Many women stay in unhappy marriages for many years over concern for what their future would look like after divorce. They may be worried about their children, financial security, the reaction from friends and family, and more. It is important to remember that women have powerful constitutional rights, and when you have experienced representation, your future should be protected.
At WSM, we exclusively represent women. We strongly believe in women’s rights and always take the time to educate our clients so that they can make decisions from a place of clarity. This also empowers them to protect their own rights by collecting and keeping evidence and knowing when to mediate and when to fight for what belongs to them.
Remember, how you settle a divorce will place legal obligations on you for the rest of your life, so it is important that you have representation from a certified family law specialist.
Contact our divorce law firm today at 380-212-3731 to arrange a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Family law issues require an in-depth understanding of state and federal law. You should look for a law firm that has a narrow focus so that the majority of their time will be spent navigating issues similar to what you are facing. If a law firm tries to do everything from criminal defense to personal injury, then it may not have the skills required to do everything possible for your case.
It is also important that you can get in touch with your divorce lawyer and feel supported throughout your case. Although your attorney may have a full caseload, they should still make time to make you a priority.
Finally, look for a law firm that can offer both mediation and litigation. Mediation is the process of negotiating with you and your ex-spouse; this can allow you to come to personalized agreements and saves time and money on court proceedings. However, it is also essential that your divorce attorney has what it takes to litigate on your behalf. Otherwise, you could be left vulnerable.
At WSM, we believe that our narrow focus – helping women in family law matters in Indiana, gives us a clear advantage. When you contact us, we will assign a divorce attorney best suited to your case.
Our legal team is comprised of amazing family law attorneys who are dedicated to things such as high asset divorce, high conflict divorce, complex custody matters, and more. No matter how straightforward or complex your case seems, it is likely that we have an attorney who is well suited to your case.
Thanks to our dedication to family law in Indiana, it is likely that we have worked with the judge overseeing your case before. That means that we can tailor our advice and do everything possible to protect your rights and interests.
We believe in empowering women with knowledge of their rights. We always take the time to keep our clients informed and are always prompt to answer your questions. Not only do we provide exceptional legal representation, both around the mediation table and in the courtroom, but we are also a source of constant support and compassion.
An Indianapolis divorce attorney from WSM will ensure that your rights are protected through all divorce proceedings. We are trained mediators as well as litigators, which means that we will help you and your ex-spouse come to agreements amicably where possible, but won’t be afraid to fight for your rights in court where necessary.
Some important considerations for women facing divorce include:
Most divorces do not result in a spousal support order, which means that neither spouse is required to pay a monthly amount to the other. However, it is common for women to sacrifice their careers to care for children and a home, and this should be considered when determining whether you are owed spousal support.
Spousal support or alimony is awarded in situations where one spouse requires financial assistance to maintain a standard of living that they have become accustomed to. If your circumstances mean that you have a right to spousal support, then an Indianapolis divorce attorney will help you secure it.
When you divorce a spouse in Indiana, you have a right to a fair and just division of your marital property. Our Indianapolis divorce lawyers will learn what is important to you and fight to protect your interests. We also ensure that any hidden assets, overseas real estate, and self-owned businesses are considered when dividing your property.
The first thing your divorce attorney will help you do is to divide your property into separate and marital.
When dividing marital property in Indiana, the court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contribution, the primary custodian of children, the ability of each spouse to earn money, and the needs of each spouse.
When family law cases involve children, decisions must be made which are in their best interests. Both parents have equal rights to their children, which means that child custody is usually shared unless one parent poses a risk to the child’s wellbeing.
In accordance with Indiana family law, parents are awarded legal and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make decisions that affect a child’s life, such as where they go to school and what medical care they receive.
Physical custody is how much time each parent spends caring for the child. Usually, one parent will be the residential parent who the child will live with, while the other has visitation rights.
Usually, the non-residential parent will be required to pay child support to the other. However this may not be the case if the non-residential parent earns significantly more.
At WSM, we provide compassionate support throughout the divorce process and beyond.
Our family law practice can also help you with:
Violence against women is a direct violation of their rights. At WSM, our dedication to women has allowed us to create a space where women feel able to share their experiences and receive the support they need to move forward.
Taking those first steps is never easy, but when you contact us, we can advise you about how to get to a place of safety. We will get to work quickly to file a protective order with the court and keep your ex-spouse far from you and your children.
We will continue to support you throughout your divorce and empower you with knowledge of your rights so that you can begin to rebuild. We will ensure that the court is made aware of the extent of your experiences and that they are considered when important decisions are made in regard to your divorce, such as child custody.
Legal separation does not officially end a marriage but allows a couple to make arrangements regarding property division, child custody, child support, and all other issues related to separation. This option allows couples to continue the marriage at a later date if they choose to.
The main reason why a couple may choose a legal separation over a divorce is for religious purposes. However, it is important to understand the implications before you make a decision as to which is the right option for you. At WSM, we can help you with either a legal separation or a divorce and can advise you before you decide which is the right option for you.
Once your divorce decree has been issued, you and your ex-spouse are required to adhere to its terms. However, you also have a right to seek a modification of your divorce decree if there has been a ‘substantial change in circumstances.
For example, if you have a new job, your child has changing needs, or you discover that your ex-spouse has hidden assets, then these could all be justifications for a modification. Your divorce lawyer will help you evidence your claims and secure the change you require.
If your ex-partner repeatedly fails in the obligations laid out in your divorce decree, such as missed child support payments, then you have a right to file contempt proceedings. Child support payments do not disappear, and your ex-spouse may be made to pay them with interest.
Some of the women we represent have a preference for working with female attorneys, and we are happy to accommodate them.
Divorces vary widely, some take several months and others two years or more. Each contested issue may require a new court date, which is why some divorces can take such a long time. We understand that most women want their divorce to move forward quickly, which is why we prioritize mediation to limit the need for court involvement. However, we will never sacrifice your rights and will always be prepared to litigate on your behalf.
The cost of a divorce depends on the number of contested issues, whether there are children involved and any other complexities. In your free consultation, we will assess your case and determine how much it could cost you so that you can act from a place of knowledge.
Parents have constitutional rights to their children, and grandparents do not. However, if the parents are not in a position to care for their children, then a grandparent could be awarded physical and legal custody. However, it can be a challenge to secure custody as a grandparent, and you should contact a family law firm to find out how they can help.
Usually, people are responsible for their own attorney fees. However, if your ex-spouse is significantly more wealthy than you, then you may be able to get your costs reimbursed.
While you wait for the outcome of your divorce decree, it may be necessary to have guidance on considerations such as child custody and who lives in the family home. The court may issue temporary orders that will be in place for a specified amount of time, usually until your divorce is finalized.
Men and women are treated equally under the law, which means that mothers and fathers have the same rights. Some women believe that they will automatically be granted custody. However, this is not the case. If your case involves child custody, then it is always beneficial to seek legal counsel.
WSM is the only law firm in the Indianapolis area to represent women exclusively. This provides us with a unique advantage when it comes to meeting women’s needs and protecting their rights. The goal of our law firm is for you to be confident about your life after divorce.
We handle both simple and complex cases and have the skills, resources, and experience necessary to do everything possible for your case.
Contact our law office today at 380-212-3731 to schedule a free consultation.
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