Seasoned South Bend Divorce Attorneys For Life’s Hardest Transitions
Divorce often feels overwhelming, especially if you have children. At the Blanford Law Office, we understand the emotional weight you carry. Since 1990, our firm has acted as a steady guide for families in South Bend, Plymouth and Granger.
Our family law attorneys provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your divorce. When you work with us, you gain a partner who values your peace of mind. We focus on positive resolutions that help you move forward with confidence.
What Is The Indiana Divorce Process?
A divorce is the process designed to terminate the legal relationship between you and your spouse, divide and distribute the marital estate, and establish a structure for the care, custody and support of your children after the marriage ends.
Like most states, Indiana is a “no-fault” divorce state. In other words, the spouse desiring a divorce doesn’t need to allege or prove that he or she needs one because of the fault or misconduct of the other spouse. As long as the spouse wanting the divorce can establish that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” he or she is going to get the divorce.
Some of the basic steps include:
- Filing the petition for dissolution of marriage in the appropriate court.
- Exchanging financial documents and other information with your spouse and his or her attorney.
- Discussing property division, custody and parenting time issues.
- Participate in settlement discussions and/or mediation with your spouse and his or her lawyer.
- Proceeding to a divorce trial before a judge if pretrial negotiation or mediation does not succeed.
Do You Need An Attorney For A Divorce?
There is no requirement that you have an attorney. But even if you and your spouse agree on everything, you should consult with an attorney to make sure your documents are correct and to ensure any agreements you have reached are legally enforceable. Mistakes or misunderstandings can have major, and sometimes, irreversible consequences.
Can We Modify Divorce Agreements After Finalizing The Divorce?
Indiana law allows for modifications in things like child support, child custody and parenting time. But property distribution arrangements typically cannot be modified unless both parties agree. And that can be a major problem.
Attorneys at the Blanford Law Office can help with post-dissolution modification matters.
Create Calm Solutions With Our Indiana Divorce Lawyers
At the Blanford Law Office, we provide the legal services you need to start your next chapter. We take a comprehensive approach to your family law dispute to help you make well-informed, well-reasoned decisions at every stage of the process.
Please contact us at 574-303-6459 or by using our online contact form to schedule a consultation.