Child Custody Attorneys Who Also Handle Guardianship And Paternity

When it comes to your children, nothing matters more than their safety, stability and future. At Luisa White Law, LLC, we help families in Lafayette and Tippecanoe County resolve custody matters with empathy and professionalism. We also assist with guardianship and paternity proceedings.

Our founder, child custody attorney Luisa White, has over a decade of experience in Indiana family law. She is fluent in Spanish and represents clients from diverse backgrounds.

Our lawyers are committed to earning your trust through action – not words.

What Factors Affect Indiana Custody Arrangements?

Indiana recognizes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). These can be awarded as sole custody or joint custody, depending on what best supports the child’s well-being.

Child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, both in divorce cases and standalone custody cases. Courts consider a wide range of factors to determine the best interests of the child, including:

• The child’s age and developmental needs
• The child’s relationships with each parent, siblings and other important individuals in their life
• The child’s home environment, school setting and broader community
• The extent to which each parent has provided day-to-day care and stability for the child
• The physical and emotional health of both parents and the child
• Any history of domestic abuse or substance abuse

The court may appoint a guardian ad litem – who serves as a neutral representative of the child – to investigate and recommend what’s in the child’s best interest. We handle disputed cases involving guardians ad litem as well as Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions, and we do so with the care and sensitivity these cases deserve.

What Types Of Guardianships Does Indiana Recognize?

Guardianship may be necessary when a child’s parents are unable to care for them due to illness, absence or other circumstances. Indiana law recognizes several types of guardianship:

• Minor guardianship: Appointed when a child’s parents are deceased or incapacitated
• Temporary guardianship: Short-term, often used in emergencies (up to 90 days)
• Permanent guardianship: Long-term care and decision-making authority
• Limited guardianship: Grants authority only in specific areas, such as health care or finances

There are many key differences between guardianship and custody. Guardianship is court-appointed and may involve nonparents, whereas custody typically applies to parental rights. To appoint a guardian, a petition must be filed in probate court.

How Can An Unmarried Father Establish Paternity In Indiana?

If a child is born outside of marriage, the father must legally establish paternity to gain rights to custody, parenting time and decision-making. Indiana offers two primary paths for doing so:

1. Paternity affidavit: Signed by both parents at the hospital or local health department, this document legally recognizes the father and allows his name to be added to the birth certificate.
2. Court order: If paternity is disputed or the affidavit isn’t signed, a father can file a petition. The court may order a DNA test for paternity, and upon confirmation, issue a legal decree confirming paternity. The father can then petition for legal custody, physical custody or parenting time, all based on the child’s best interests. The father may also be responsible for child support.

Establishing paternity can foster a meaningful relationship and provide the child with long-term emotional stability. It can also grant the child access to benefits like health insurance and inheritance rights. Our paternity attorneys are committed to protecting fathers’ rights and guiding them through every step in the process.

Addressing Custody, Guardianship And Paternity Cases With Care

Custody, guardianship and paternity issues are deeply personal. At Luisa White Law, LLC, our child custody attorneys will take the time to understand your story, explain your options and advocate for your family’s future. Call us today at 765-239-5695 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.