) 660-8243.
Last updated 26 days ago
Are you struggling with marital dissolution matters and wondering what post-divorce issues may require the help of a lawyer? Learn more about marital dissolution and post-divorce issues with these great resources.
For more information on our practice areas, call Ruppert & Schaefer, PC in Indianapolis at (317) 660-8243 today!
Last updated 1 month ago
It can be difficult not to let your emotions get in the way when it comes to the end of a marriage. Individuals facing marital dissolution often struggle to make decisions with their own best interests in mind, as well as the best interests of other family members. Fortunately, family attorneys can help resolve disputes and move divorce proceedings forward when emotions get in the way.
Divorce
Individuals interested in pursuing more than a temporary separation from their spouse often turn to divorce. Unfortunately, divorce proceedings are not always simple and involve intense emotions and important financial implications. A divorce attorney can help by educating individuals about Indiana laws and the divorce process, informing spouses on what to expect both during and after the process, as well as the potential risks involved.
Property Distribution
Another marital dissolution matter than can be resolved by a family attorney or divorce lawyer is the division of property assets. Indiana law states that, barring the existence of a valid prenuptial agreement, all marital property is to be divided equitably in the event of a divorce. However, a divorce attorney can help identify the value of assets, identify what an appropriate division would be in your case, and identify factors that may weigh for or against you in a division of property assets.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody and child support is often the most difficult matter to resolve during divorce proceedings. A family lawyer or divorce attorney can help divorcing spouses identify which form of custody is best suited for the child’s needs, including sole legal custody, joint legal custody, and joint legal and physical custody.
Are you struggling with complex divorce or marital dissolution matters? Let our divorce attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer, PC help you get through this difficult time and navigate the divorce process by contacting us at (317) 660-8243.
