One of the most significant advantages of a flat fee structure is cost certainty. With hourly billing, clients never know how much their final bill will be, as it depends on the amount of time the attorney spends on their case. This can lead to surprise expenses and financial strain, which in turn can cause additional stress and anxiety during an already difficult time. A flat fee structure can provide clients with the peace of mind that they will know from the beginning of their case precisely how much their legal services will cost.
Another advantage of flat fees is that they incentivize efficiency. With hourly billing, attorneys are rewarded for taking longer to complete tasks or for performing more work, regardless of its necessity. With a flat fee payment structure, attorneys are typically motivated to provide expedient, tailored legal solutions that can save clients’ money in legal fees.
Divorce is referred to as “dissolution of marriage” in the state of Indiana. Indiana State Laws, specifically IC 31-15-3-3, IC 31-15-3-9, and IC 31-15-2-2, specifies ground for dissolution of marriage, division of property and assets during the dissolution of marriage, and the requirements for filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Firstly, a dissolution of marriage may be granted if there is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This means that the marriage is beyond repair and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation between the parties involved. It is important to note that Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party needs to prove fault or wrongdoing in order to obtain a divorce.
In Indiana, the court follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property. This means that the court will strive to divide the property and assets in a fair and just manner, taking into consideration various factors such as the contribution of each spouse to the acquisition of the property, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and the length of the marriage, among others. It is important for the parties involved to provide a comprehensive list of assets and debts to ensure a fair division.
Lastly, either party must be a resident of Indiana for at least six months prior to filing the Petition. Additionally, the Petition must be filed in the county where either party resides or in the county where the marriage took place. It is crucial to adhere to these requirements to ensure the validity of the dissolution proceedings.
Trust is the foundation of our relationship with clients. We focus on active listening and communication to reduce the amount of anxiety typically felt by clients who do not know what to expect in regard to their divorce. Time spent talking with our clients is never a waste. From our initial consultation, we discuss what divorce will likely mean for you. We want to know your concerns and what "success" means to you. After our initial consultation we meet with you to review your concerns and discuss many of our clients concerns such as:
Our goal, as your attorney, is to reduce your fear of the unknown in regard to your divorce.
Under Indiana law, domestic violence is defined and addressed in several statutes, including IC 31-9-2-42 and IC 31-9-2-44.5. These statutes outline the various forms of domestic violence and the legal remedies available to victims.
IC 31-9-2-42 defines domestic violence as any act that results in physical injury or creates a reasonable fear of imminent physical injury to a family or household member. This includes spouses, former spouses, individuals who have a child in common, individuals who are dating or have dated, and individuals who have lived together or are currently living together as if in a marital relationship.
IC 31-9-2-44.5 further expands the definition of domestic violence to include acts of sexual assault, stalking, and harassment. It recognizes that domestic violence is not limited to physical violence alone, but encompasses a range of abusive behaviors that can cause significant harm to victims.
Additionally, the court has held that the definition of domestic violence should be construed liberally to encompass not only physical acts, but also emotional, psychological, and economic abuse.
It is crucial to note that domestic violence is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.
To fully understand how child support is determined in the state of Indiana, it is important for both parties to have a clear understanding of the guidelines and factors that influence child support calculations.
In Indiana, child support is primarily governed by IC 31-15-2-17, which outlines the statutory guidelines for determining child support obligations. These guidelines take into account various factors such as the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the parenting time arrangement.
Additionally, Ind. Child Support Guideline 1 serves as a helpful resource in understanding the specific calculations and formulas used to determine child support amounts. This guideline takes into account the gross income of both parents, any childcare expenses, and the cost of health insurance coverage for the child.
It is also important to note that Ind. Child Support Rule 3 provides guidance on the modification of child support orders in cases where there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. This rule ensures that child support obligations can be adjusted to reflect the current financial situation of both parents.
Lastly, the court may impute income when one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, and has the power to consider the earning capacity of each parent when determining child support obligations.
Do not go through this alone. If you have questions about how Wise Law could help you establish, collect, modify, or terminate child support, please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation today.
In Indiana, child custody is governed by various sections in Article 14 of Title 31, which pertain to "custody following paternity," and Article 17 of Title 31, which deals with "custody in dissolution." These sections provide the guidelines and considerations for determining child custody in different circumstances.
This distinction between Article 14 and Article 17 is important as it helps us understand the specific factors that courts consider when making custody determinations. However, there is a similarity in factors considered.
When determining child custody, Indiana courts prioritize the best interests of the child. This standard is applied in both paternity and dissolution cases. The court takes into account various factors, including but not limited to:
It is important to note that Indiana law encourages shared parenting and joint custody arrangements, as long as it is in the best interests of the child. The court may consider the willingness of each parent to facilitate a healthy and ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent.
In cases where the parents are unable to reach a custody agreement, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or a custody evaluator to gather information and make recommendations. These professionals play a crucial role in providing the court with an objective assessment of the child's best interests.
Wise Law operates under the philosophy that clients are not merely numbers, but actual people who deserve better than the status quo. Our clients all have different needs and the same solutions may not work for every person. We work with every client individually to reach a resolution that meets their definition of success.
“Wise Law operates under the philosophy that clients are not merely numbers, but actual people who deserve better than the status quo. Our clients all have different needs and the same solutions may not work for every person.
We work with every client individually to reach a resolution that meets their definition of success.”
Chris Wise
