Indianapolis Child Custody Lawyers

Last updated on June 29, 2026

When children are involved and questions about custody arise, a divorce can become extremely difficult. Our Indianapolis family law attorneys, Rachel A. East, and John Arak understand how stressful the process can be on individuals and their families.

As experienced child custody lawyers in Indiana, our job is to help clients negotiate agreements that are fair and meet the needs of children and parents. If negotiations are not possible, we will take the case to a mediator or to trial. Whichever course we take, we always put the needs of the client first while keeping the child’s best interest in mind. Indiana courts will only accept custody arrangements that are in the best interest of your child. We want to best serve your interests within the confines of the law.

Why Hire An Indianapolis Child Custody Attorney From Hocker Law, LLC?

Hiring an experienced child custody lawyer ensures that your voice is heard and your parental rights are protected throughout the legal process. At Hocker Law, LLC, we draw on three decades of service in the Indiana community to guide mothers and fathers through their custody cases with skill and care.

• Unified legal team: We work as a unified team, ensuring that every aspect of your parental rights is considered and strongly represented in court, so nothing is overlooked.
• Decades of local experience: With nearly 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys possess a deep understanding of complex Indiana custody laws and, specifically, how Marion County judges approach these cases.
• Tailored custody strategies: As part of the process, our team will discuss your situation, understand your goals and what you are seeking in a custody arrangement. This ensures that the plan we create reflects both your wishes and your child’s best interests under applicable Indiana law.
• Constant case updates: Our child custody lawyers prioritize keeping you informed, so you never have to wonder about the status of your case or the next step in the legal process.

Our Indianapolis family law firm provides the professional support you need to manage disputes or modify existing orders as your life changes. We advocate for fair resolutions to keep your family strong.

What Are The Different Types Of Child Custody In Indiana?

Indiana law breaks custody into two main categories: where the child lives, physical custody and who makes the big life decisions, known as legal custody. Common types of custody include:

• Sole legal custody: Legal authority for major decisions regarding the child’s health care, education and religious upbringing rests with one parent.
• Joint legal custody: Both parents can make major decisions about the child’s upbringing together.
• Sole physical custody: The child resides with one parent, who provides daily care and supervision, while the other parent may have visitation rights.
• Joint physical custody: The child spends significant time living with each parent, with both sharing responsibility for care and supervision.

These definitions help parents understand exactly how their daily lives and decision-making powers will work. Our Indianapolis child custody attorneys explain how these laws apply to your specific family situation.

What Factors Do Indiana Courts Consider When Determining Child Custody?

When you go to court in Indianapolis, the judge uses a specific set of rules to decide what is best for your child. Under the Marion County Family Law Rules (LR49‑FR00‑500), judges must consider the “best interests of the child,” as outlined in Indiana Code 31‑17‑2‑8. This requires evaluating multiple aspects of the child’s life before making custody decisions.

• The child’s needs: The court assesses the physical, emotional and developmental needs of the child.
• Parental fitness: The ability of each parent to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment.
• Parental cooperation: The willingness of each parent to encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
• Child’s relationship with each parent: The strength and quality of the bond between the child and each parent.
• Other relevant factors: Any other considerations that may impact the child’s well-being, such as the child’s adjustment to home and school.

By looking at these factors, the court aims to create a stable and healthy environment for the child’s growth. Understanding these standards allows you to focus your case on what the judge cares about most.

Handling All Aspects Of Child Custody Orders

Hocker Law, LLC, represents clients facing all types of child custody issues, including:

• Developing child custody arrangements: We understand every custody case is unique, which is why we provide one-on-one attention. We will review your situation and explain your options. We realize how important it is to keep you informed of any changes or issues that might arise during your case. We stay focused on your needs.

• Modifying child custody orders: Circumstances sometimes change, which requires a review of existing child custody orders. We will help you modify your existing order or if your arrangement is no longer in your child’s best interest or practical for you and your family.

• Termination of parental rights and custody: We aggressively protect the parental rights of our clients. Talk to us if you need representation for any type of child custody issue.

We understand the struggle mothers and fathers must deal with during custody disputes, and we are ready to help you preserve the relationship you have worked so hard to build with your child. We listen closely to your needs and work with you to create a plan that is fair and meets your goals.

Many debates often arise out of the issue of child custody. Some of the most common ones we deal with at our law firm include:

• Amount of child support payments
• Timing of child support payments
• Visitation rights
• Amount of time each parent gets to spend with children
• Timing of child custody arrangement
• Amendments to the child custody arrangement

Schedule A Free Consultation With An Indianapolis Child Custody Attorney

We strive to help each of our clients achieve their goals. If you need a knowledgeable attorney for your child custody issue, call Hocker Law, LLC, today for a free consultation. Call us at 317-743-9722 or contact us online.