Best Divorce Lawyers in Gary

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gary, Indiana?

  219-660-0000 is the non-emergency hotline of the Gary Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gary, Indiana?

  Police reports are available in the Gary Police Department, located at 555 Polk St., Gary, IN 46402. To obtain a digital copy, please visit the city's online citizen's reporting system here: https://www.countyoffice.org/gary-in-police-department/

• What happens after filing a divorce in Gary?

  After filing for divorce in Gary, a provisional hearing may be conducted to determine who will temporarily control the payment of debts, child custody, use of vehicles, and visitation rights. However, this can be avoided if both parties file a court-approved agreement. Both parties must sign a financial disclosure form, which includes details about their income, assets, and obligations. Those couples with kids must also participate in a four-hour session to ease the adjustment for the kids.

• What is the difference between collaborative and mediation divorce in Gary?

  In collaborative practice in Gary, the parties and their attorneys sign a contract agreeing not to go to court. Conversely, in mediation processes, the parties keep the option of going to court open while negotiations progress. Collaborative divorce is a voluntary procedure for resolving disputes in which the parties and their legal representatives agree to disclose pertinent facts and engage in good-faith negotiation. Mediation is a party-driven process, where a mediator in Gary stands the middle ground and creates durable agreements and fair compromises.

• How to establish parenting time in Gary?

  The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, which are intended to let parents and courts create their parenting plans, were approved in Gary to define visitation rights for people going through a divorce with children involved. In Gary, parents are free to ask the court for more parenting time where doing so would be in the child's best interests. Parents are also urged to make a calendar or timetable for parenting time that spans the entire year to prepare for birthdays, holidays, and school breaks.

• What is considered an asset in divorce in Gary?

  Assets in a Gary divorce settlement may include retirement funds, stocks, and salaries earned throughout the marriage. As Indiana is not a communal property state, any property is considered an asset during a divorce, regardless of how it came into being. Thus, inheritances and gifts are not regarded as independent property. The spouse who received an inheritance may still be obliged to split any assets obtained because gifts and inheritances are not considered separate property.

• How does child support work for college students in Gary?

  According to Indiana law, the custodial and non-custodial parents in Gary must file for continued support payments to fund their child's educational needs until the age of 21, as child support arrangements are valid until the child is 19 years old. To limit financial burden, the court mandates children to attend a state-supported institution even though college costs vary based on the child's choice of school and course. Families with higher income or children with high academic achievement are allowed for private school attendance.