Lake County Child Custody And Visitation

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Serving Children And Parents Across Northwest Indiana

Child Custody and parenting time are some of the most emotional and complex issues associated with divorce and paternity. At Stephens Law Firm, P.C., in St. John, Indiana, I am committed to helping my clients fashion child custody and visitation plans that are in the best interest of the children.

Child Custody

•· Physical Custody: Mom and Dad can share physical custody of the children or the children may reside with only one of the parents. If Mom and Dad cannot agree to a custody arrangement and seek Court assistance, other parties may also become involved, such as a Guardian Ad Litem and a Custodial Evaluator.

•· Legal Custody: Mom and Dad can also share legal custody which would allow them to make decisions together regarding education, religion and health care. Even when a parent does not have physical or legal custody of their child, the parent is still entitled to have access to the child’s school and medical records.

•· Modification: Custody can be modified by agreement or by the Court when there has been a substantial change of circumstances, pursuant to statute or for other reasons that your attorney may explain after consultation.

Visitation or Parenting Time

The state of Indiana has adopted the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines which the Juvenile and Family Courts of Lake and Porter counties frequently adopt. Moms and Dads are allowed to request additional parenting time from the Court and are also encouraged to enter into their own Agreement.

A grandparent may petition the Court for visitation rights when the child’s parent is deceased, the marriage of the child’s parents has been dissolved, and in paternity actions when the Court finds that visitation rights are in the best interests of the child.

Modification: Visitation can be modified by a Court approved agreement or by Court order when there has been a substantial change of circumstances, pursuant to statute or for other reasons that your attorney may explain after consultation.

Contact An Indiana Child Custody Attorney

If you are involved in a divorce, or need a post-divorce modification of a child custody or parenting time agreement, please contact Stephens Law Firm, P.C.. Julie can be reached by phone at 219-682-0003 or by filling out the intake form on our Contact Us page.

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Stephens Law Firm P C
Stephens Law Firm, P.C.
8051 Wicker Ave. Suite B
St. John, IN 46373

St. John Office
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Dear Julie A. Stephens,

I just wanted to say Thank You, for your patience and understanding. You handled my case with great care and empathy. I thank you for the words of encouragement and doing all you have done for me. May God continue to bless you, your family and your firm.

Dear Julie A. Stephens,

I just wanted to write to you and tell you how very much I appreciate everything you did for me. It was very nice to meet you and I wish the best to you as an Attorney.

Dear Julie A. Stephens,

Thanks you so much for all your hard work toward mine and xxx future. We appreciate you!