Family Law

Family Law

Family Law/Domestic Relations

At Duff Law we believe that a family is the single most important asset an individual can have. That being said any and every family related issue is treated with the utmost degree of care and consideration. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss any family law related matter that you may have, including:
  • Divorce
  • Paternity
  • Child Custody/Parenting Time
  • Child Support
  • Adoptions
  • Guardianships
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Emancipations
  • Children In Need Of Services
  • Name Changes
Family lawyer — Couple's Counseling in Evansville, IN

Divorce

Deciding to get a divorce can be the most difficult decisions an individual ever makes. In almost every case, a divorce is a high powered emotional journey. The process can be additionally complicated by the necessity of making determinations regarding child custody, parenting time, child support, and the division of marital property. At a time like this, Duff Law can provide you with the proper advice you need to make decisions that will have a lasting impact on your life. No matter if you are only contemplating divorce, or if your spouse has already filed, it is important to seek legal advice so that you may be educated through this process and prepared for all of the issues that will arise.

Paternity

A paternity action is a proceeding to establish the father of a child born out of wedlock. Once paternity is established, the court will determine the custody arrangements of the child, parenting time, child support, and whether or not to change the child’s last name to that of the father. In some cases, if it is in the best interest of the child, the father may be awarded primary physical custody. In the past, paternity actions were usually initiated by the mother to collect child support. Today fathers are just as likely to contact a lawyer to establish their paternal rights. In Indiana, the father can sign a paternity affidavit at a hospital when the child is born. If paternity is contested, the parties can request or the court can order DNA testing. Even if a paternity affidavit is signed by the father it is still suggested that the father establish his rights to the child through the courts, so that there is a court order giving him credit for paying support and determining which parent is to have the child at a particular time.

Adoption

Adopting a child can be the most rewarding experiences in an individual’s life. There are several reasons to pursue adopting a child, but at the end of the day the overall goal is consistent: to provide that child with a terrific life. The adoption process in the State of Indiana begins with the severance of one relationship and the creation of another. There are many different stages that go into the adoption process including appointing a Guardian Ad Litem, conducting a home study, and depending on whether or not the Adoption is being contested, an evidentiary hearing.

Guardianship

A guardianship is a legal document in which a person designates someone to care for a minor child, or an adult that is unable to care for themselves due to some incapacity.

When it comes to minor children, parents can include a guardianship designation as part of their estate planning documents. Often parents of a disabled or special needs child require guardianship appointments when the children reach age 18 in order to continue making financial and health care decisions. In situations where adults who can no longer make decisions for themselves due to some incapacity, their children or family members need guardianship appointments to have the legal authority to take care of their parents or family members if there is not an existing power of attorney. A guardianship appointment gives the guardian the right to exercise health care and financial decisions on the incapacitated adult’s behalf.
Call Duff Law, LLC today at 812-402-3833 and let us know how we can help.
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