Child Custody, Child Support & Visitation

Northwest Indiana Child Custody and Support Lawyer

Merrillville – Crown Point – Gary - Valparaiso - Lake County – Porter County

Child custody disputes are highly emotional because they may impact on the essence of the parent-child relationship, and conflicts about child support and parenting time (visitation) can be emotional and stressful as well. As your lawyer and advocate, my aim is to help you reach your goal in the most effective way possible, whether by a negotiated parenting agreement or by litigation in court. Many times, a negotiated agreement may be less costly, both emotionally and financially, and can reduce the effects of a custody battle on your children. I draw on my training as a mediator in family law cases and my experience as a mental health counselor and nurse to assist my clients in negotiating these important matters, including the welfare of the children.

In addition to being a licensed attorney and a registered nurse, I have served as a guardian ad litem in Lake and Porter Counties. A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the judge to make recommendations to the court in child custody cases and other matters that affect the best interests of the children. My experience as a guardian ad litem helps me understand what information judges are looking for when they make child custody determinations. I'm Julie R. Glade, a divorce lawyer in Merrillville, Indiana. There are situations in family law when mediation or a negotiated settlement just won’t resolve the conflicts. In those cases, parties must take the dispute to court and let the judge decide the issues. I stand ready to advocate on your behalf and to assert your rights and your position in court when litigation becomes the necessary avenue to finalize your case.

The differences between sole, joint, legal and physical custody can be subtle, but can make a difference in your approach to parenting and co-parenting. Child support and parenting time issues are determined based on the specific circumstances that surround you and your child. In my view, the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide for a minimum amount of contact between children and the non-custodial parent. Non-custodial parents can have more time with their children than the minimum when appropriate or realistic, or custodial parents can obtain limitations on parenting time if necessary to protect the interests of the child.

Shared parenting can make a big difference in child support payments. Indiana courts may reduce the child support obligation of the non-custodial parent depending on the amount of time each year that your child stays with that parent for overnight visits.

Modifications to child custody, child support and parenting time (visitation)

Child custody, child support and parenting time orders can be modified after divorce or after previously established paternity orders. It is important to understand that such modifications should be accepted and adopted by the court. You would be well advised to avoid a modification of these orders based on a verbal agreement or understanding with the other party. Without a signed order from a judge, you run the risk of being held to the prior order by the court regardless of your verbal understanding or agreement.

Child custody can be changed for various reasons, and even by agreement of the parties. A modification in child custody usually requires a showing of a substantial and ongoing change of circumstances from the prior order, and a showing that such a change would be in the best interests of your child. Examples supporting a custody change are numerous, and any one reason, in and of itself, may not be enough to warrant a change in custody, even if the same reason was sufficient in another case. Courts evaluate changes in custody on a case by case basis. Child support can be changed if there is an ongoing, continuous and substantial change in circumstances that makes the current support amount unreasonable, or if a year has passed since the prior order and the support payment would increase or decrease by at least 20 percent. Examples of reasons for child support modification are also numerous, and can include situations such as a job loss, a child custody change, the birth of another child or an income change.

Attorney Consultation

I would be happy to evaluate your case if you give me the opportunity. Simply schedule an appointment with me, Attorney Julie R. Glade, by calling (219) 736-0456 or by filling out the contact form on this web site. From my law office in Merrillville, I serve clients throughout Lake County and Porter County in Northwest Indiana.