Indianapolis Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage, and I know that going through it is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. With a focus on Indianapolis and Marion County, my firm, Longstreet Law LLC, serves couples and families across Indiana.

I am Laura Longstreet, a divorce lawyer and Hoosier native with over a decade of experience. I am a compassionate listener who can help you understand your options and work toward a resolution for you and your family.

How Can An Indianapolis Divorce Attorney From Longstreet Law LLC Help With Your Case?

A divorce attorney serves as your trusted advocate, providing advice so you can make informed decisions. I believe in helping people from all walks of life, and I am committed to providing a welcoming space for all families, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, as we work through complex issues like LGBTQ+ divorce.

My role is to help you with every stage of the divorce process. This includes:

• Filing for divorce and preparing the necessary legal documents
• Conducting the discovery process to uncover all relevant financial information
• Negotiating settlements on your behalf
• Handling matters of divorce mediation to seek an amicable resolution
• Addressing issues like the equitable distribution of marital property
• Representing you in court if litigation is required

As a family law attorney, I can help you determine if legal separation is a better option for your situation. I also serve as a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of a child, and I am adept at navigating Indiana child custody laws.

What Are The Different Types Of Divorce In Indiana?

When you begin the divorce process, it is important to know that the nature of your case will depend on the level of agreement between you and your spouse regarding key issues:

• Contested divorce: This occurs when the spouses disagree on one or more major issues, such as child custody, child support, parenting time, or the division of assets and debts. This type of case often requires litigation, where a judge will make the final decisions.
• Uncontested divorce: This is when both spouses have reached a full agreement on all issues before filing. This is generally faster and less expensive, as it avoids the need for a trial.
• No-fault divorce: Since Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, you do not have to prove a wrongdoing committed by your spouse to be granted a divorce.
• At-fault divorce: While Indiana is primarily a no-fault state, it does recognize certain fault-based grounds for divorce. These grounds are not a factor in the equitable distribution of property but may be used in circumstances to show a party has wasted assets.

The most common ground for divorce in Indiana is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which means the relationship is beyond repair. Other grounds include a felony conviction by either spouse after the marriage, impotence at the time of the marriage, and incurable insanity for at least two years.

How Can You File For Divorce In Indianapolis?

Filing for divorce in Indianapolis requires adherence to legal procedures and divorce residency requirements. The key steps for filing for divorce in Marion County are:

• File a petition for dissolution of marriage to start the divorce process.
• Serve your spouse with a summons and a copy of the petition to give them notice of the legal action.
• Exchange financial information with your spouse to disclose your marital property as part of the discovery process. This is vital for property division, spousal maintenance and child support.
• Attend a provisional hearing, if needed, to establish temporary orders for issues, such as pendente lite spousal support or temporary child custody and parenting time.
• Engage in mediation or settlement negotiations since most divorces are resolved through an agreement between the parties.
• Attend a final hearing if negotiation or mediation fails. Here, a judge will hear evidence and arguments from both sides before making a final ruling on all contested issues.

Whether your case is simple or complex, from an uncontested divorce to a high net worth divorce, I can be your legal advocate. I will ensure the completion of legal documents and protection of your rights throughout the process.

Is There A Waiting Period Before You Can Be Granted A Divorce In Indiana?

Indiana law requires a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. The state has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the filing date of the petition for dissolution of marriage. This “cooling off” period in the divorce timeline allows couples time to reconsider. While the court cannot grant the final decree of dissolution before this time has passed, I can use the 60 days to move your case forward, addressing issues like child custody and property division.

Take The First Step: Contact An Indianapolis Divorce Lawyer Today

Choosing a divorce lawyer for your case is a critical decision. You need someone who is not only knowledgeable about Indiana divorce laws but also understands the emotional toll of family law matters. I offer strategic and thorough legal services to couples and families in Indianapolis as well as South Bend. You can contact me through this online form or via 574-208-5982, with the phone answered around the clock. Let us discuss your situation and how I can help you pursue a fair outcome.