Supporting Corydon Parents And Kids Through Child Custody
As a parent, you want what is best for your kids, especially during challenging times like a separation or divorce. That’s where child custody agreements come in. These agreements help provide the stability and support children need to thrive, ensuring they can enjoy childhood to the fullest while maintaining strong relationships with both parents.
My name is Amie Newlon, and I’m a child custody lawyer and registered family law mediator with over 20 years of experience in legal matters involving children. At my firm, The Law Office of Amie Newlon, my staff and I have helped countless families in Corydon and throughout Harrison County to find solutions for these emotional and complex issues. I can work with you to create a stable and nurturing environment for your child.
Call me today or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
What Are The Different Types Of Custody?
In Indiana, child custody cases revolve around two main types of custody:
- Legal custody addresses the right to make important decisions for your children regarding their upbringing, such as education, healthcare and religious upbringing.
- Physical custody determines where the child lives.
Parents may share both legal and physical custody, which is also called co-parenting or joint custody, or one parent may be designated as the custodial parent with sole custody. In the case of the latter, the other parent can still have visitation or parenting time.
Making Child Custody Decisions In Indiana
Courts encourage parents to work together to create parenting schedules and define responsibilities. If parents can’t agree, the court will make decisions based on the child’s best interests, taking into account a variety of factors, including:
- The age and health of the child
- The emotional bonds between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving home
- Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
- The physical and emotional health of the child and parents
- The child’s relationship with other family members
- The child’s preference, if the child is mature enough to have a well-reasoned opinion
Ultimately, the court weighs these and other elements to create a custody arrangement that serves the child’s overall well-being.
I know how complicated it is to make these types of decisions when you are divorced, separated or not in a relationship with the other parent. I can help you assess your situation and understand your legal rights to help you with these matters.
What Does ‘Best Interests Of The Child’ Really Mean?
As a parent, you make decisions every day based on what is best for your child. However, in the context of a child custody case, the “best interests of the child” is a standard used to address and protect your child’s needs.
This standard ensures that custody agreements prioritize what is best for a child, including their health, safety and emotional well-being, above all else.
It’s important to note that custody agreements can change over time as your child’s needs and best interests evolve. I can help you create a flexible plan that can adapt to your family’s changing circumstances.
Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges
In many child custody cases, the preference is to have parents share both physical and legal custody. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances when this is not possible or favorable for a child. Co-parenting may not work in cases involving high-conflict relationships, substance abuse, domestic violence or mental health challenges.
Even in amicable parenting arrangements, challenges may arise over various aspects of child-rearing. Here are a few examples of scenarios where co-parenting can become particularly difficult:
- Disagreements over parenting styles or discipline strategies
- One parent consistently making unilateral decisions without consulting the other
- Difficulties communicating effectively and respectfully
- Conflicting schedules that make coordinating visitation or parenting time difficult
Working with me can be beneficial in such situations. A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a neutral third party the court appoints to represent the best interests of the child. They investigate the family situation and make recommendations to the court regarding custody and visitation. Parenting coordinators can also be appointed by the court or agreed upon by the parents. They act as mediators, helping parents resolve conflicts and implement their parenting plans more effectively.
My two decades of experience as a child custody lawyer in Corydon affords me valuable insights to help you understand how these resources can impact your case.
Build A Strong Foundation For Your Kids
My mission is to empower parents and support children during times of transition. If you are in Harrison County, Crawford County, Indiana County, Clark County or Floyd County, reach out today by texting me at 812-641-7238, calling 812-626-7314 or fill out my online contact form.