Child Custody and Support Lawyer in Northwest Indiana
Custody in Indiana: Best Interests of the Child
Child custody cases are deeply personal and often emotional. At Todd Uzelac Law, our Merrillville child custody lawyer helps parents understand Indiana’s custody laws and build parenting time agreements that support their children’s well-being. In Indiana, custody is decided based on the “best interests of the child,” considering each parent’s involvement, stability, and ability to meet the child’s needs. There is no legal preference for mothers or fathers—each parent starts on equal footing. Our role is to ensure your voice is heard and your child’s future is protected.
Types of Custody: Legal and Physical, Joint and Sole
Custody is divided into two main categories: legal custody, which covers major decisions like education and healthcare, and physical custody, which determines where the child lives. Parents may share custody (joint) or one parent may be granted primary custody (sole). Todd Uzelac Law helps parents understand these distinctions and craft arrangements that reflect their family’s realities. We work toward balanced agreements that promote cooperation while prioritizing each child’s emotional and physical needs.
Parenting Time and Indiana Guidelines
Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines serve as a framework for visitation schedules, helping parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children. Our firm helps clients design parenting plans that fit their routines, school schedules, and family traditions. For parents considering relocation or changes to an existing order, we guide you through the notice and modification process required by Indiana law. Our goal is to minimize disruption while protecting parental rights and consistency for children.
Child Support in Indiana
Financial stability is key to supporting a child’s needs after separation or divorce. Our Indiana child support attorney ensures support orders are fair and accurate based on each parent’s income, childcare costs, and other expenses. We also handle enforcement actions when payments are missed and modifications when circumstances change significantly.
How Child Support Is Calculated
Indiana uses statewide guidelines to calculate child support. These formulas consider both parents’ earnings, the number of children, health insurance costs, and time spent with each parent. We help clients understand how these factors apply and make sure all financial details—such as bonuses or childcare costs—are included for accuracy.
Enforcement of Support Orders
When support payments are missed, legal remedies such as wage garnishment or contempt proceedings may apply. Our firm works quickly to enforce orders and ensure compliance while keeping the focus on the child’s best interests.
Support orders can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, remarriage, or increased expenses. Indiana law allows modifications after 12 months or sooner if financial shifts are significant. We guide parents through the process of revising orders responsibly.
How We Advocate for You and Your Children
Custody and support matters require more than paperwork—they require perspective and care. At Todd Uzelac Law, we combine legal skill with empathy to help families find stability.
Child Custody & Support FAQ
At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Indiana?
There is no specific age when a child can choose, but judges may consider the child’s wishes—especially for teenagers—alongside other best-interest factors.
How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed?
Courts can attribute “potential income” based on work history and earning capacity, ensuring children still receive needed support.
What if my ex isn’t following the parenting time order?
You can request court enforcement of the existing order. We help document violations and file motions to protect your parenting rights.
Can I move out of state with my child?
Indiana requires advance notice to the court and the other parent. We help you follow the relocation process correctly and present your case clearly if a hearing is required.
