Individualized Solutions To Custody, Visitation And Parenting Time Issues

At Sterba & Swope, LLP, we take a personalized approach when assisting our clients in navigating the difficult issues involved in custody and parenting time resolutions. We will assist you in determining which custodial arrangement works best for your children.

We want to try to reduce any friction that comes with this process so we can outline the times each parent gets to spend with their child(ren) and can help explain the guidelines and alternatives available to you. We will guide you through all the steps in reaching agreements concerning your child(ren)’s living arrangement, and if an agreement cannot be reached, will zealously advocate on your behalf.

The Basic Elements Of Custody

Parents can have both physical and legal custody of their child(ren).

Physical custody refers to which parent the child(ren) will live with. Parents can share physical custody of the child(ren) or the child(ren) may reside with only one parent, depending on the age and other factors with the child.

Legal custody is typically shared by both parents as well and gives them the ability to make decisions regarding the child(ren)’s upbringing, including education, religion and health care.

Legal custody can also be granted solely with one parent who may make such decisions. This is less common and usually involves some risk posed by the one parent, such as a history of abuse or dependence issues.

Parenting Time

Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines have been implemented by the State of Indiana. These Guidelines are adopted by the Juvenile and Family Courts in Northwest Indiana when parents have not taken advantage of the ability to work out a parenting time arrangement that fits their own circumstances.

Parents are also free to request additional parenting time from the Court beyond that which is outlined in the Guidelines, as they serve as a minimum suggestion.

Parenting Time Coordinator

Parenting Time Coordinator: We also work with the parties outside of Court to foster agreements and resolve ongoing issues related to the child(ren) in that family. A Parenting Time Coordinator reduces the harm continual litigation causes the children in these families and reduces the emotional and financial tolls on all involved.

We have completed specific multi-day training offered by the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts and continue to receive ongoing annual education in the latest developments in Parenting Coordination so that we can best assist both parents and children in high-conflict situations.

Guardian Ad Litem

Guardian Ad Litem: We represent the best interests of the child(ren) in the case. We report to the Judge or Magistrate our findings and it is our job to be present and ask questions at depositions and hearings, interview witnesses, and conduct discovery. We keep the child(ren) our top priority so that the information we pass along to the Family Court Judge or Magistrate allows him/her to make the best decision about custody and parenting time for the child(ren).

Get A Legal Ally Throughout Your Custody Issues

We are ready to help you understand your rights, protect your children and take the next step in life. Contact our law firm to speak with an attorney about your future. Call our Schererville office at 219-319-5239 or send us an email.