Divorce & Legal Separation

Northwest Indiana Divorce Lawyer

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

Many people go into a divorce wanting to make their spouse pay for the hurt he or she has caused. But a contested divorce can leave both parties emotionally hurt and financially drained. My goal is to assist my clients to get to their desired result as effectively as possible. Sometimes, a negotiated settlement may be less expensive and may give you more control over the outcome of your divorce.

I'm Julie R. Glade, a divorce lawyer in Merrillville, Indiana. My experience as a licensed attorney, a registered family law mediator and a mental health nurse has given me empathy for my clients and an understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce. My initial approach is to work toward an amicable settlement of such issues as:

• Child custody, child support & visitation. In Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, courts favor a cooperative family law approach that is child-focused and which minimizes the negative impacts of legal disputes on the children.
• Property division and spousal maintenance. In Indiana, courts endeavor to divide marital property equitably, and start with a presumption that the parties divide their marital estate equally. This presumption can be challenged in certain circumstances. Spousal maintenance may be awarded under very restricted conditions.

Sometimes an amicable settlement is not possible because of the nature of the dispute, or the nature of one or both of the parties. To the extent the parties cannot agree on a resolution, the court must ultimately make the final determination of the parties’ case. I am committed to standing up for my clients’ rights and pursuits, whether in a settlement conference or in a court of law.

Legal Separation

Legal separation may be a better choice for you if you want to limit joint liabilities with a spouse, need the benefit of an employer’s health insurance coverage, or want to consider reconciliation. If you want to live separately from your spouse but are not ready to file for divorce, I can help you pursue a petition for legal separation. In Indiana, legal separation does not end a marriage, but allows the court to issue orders for child custody, child support, parenting time, spousal maintenance, protection from the other parties’ debts, and division of property. Legal separation only lasts for one year, but can give you time to identify your options for the future.

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.