Indiana Child Custody Legal Questions

Is this a person a stranger to you, to your child, to the father, or all of you? If he exercises weekend visitation, it seems that the "other state" might not be very far. Is that true? There are a multitude of ways to work this out, including you possibly shouldering the transportation load yourself, or changing the schedule to that father can do the transporting himself.. Talk to the father and try to work out your objections with him. I assume you do the driving for your share of the exchange?... Read More

Here is the plan you should follow: 1. Get married 2. After you are married and a year has gone by with him neither communicating or speaking with the children, or supporting them, go see an attorney. 3. His consent will not be needed at that point, and you can proceed with adoption.... Read More

You have two separate questions: Can my current wife take off with my 11 year old son to other state without my consent? Yes. Neither of you need permission of the other one to drive your child to school, the store, to the next town, or the next state. Her intent not to return has nothing to do with it. Should I be worried of the possibility that I might come home one day and find that she's left the state with my son? If she is threatening to do this, then yes. But the worry would be solved by your filing a divorce action now, or immediately upon her departure from the state. Court orders to have a child returned can be enforced interstate.... Read More

She needs to turn herself in on the warrant. If you can't make the bond, contact a lawyer to help you, though shoplifting cases usually don't have a high bond. A lawyer will always be help you in any criminal matter, so yes you should get one even if no bond is required and she is released on recognizance.... Read More

Can the father of an unborn child sign over his rights if both parents of the unborn child both agree to it? The father can agree to adoption prior to the child's birth. could the grandparent adopt the child and help the daughter raise the unborn child? No. Not allowed under Indiana law, and just taking away a father's rights without truly giving the baby two PARENTS when doing so is not good for the child.... Read More

No, you don't have to supply him with everything he needs to exercise his parenting time. Yo u choose to. If he doesn't care properly for the children, you can ask the court to stop the parenting time until he does. Go to your local prosecutor's office, and they can help you with support collection.... Read More

It is rarely if ever a good idea for children to be in an exact 50/50 situation. This is about what is best for your daughter, not what is "fair" to you. No, you don't "have" to give your daughter's bed up. You need to go sit down and talk to a lawyer about your rights and obligations. You can't afford not to. If you are unemployed and cannot afford a consultation, contact Legal Services in your area.... Read More

You must establish paternity in a court of law, and a petition needs to be filed in the county where you live.  Paternity will be officially established, child support determined, and custody and parenting time will be established.    This is complicated,  and an attorney is advisable.  The determinations that are made at the first court sessions are extremely important, and are sometimes difficult to un-do at a later date.  The Court will make its decisions based on best interests of the child.  You will be able to explain to the judge what you believe to be the deficiencies in the parenting skills of the father.   There are two types of custody in Indiana - legal and physical.  Legal is whether the parents share in the decision making regarding the major aspects of the child's life:  religion, education, and medical.  Physical is where the child spends mosts nights.  You are smart in getting this established early on.   Good luck.   ... Read More