Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyers

Much of the fallout from going through a divorce can be hard on the spouses, but few things can be more difficult than having the future of one’s children on a negotiating table or in the hands of an Indiana family law judge. Parents need to know they can trust their attorney to fight with all the legal resources available to secure a custody settlement that protects their rights in raising their kids. 

The Indianapolis child custody lawyers at Law Offices of Eugene Mogilevsky, LLC has built up a track record of success, and one reason is that we want to be sure people are comfortable working with us. Talking to an attorney about sensitive personal issues can be nerve wracking and we aim to set clients at ease. Then we give them the vigorous advocacy they need in negotiation and litigation. From our Indianapolis office, we serve all of Marion County, and throughout Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Shelby, Boone, Madison, and Morgan counties. 

Call today (317) 743-7958 or reach out online to set up a consultation.

Understanding the Different Types of Child Custody

Navigating child custody can be complex, and understanding the various types of custody arrangements is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your child's well-being. At the Law Offices of Eugene Mogilevsky, we believe that knowledge is power, and we're here to guide you through the process.

There are generally two main types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Here’s a brief overview:

• Legal Custody: This grants a parent the right to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training. Legal custody can be joint, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, or sole, where only one parent has this authority.
• Physical Custody: This refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. Like legal custody, physical custody can also be joint, allowing the child to spend time with both parents, or sole, where the child resides primarily with one parent.

Understanding these distinctions can help you advocate for the best interests of your child. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you to develop a custody plan that reflects your family's unique needs and circumstances.

Factors Influencing Custody Decisions

When determining custody arrangements, courts consider various factors, including:

• The child's age and developmental needs
• Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment
• The child's relationship with each parent
• Any history of abuse or neglect
• The child's preference, depending on their age and maturity

By understanding these factors, you can better prepare for discussions and negotiations regarding custody. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your voice is heard and that your child's best interests are at the forefront of any custody agreement.

Ready to take the next step? Contact the Law Offices of Eugene Mogilevsky today for a consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of child custody with confidence.

Types of Child Custody

There are two sets of decisions that have to be made in an Indiana child custody case. The first involves the distinction between physical custody and legal custody. The second is whether both forms of custody will be sole or joint. 

Physical custody refers to where children will live. A corollary to the decision on physical custody will be the visitation rights of a non-custodial parent. 

Legal custody means the power to make decisions on behalf of a child. This decisions can be medical, such as whether to go in for surgery or not. They can be educational—deciding where the child will go to school. They can involve the decision on whether a child will be brought up in a religious tradition, and if so, which one. In addition to all these big-picture decisions, legal custody also deals with authority sign permission slips and do other parental functions necessary in the life of a child. 

Sole custody means that one parent has predominant, if not exclusive, control. Joint custody means parents share responsibility on an equal basis. 

It’s important to note that custody can be sole in one area, but joint in the other. A common scenario is giving one parent sole physical custody (with visitation rights to the non-custodial parent), but maintaining joint legal custody. 

Indiana law requires that one consideration be the overriding factor in all custody decisions—the best interests of the child. 

Reach out to our Indianapolis child custody attorneys by calling (317) 743-7958 or by filling out our online contact form. Consultations available.