Indianapolis, Indiana Law Firm of Hocker Law, LLC

Family Law Attorney Indianapolis

Hocker Law, LLC stands ready to provide legal guidance for divorce, child support, adoptions, custody, paternity and other important family law issues

Our family law attorneys handle cases involving divorce, child support, adoptions, custody, paternity and other legal matters. These cases require an experienced, knowledgeable, sensitive attorney who thoroughly understands the legal issues involved, the applicable laws and the most effective way to negotiate an agreement between the various sides.

When you are looking for a family law attorney, you want someone who is both a litigator and a negotiator. If negotiations fail to yield the results you need, we can represent you in mediation or at trial.

At Hocker Law, LLC, we have successfully negotiated, mediated and litigated these cases for more than 20 years. Indiana family law attorney Rachel A. East has extensive combined experience working with family law clients and helping them find solutions. Family law clients throughout Indiana routinely rely on us.

Don't underestimate the complexity of your legal problems. The sooner you contact our law firm, the sooner we can help you find a solution that helps you achieve your goals and move on with your life.

Attorney Rachel A. East
Indianapolis Family Law Attorney
6626 E 75th St Suite 410
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 982-3002

What is family law?

Family law cases encompass a wide range of legal issues involving individuals. Because laws vary from state to state, it's smart to meet with a lawyer familiar with the constantly evolving legal system in Indiana. Otherwise, you could make a decision about your situation based on outdated or incorrect information.

At Hocker Law, LLC, we are aware of the latest legal developments and can offer you the most honest and up-to-date advice on how best to resolve whatever legal matter you or your family is facing.

What are the common family law cases handled by Hocker Law, LLC?

Family law in Indiana covers a wide range. We handle the following (click on the links for more information about the specific topic):

How the family law process works in Indiana

Indiana has specific laws and procedures that apply to different types of family law cases. Such laws can be found in Indiana Code Title 31, which are known collectively as “Family Law and Juvenile Law” in Indiana.

In general, most cases require individuals to begin legal proceedings by filing a petition or motion with the appropriate court in Indiana. (Many documents related to family law cases in Indiana must be filed in County Circuit or Superior Civil Division Courts.)

In most cases, official documents must then be served to the other party, meaning a copy of the document must be delivered often in person to make sure they’re aware of the petition or motion.

Depending on the nature of your legal case, there’s often an intial court hearing, which is preceeded or followed by the discovery stage, during which both sides share information with each other with oversight from the court. Many cases are then resolved through mediation where the parents can determine the outcome and reach a settlement. If mediation is unsuccessful or if only some issues were settled, then the remaining items are decided at a legally binding formal court hearing often referred to as a final hearing.

Whatever the nature of your legal matter, it’s important you have an experienced family law attorney familiar with Indiana’s unique legal system. Otherwise, your case might not receive the attention it rightfully deserves.

A holistic approach to divorce and family law

We understand the stress divorce and other family law matters can create for people. That's why we will work hard to guide you through this difficult time with courtesy and professionalism.

We take a holistic approach, which means no important detail will be overlooked in a divorce case or other family law matter. We address child custody, visitation, parenting time, child support, spousal support, property division and other matters commonly associated with divorce.

Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule a free consultation. Call (317) 578-1630 and make a fresh start.

Prenuptial Agreements

Many couples create a prenuptial agreement before getting married. Often referred to as “premarital agreements” in Indiana, such legal contracts often define who owns certain property and whether the property will be considered jointly owned or separate property for each spouse.

Many people associate prenuptial agreements with divorce, but they can also be effective tools for defining each spouse’s rights and responsibilities once they’re married. Both parties must sign a premarital agreement in order for it to be valid in Indiana.

The state’s premarital agreement laws can found in Indiana Code, Title 31, Article 11, Chapter 3, Section 31-11-3-1, which concerns family law and juvenile law matters in Indiana. Enacted in 1995 and officially known as the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, this 10-part Indiana law defines what can and cannot be covered in a premarital agreement.

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Guardianship

A legal term often used to describe when a person has legal control over a child, guardianship involves granting someone the right to care for a minor (someone under 18 years old) or an incapacitated or disabled adult. Indiana Code Title 29. Probate § 29-3-5-1 outlines the state’s rules and regulations regarding guardianships in Indiana.

The process in Indiana begins with someone filing a “Petition for Guardianship” with the court that has jurisdiction over the case. In the petition, the applicant must specify what they are seeking control over. Often, a petition for guardianship involves seeking control over a person (who will then legally be defined as a “ward” or “protected person”) and/or control over someone’s estate. A doctor’s assessment of the ward (which states that the ward cannot make decisions related to their finances and health and well-being) is required as part of the petition for guardianship over an incapacitated person. Other rules and regulations also apply.

If a judge approves the petition for guardianship, an inventory of the ward’s property must be completed within 90 days. Indiana law also requires the legal guardian to report back to court every two years on the health and well-being of the ward. Such legal cases can be very complex. Therefore it’s critical to consult with a family law attorney familiar with Indiana’s guardianship rules and regulations as soon as possible.

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Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a process that enables couples to work through their divorce, separation or pre- or post-marital agreements in a mutually agreeable, non-adversarial environment. The collaborative process begins when both parties sign a participation agreement binding each other to the process and stating that neither party's attorney can represent them in future family-related litigation. Collaborative divorces and separations have the advantage of being less costly and potentially more flexible than traditional litigated divorces. In addition, outside experts such as neutral financial advisers and child specialists can be consulted to help the parties reach the best possible agreement.

For many couples, collaborative divorce can provide a better opportunity for communication, forgiveness and healing than a litigated or even mediated divorce. Our attorneys have extensive experience with collaborative law and can guide you through the process from start to finish.

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