The Law Office Of E. Thomas Kemp

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Family Law

Family law is a broad area in the law, including divorce, paternity, child support, and adoption. We also handle issues over children's medical expenses, and the costs of sending children to college. In my family law practice, we work in all areas, from asset preservation, estate planning, and providing for children with special needs. In what follows I have posted some information that is commonly requested

Divorce

Divorce can be an emotional meat grinder, leaving children and adults with scars and ill will. However, it does not have to be that way. A good divorce attorney will work towards not only a fair and reasonable division of the assets and debts, but also towards a resolution that permits the parties and their children to move forward in life, even if that means that the former spouses must continue to cooperate in the raising of their children.

I have prepared a summary of the procedures that a standard divorce will go through to help you understand what to expect. I have also prepared a checklist of issues that you should consider and assure that they are addressed in your divorce.

Visitation and Custody

The Courts have worked hard to provide a means for parents to settle on an access plan for their children. The State of Indiana has parenting time guidelines for this purpose. However, many families find that the guidelines do not meet their needs, and they must instead carve out a plan of their own. This can be difficult. As a parent, no one wants a court to tell them when and how they can see their own children, but when the parents are not living together, this is what often must happen. Many parents today have taken a more collaborative approach to raising their children, where the children spend ample time with both parents, and the parents work together to provide the needed structure and rules for their children. Unfortunately, this does not work in every case. Sometimes the parents live hundreds of miles apart. Sometimes, one parent has a problem that prevents them from being able to provide appropriate care for their children. Regardless of the circumstances, a resolution must be had, either by agreement, or court order.

As children grow, they change, and their needs change. Because of this, visitation and custody are issues that are always open to modification. This can be a good thing, as it gives parents a means of adjusting court orders that no longer suit their children, but it can also be troubling, and some parents see this as an opportunity to argue and struggle with their ex-spouse for years after they split up.

Whether you and the other parent of your child or children are in complete agreement, or are at odds over issues relating to your children, you should consult with an attorney to help you put your plans and intentions into force.

UPDATE: Here is my view on the 2005 summer visitation schedule for local students: Link.

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