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Nothing in a family law case matters more to most parents than their children. Child custody determines who makes major decisions for a child and where the child lives, and it shapes the child’s day-to-day life for years. Custody cases arise in divorces, in paternity cases between unmarried parents, and in cases involving grandparents, other relatives, or caregivers who have raised a child.
Indiana separates custody into two parts. Legal custody covers major decisions about a child’s education, health care, and religious upbringing, and it can be joint or sole. Physical custody covers where the child lives. The parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody usually has parenting time, often based on the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. Indiana courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, and the law says there is no presumption favoring either parent.
When deciding custody, Indiana courts look at all relevant factors, including the child’s age and sex, the wishes of the parents, the wishes of the child with more weight given when the child is at least 14, the child’s relationships with parents, siblings, and others, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, the mental and physical health of everyone involved, and any pattern of domestic or family violence. Courts also consider whether someone has acted as a de facto custodian. For joint legal custody, courts look closely at whether the parents can communicate and cooperate in raising the child.
At RileyCate, we represent parents in custody cases from the first filing through trial, and in agreed custody arrangements that need to be put into a clear, workable order. For custody questions that come up later, see our Custody Modification and Child Custody Relocation pages.
Custody cases are emotional and high stakes, and they call for an attorney who prepares carefully and keeps the focus on your child. Keith L. Hancock leads our family law team. Keith is Of Counsel at RileyCate, LLC, and family law is the primary focus of his practice. His background includes work as a deputy prosecutor, deputy public defender, associate attorney, and founding member of his own prior firm, giving him a practical understanding of how cases are prepared, negotiated, and tried.
Keith personally oversees every family law matter we take on, working with the attorneys, associates, and staff the case calls for based on its size and complexity, so you get responsive, informed representation from the outset.
Nobody plans to need a lawyer. When something goes wrong, what you need first is someone who will listen, tell you honestly where you stand, and take the next steps off your plate. That is how every case at RileyCate, LLC begins.
We represent individuals, families, and small businesses across Fishers, Indianapolis, and surrounding counties in personal injury and complex litigation, business and real estate disputes, criminal defense, and appeals.
Will Riley and Russell Cate personally oversee every matter, staffing each case to its size and complexity. Both are recognized as Super Lawyers and have argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Will also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer designation.
We are trial-tested, not just settlement-focused. We have tried hundreds of cases, because insurance companies, opposing businesses, and prosecutors negotiate differently with a firm willing to go the distance.
If you’re facing a custody case, early preparation can make a real difference in the outcome for your child. We offer a consultation to review your situation and explain your options. Reach out to RileyCate today to speak with a child custody attorney.
