Zionsville Family Law Attorney
Experienced Guidance for Your Family
Free Consultation
Husband-and-wife attorney team JR and Jill Emerson provide compassionate, experienced family law representation from their Zionsville office. Divorce, custody, support, and more; serving Boone County families with integrity and dedication.
Do I Need a Family Law Attorney in Zionsville?
If you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, child support issue, or any other family law matter in Zionsville or Boone County, having an experienced local attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome. Indiana family law is governed by specific statutes, and Boone County courts have their own procedures and expectations. At Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys, JR and Jill Emerson offer free initial consultations from their Zionsville office at 4582 NW Plaza West Dr, Suite 7 — so you can get honest answers and understand your options before making any decisions.
Local Zionsville Office: We maintain an office at 4582 NW Plaza West Dr, Suite 7 in Zionsville — minutes from the Village, Zionsville schools, and your neighborhood.
Husband-and-Wife Team: JR and Jill bring both the husband's and wife's perspective to every case, giving you a strategic advantage that other firms simply cannot offer.
44+ Years Combined Experience: With over two decades each practicing in central Indiana courts, we know the judges, the procedures, and the local landscape that affects your family's case.
Transparent Hourly Billing: We discuss all fees upfront during your free consultation so there are no surprises. Flexible payment arrangements available.
Free Initial Consultation: We offer free initial consultations to discuss your family law matter and explain our fee structure — no cost and no obligation to talk to us about your case.
On This Page
Your Zionsville Family Law Attorneys — JR and Jill Emerson
When your family is going through a legal transition — whether it's divorce, a custody dispute, a child support modification, or any other family law matter — you need attorneys who understand both the law and the community where your family lives. At Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys, that's exactly what you get.
JR and Jill Emerson are a husband-and-wife attorney team with over 44 years of combined legal experience. They opened their Zionsville office at 4582 NW Plaza West Dr, Suite 7, specifically to serve the families of Zionsville and the surrounding Boone County communities. Unlike large firms where you may be passed off to a junior associate or a case manager, when you hire Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys, you work directly with JR and Jill from the very first phone call through the resolution of your case.
As a married couple who practice law together, JR and Jill bring a unique advantage to every family law case: they understand both sides. JR brings the husband's perspective and Jill brings the wife's — and together, they develop strategies that account for how both parties think, what they value, and where the pressure points are. This dual-perspective approach has been instrumental in achieving favorable outcomes for over 1,000 families across central Indiana.
Our Zionsville practice covers the full spectrum of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, high-asset divorce, modifications, fathers' rights, paternity, and prenuptial agreements. Whether your case will be heard in Boone County or Hamilton County, we know the courts, the judges, and the local procedures — and we're ready to put that knowledge to work for your family.
Boone County Courthouse — Where Zionsville Family Law Cases Are Heard
Zionsville is located in Boone County, so most family law cases for Zionsville residents are filed at the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon, Indiana. The courthouse is a historic Classical Revival building — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — located on the courthouse square in downtown Lebanon, approximately 20 minutes northwest of Zionsville via US-421 North.
Boone County Courthouse
212 Courthouse Square
Lebanon, IN 46052
Phone: (765) 482-3510
Key Courts for Family Law:
Boone Circuit Court — Judge Lori N. Schein. Handles paternity, CHINS (Children in Need of Services), and juvenile cases. Also operates the Boone County Family Recovery Court.
Boone Superior Court 1 and Superior Court 2 also handle family law matters including divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders.
Directions from Zionsville: Take US-421 (Michigan Road) north approximately 12 miles to downtown Lebanon. The courthouse is located on the town square. Parking is available on surrounding streets, and a parking pass may be mailed to you if you are summoned for jury duty. The south entrance on Main Street is the public entrance, with security screening including an X-ray machine and metal detector. Cell phones are permitted in the courthouse but must be turned off in courtrooms. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A Message from Your Zionsville Family Law Attorneys
Before you scroll any further, take a moment to hear directly from JR and Jill about how we approach family law cases and what you can expect when you call our office.
No pressure, no obligation — just two attorneys who care about doing this the right way.
Why Zionsville Families Choose Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys
A Zionsville Office — Not a Remote Referral
We maintain a physical office at 4582 NW Plaza West Dr, Suite 7, right here in Zionsville. You don't have to drive to Indianapolis or deal with a firm that has never set foot in your community. We live and work in the same neighborhoods you do, and that local presence matters — especially in family law, where knowledge of schools, property values, and community resources directly affects case strategy.
Both Perspectives in Every Case
JR and Jill are married — and they're both experienced family law attorneys. This means your legal team genuinely understands both the husband's and wife's point of view. Whether you're the one filing or responding, we can anticipate the other side's strategy and prepare accordingly. No other firm in Boone County offers this built-in advantage.
You Speak Directly with Your Attorney
When you call Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys, you will speak directly with JR or Jill — not a call center, not an intake coordinator, and not a paralegal screening your call. We believe that the attorney handling your case should be the person answering your questions, and we've built our practice around that principle.
Transparent Fees — No Surprises
Family law cases are billed on a transparent hourly basis with no hidden fees. During your free initial consultation, we explain exactly how our fee structure works, what to expect in terms of costs, and whether flexible payment arrangements might be appropriate for your situation. You'll know what you're paying for before you pay a single dollar.
Why Zionsville Family Law Cases Are Different
Zionsville is not a typical Indiana community. With a population that has grown nearly 280% since 2000 to over 33,000 residents, a median household income of approximately $159,000, and median home values exceeding $600,000, the financial landscape of a Zionsville family law case is fundamentally different from cases in most other parts of the state. These factors have a direct impact on property division, child support calculations, spousal maintenance arguments, and custody arrangements.
Zionsville Community Schools and Custody Decisions
In virtually every Zionsville custody case, the school district is the central issue. Zionsville Community Schools is one of the highest-rated public school districts in Indiana, and families move here specifically to enroll their children in schools like Eagle Elementary, Union Elementary, Boone Meadow Elementary, Pleasant View Elementary, and Trailside Elementary. At the secondary level, Zionsville Middle School, Zionsville West Middle School, and Zionsville Community High School consistently rank among the top schools in the state. When parents divorce, both sides typically want to keep the children enrolled in ZCS. That means custody arrangements must be structured around school boundaries, bus routes, and proximity — and it often means the marital home becomes the most contested asset because of what it represents: access to the school district.
High Property Values and Complex Asset Division
The Zionsville real estate market is among the most expensive in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. With median sale prices regularly exceeding $650,000 — and many homes in subdivisions like Holliday Farms, Irishman's Run, Irongate, Raintree, and Wild Air valued well above $1 million — the marital home alone can represent a significant portion of the marital estate. Property division in Zionsville cases often involves complex valuation questions, including new construction premiums, HOA obligations, and the tax consequences of keeping versus selling the home. Many Zionsville families also own substantial retirement accounts, trust assets, and investment portfolios that require careful analysis.
Dual-Income Professionals and Support Calculations
Zionsville attracts a high concentration of dual-income professional households. Many residents work at corporate campuses in Indianapolis, Carmel, and the surrounding area, or are professionals — physicians, executives, business owners, and engineers — whose incomes significantly exceed state averages. Child support in Indiana is calculated using the income shares model under IC 31-16-6, and in Zionsville cases the numbers are often well above the guideline amounts that courts in other counties typically see. Spousal maintenance disputes in Zionsville can be especially complex given the standard of living these families have established.
Community Lifestyle and Parenting Time
Zionsville's family-oriented community infrastructure — from the Big-4 Rail Trail and Mulberry Fields Park to Lions Park, the Zionsville Nature Center, the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, and youth sports programs at Jennings Field — shapes how parenting time schedules are designed. Courts considering "best interests of the child" under IC 31-17-2-8 look at the child's connection to their community, their school, their friends, and their activities. When we build a parenting time proposal for a Zionsville case, we incorporate these specific community elements because they demonstrate to the court exactly why stability in this particular community matters.
Rapid Growth and Relocation Disputes
Zionsville's explosive growth — driven in part by corporate relocations and out-of-state families moving to Boone County for the schools and quality of life — also creates relocation custody disputes. When a parent receives a job transfer or wants to move more than an hour away, Indiana's relocation statute (IC 31-17-2.2) requires notice and, potentially, court approval. We have successfully handled relocation cases in Boone County that kept children in their established Zionsville schools and neighborhoods when a move would not have served their best interests.
Family Law Services We Provide in Zionsville
Divorce
Whether contested or uncontested, we guide you through every phase of the divorce process — from filing the petition through property division, custody arrangements, and the final decree. Our knowledge of Zionsville's high-value real estate market and dual-income dynamics is especially valuable in these cases.
Child Custody
Custody disputes in Zionsville almost always revolve around keeping children enrolled in Zionsville Community Schools. We build custody strategies that prioritize your child's stability, community connections, and best interests under Indiana law.
Child Support
Indiana uses an income shares model, and Zionsville's high-income households often raise complex calculation questions. We handle initial support orders, modifications, enforcement, and high-income cases where the guidelines may not adequately address your family's needs.
High-Asset Divorce
With home values regularly exceeding $600,000 and complex investment portfolios, many Zionsville divorces qualify as high-asset cases. We handle business valuations, retirement account division, QDROs, stock options, and forensic accounting matters.
Fathers' Rights
Indiana law guarantees equal parenting rights to both parents. JR has extensive experience advocating for fathers seeking custody, equal parenting time, protective order defense, and enforcement of existing orders when the other parent is not complying.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Protecting assets before or during marriage is especially important in a community like Zionsville where significant wealth is common. We draft, review, and defend prenuptial and postnuptial agreements — and know how to challenge them when they are unfair.
We also handle spousal maintenance, post-decree modifications, and paternity actions for Zionsville and Boone County families.
How Your Zionsville Family Law Case Works — Step by Step
Free Initial Consultation
Call (317) 969-8000 or visit our Zionsville office. You'll meet with JR or Jill directly — not a paralegal — to discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and learn how our fee structure works. There is no cost and no obligation.
Case Evaluation and Strategy
Once retained, we conduct a thorough review of your case — assets, income, children's needs, living arrangements, and any urgent issues. We develop a customized legal strategy based on your goals, your family's circumstances, and the specifics of Boone County or Hamilton County court procedures.
Filing and Temporary Orders
We file the necessary petitions and, if needed, seek temporary orders to protect your interests during the case — including temporary custody, support, and use of marital property. If there is an emergency, we can file for emergency relief on the same day.
Discovery and Financial Disclosure
Both parties exchange financial information. In Zionsville cases involving high-value homes, business interests, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios, this phase is especially critical. We ensure full disclosure and identify any hidden or undervalued assets.
Negotiation and Mediation
Most family law cases in Boone County are resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than trial. We are skilled negotiators who advocate aggressively for your position while remaining open to fair resolution. Mediation can save time, money, and emotional stress — but we only agree to terms that truly protect your interests.
Settlement or Trial
If a fair agreement can be reached, we draft and finalize the settlement. If not, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial before the Boone County court. JR and Jill are experienced trial attorneys who are comfortable in the courtroom and effective before judges.
Final Order and Decree
Once terms are agreed upon or the court issues a ruling, the final order is entered. We ensure that every detail is properly documented and enforceable — including custody arrangements, support obligations, property transfers, and retirement account divisions.
Post-Decree Support
Life changes. Children grow. Incomes shift. If your circumstances change after the decree, we handle modifications to custody, support, and parenting time — and we enforce existing orders when the other party is not complying.
Property Division in Indiana — What Zionsville Families Need to Know
Indiana is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning the court divides marital property in a manner it considers just and reasonable — which does not necessarily mean 50/50. Under IC 31-15-7, the court starts with a presumption that an equal division is fair, but can deviate based on factors including each spouse's contribution to the marriage, the economic circumstances of each party, and the conduct of each party during the marriage.
In Zionsville, property division often involves significant complexity. The marital home — frequently valued above $600,000 and sometimes well above $1 million — is typically the largest single asset. The decision of whether to sell the home, have one spouse buy out the other, or defer the sale creates financial consequences that can affect both parties for years. When children are involved, the school district factor adds another layer: the parent who keeps the children in the Zionsville Community Schools district may have a stronger argument for retaining the home.
Beyond the home, Zionsville divorces frequently involve retirement accounts (401(k)s, pensions, IRAs), stock options and restricted stock units from corporate employment, trust assets, business interests, and investment portfolios. Each of these requires careful valuation and, in some cases, the involvement of forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and tax advisors. We work with qualified professionals to ensure that you receive a fair and accurate picture of the marital estate before agreeing to any division.
It is also critical to distinguish between marital property and separate property. Inheritances, gifts to one spouse, and property owned before the marriage may qualify as separate property under Indiana law — but only if they have been properly maintained and not commingled with marital funds. In high-income Zionsville households, commingling is a common issue, and understanding how to trace separate property can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Facing a Difficult Family Law Decision in Zionsville?
You don't have to navigate this alone. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to answer your questions and protect what matters most.
Child Custody and Parenting Time in Zionsville Cases
Indiana courts make custody decisions based on the "best interests of the child" standard, as outlined in IC 31-17-2-8. The statute identifies eight specific factors the court must consider, including the age and sex of the child, the wishes of the parents and child, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
In Zionsville, the "adjustment to community" factor carries particular weight. Children who are enrolled in Zionsville Community Schools, participate in youth sports at Lions Park or Jennings Field, have friends in subdivisions like Irishman's Run or Holliday Farms, and use the Big-4 Rail Trail and Mulberry Fields with their family have deep roots in this specific community. A custody arrangement that uproots a child from these connections — especially mid-school-year — faces an uphill battle in court.
Indiana's Parenting Time Guidelines (IC 31-17-4) provide a framework for standard visitation schedules, including weekday, weekend, holiday, and summer arrangements. However, these are minimum guidelines, and Zionsville families often negotiate customized parenting plans that account for both parents' work schedules, the children's extracurricular commitments, and the geographic proximity of both households to the schools.
Joint legal custody — where both parents share decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and religious upbringing — is common in Zionsville cases. Physical custody arrangements range from traditional primary-custodial-parent models to 50/50 shared custody. The right arrangement depends on your family's specific circumstances, and we work with you to develop a parenting plan that prioritizes your children's wellbeing while protecting your parental rights.
If you are facing a relocation dispute — whether your co-parent wants to move out of the Zionsville area or you need to relocate for work — Indiana's relocation statute (IC 31-17-2.2) requires specific notice and, in many cases, court approval. We have successfully blocked relocations that would have removed children from the Zionsville community, and we have also helped parents navigate relocations when they are genuinely in the child's best interests.
Key Indiana Family Law Statutes
Indiana family law is governed by Title 31 of the Indiana Code. Here are the statutes most relevant to Zionsville family law cases:
IC 31-15-2 — Filing Requirements and Residency
To file for divorce in Indiana, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for three months. Most Zionsville residents file in Boone County.
IC 31-15-2-6 — 60-Day Waiting Period
Indiana imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before a final decree can be entered. This is the minimum — most contested divorces take significantly longer.
IC 31-15-7 — Property Division
Indiana follows equitable distribution. The court presumes an equal division of marital property is fair, but may deviate based on statutory factors. IC 31-15-7-4 lists the factors courts consider, and IC 31-15-7-5 governs the disposition of the marital property.
IC 31-17-2-8 — Best Interests of the Child
The cornerstone of custody decisions. Courts consider eight statutory factors including the child's wishes, adjustment to community, and each parent's fitness. This statute drives every custody argument in Boone County court.
IC 31-16-6 — Child Support Guidelines
Indiana uses the income shares model. IC 31-16-6-1 establishes the framework, IC 31-16-6-6 permits deviation from the guidelines in certain circumstances, and IC 31-16-8 governs modifications of existing support orders.
IC 31-15-7-2 — Spousal Maintenance
Indiana is restrictive on spousal maintenance. It is available only for incapacity, rehabilitative purposes (up to 3 years), caretaker situations, or by agreement of the parties. Understanding these limitations is critical in Zionsville cases involving long marriages and significant income disparity.
IC 31-17-2.2 — Relocation
A parent who intends to move must provide written notice. If the other parent objects, the court evaluates whether the relocation is in the child's best interests. This statute is frequently invoked in Zionsville cases when a parent wants to leave the school district.
The Decisions You Make Now Will Affect Your Family for Years
Make sure you have experienced legal guidance before agreeing to anything. Schedule your free consultation today.
Preparing for Your Zionsville Family Law Case — A Checklist
Financial Documents to Gather
✓ Last 3 years of federal and state tax returns
✓ Recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months) for both spouses
✓ Bank statements for all accounts (checking, savings, investment)
✓ Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
✓ Mortgage statements and property tax records
✓ Credit card statements and loan documents
✓ Business financial records (if applicable)
Personal & Family Documents
✓ Marriage certificate
✓ Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement (if any)
✓ Children's birth certificates and school enrollment records
✓ Health insurance cards and policy information
✓ Any existing court orders or agreements
✓ Documentation of any safety concerns
✓ List of questions and priorities for your consultation
Boone County Court Guide for Zionsville Residents
Boone County Courthouse
212 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, IN 46052
Phone: (765) 482-3510 | Fax: (765) 485-0150
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (lunch break 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for most offices)
Circuit Court: Judge Lori N. Schein — Handles paternity, CHINS, juvenile, and Family Recovery Court
Superior Courts 1 & 2: Handle divorce, custody, support, and protective order cases
Directions from Zionsville: Take US-421 (Michigan Road) north approximately 12 miles into downtown Lebanon. The courthouse is on the town square. Free street parking is available on surrounding streets.
Security: Entry through the south entrance on Main Street only. All visitors pass through X-ray and metal detector screening. No firearms, knives, or weapons permitted. Cell phones must be turned off in courtrooms.
Important: Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your hearing. Dress professionally. Bring all documents your attorney has requested. If you have questions about what to expect, call our office at (317) 969-8000 before your court date.
How Long Does a Family Law Case Take in Boone County?
2 – 4 Months
Uncontested / Agreed
Both parties agree on all terms. After the mandatory 60-day waiting period, the final hearing is scheduled quickly.
4 – 8 Months
Moderate Complexity
Some disputed issues requiring negotiation or mediation, but parties can reach agreement without trial.
8 – 14 Months
Complex / High-Asset
Cases involving business valuations, complex asset division, custody disputes, or discovery challenges.
12 – 18+ Months
Contested Trial
Cases that cannot settle and require a full trial, appeals, or involve multiple contested issues.
Results for Hamilton County Families
Prenuptial Agreement Defense — $1M+ Judgment for Wife
Represented a Hamilton County wife in a contested divorce involving a marital estate exceeding $3 million and a prenuptial agreement the husband had required her to sign before marriage. During mediation, the husband claimed the prenuptial agreement entitled him to the majority of the estate and alleged the wife actually owed him money. After a highly contested hearing, the Court agreed with JR and Jill's interpretation of the prenuptial agreement, rejected the husband's claims entirely, and ordered the husband to pay the wife more than $1 million to achieve the 50/50 division the agreement actually required.
Postnuptial Agreement Enforced — Wife Receives Over $20 Million
Jill represented a wife in a high-asset divorce. During the marriage, the parties had entered into a postnuptial agreement entitling the wife to 50% of the marital estate, including business interests. When the husband filed for divorce, he argued that the postnuptial agreement was unenforceable. Jill successfully defended the validity of the agreement and secured her client over $20 million in assets.
Contested Divorce — Court Awards $36,000 Against Wife's $625,000 Demand
Represented a Boone County husband in a highly contested divorce. During the marriage, the husband had gifted more than half a million dollars to the wife to purchase a new home titled in both names. At trial, the wife demanded $625,000 and argued that the husband's inheritance should be included in the marital estate. JR presented evidence establishing the husband's separate property interests and successfully argued that the inheritance was not marital property. The Court rejected the wife's demand and ordered the husband to pay approximately $11,000 — representing the wife's half of the actual marital estate — plus approximately $25,000 in attorney fees. Total: roughly $36,000 against a $625,000 demand.
High-Asset Divorce — Favorable Settlement for Fishers Professional
JR represented a Fishers professional in a high-asset divorce where the marital estate included retirement accounts, trust accounts, and the marital home. The wife valued the marital estate at approximately $7.9 million. JR challenged the valuations of the disputed assets and presented evidence that the estate was worth approximately $1.3 million less than the wife claimed. At mediation, JR's valuation work gave the husband the leverage needed to reach a settlement that husband found favorable to him given the taxable nature of some of the assets.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
"I recently worked with James R Emerson based in Carmel, Indiana. He and his team focus on accident and divorce law. I was impressed by his expertise and dedication. When it came to divorce proceedings, he provided compassionate support and clear guidance, making a difficult situation more manageable. His communication was always prompt and transparent. I highly recommend James for anyone seeking legal assistance in these or other areas."
Andy Rubey — Google Review
★★★★★
"Jill is a very smart lady. I would use her again if I needed a family lawyer again. Very professional and knowledgeable, and fighter when needed."
Tyler Height — Google Review
Zionsville Family Law Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Zionsville
How much does a family law attorney cost in Zionsville?
Family law cases are billed on a transparent hourly basis. The total cost depends on the complexity of your case and how contested the issues are. During your free initial consultation, we explain our fee structure in detail so you know what to expect. We offer flexible payment arrangements and discuss all fees upfront — there are no hidden costs or surprise bills.
Where are Zionsville family law cases filed?
Zionsville is in Boone County, so most family law cases are filed at the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon, Indiana. However, if you or your spouse recently moved from Hamilton County or another county, filing location may depend on residency requirements under IC 31-15-2. We determine the proper jurisdiction during your initial consultation.
How long does a divorce take in Boone County?
Indiana requires a minimum 60-day waiting period. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree can be finalized in 2 to 4 months. Contested divorces involving complex assets, custody disputes, or trial typically take 8 to 18 months or longer. The Boone County court calendar and the complexity of your specific case will determine the timeline.
Will I lose my house in the divorce?
Not necessarily. Indiana courts start with a presumption of equal division, but the marital home is just one asset in the overall estate. In Zionsville, where homes are often valued above $600,000, options include selling the home and dividing proceeds, one spouse buying out the other's equity, or negotiating to keep the home in exchange for other assets. The best strategy depends on your financial situation, whether children are involved, and the school district implications.
How is child custody decided in Indiana?
Indiana courts use the "best interests of the child" standard under IC 31-17-2-8. The court considers eight statutory factors including each parent's wishes, the child's wishes (if old enough), the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of all parties. In Zionsville, the child's connection to Zionsville Community Schools and the local community plays a significant role.
Can I get spousal maintenance (alimony) in Indiana?
Indiana is one of the most restrictive states for spousal maintenance. Under IC 31-15-7-2, maintenance is only available in limited circumstances: if a spouse is physically or mentally incapacitated, if a spouse needs rehabilitative support for up to three years, if a spouse is a caretaker for a child who is incapacitated, or if the parties agree to maintenance in a settlement. While this limits court-ordered maintenance, experienced negotiation can often achieve maintenance through agreement even in cases where the court would not order it.
How is child support calculated in Indiana?
Indiana uses the income shares model under IC 31-16-6, which considers both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, childcare costs, and health insurance costs. In Zionsville, where household incomes frequently exceed $150,000, support calculations can be complex — especially when one parent is self-employed, receives bonuses or commissions, or has variable income.
What if my spouse wants to move our children out of Zionsville?
Indiana's relocation statute (IC 31-17-2.2) requires a parent who intends to relocate to provide written notice. If you object to the move, you can file a motion with the court, and the judge will evaluate whether the relocation is in the children's best interests. In Zionsville, courts often weigh the children's connection to the school district, their friendships, and their community activities heavily in these decisions.
Do fathers have equal custody rights in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Both parents have equal rights to custody and parenting time. JR has extensive experience representing fathers in custody disputes, protective order defense, and parenting time enforcement actions in Boone County and Hamilton County courts.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to decision-making authority over major issues like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Joint legal custody is common in Indiana, meaning both parents share decision-making. Physical custody can be primary (one parent has the majority of overnights) or shared (approximately equal time with each parent).
Can I modify a custody or support order after it's been entered?
Yes. Indiana law allows modification of custody, parenting time, and child support orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common triggers include job changes, relocation, a child's changing needs, or a parent's failure to comply with existing orders. We handle modification cases regularly in Boone County.
Do you offer free consultations for family law cases?
Yes. We provide every potential client with a free initial consultation at our Zionsville office. You will meet directly with JR or Jill — not a paralegal or intake coordinator — to discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and learn about our fee structure. Call (317) 969-8000 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.
Serving Zionsville Neighborhoods and Surrounding Communities
Our Zionsville family law practice serves families throughout the Zionsville area, including these neighborhoods and subdivisions:
Irishman's Run
Irongate
Raintree
Wild Air
Rock Bridge
North Hills
Oak Ridge
Lexington Hall
Pleasant View
Stonegate
Long Branch Estates
Heritage Trail
Zionsville Village
Mulberry Place
Oldfield
Oxford Woods
Pineview Estates
Eagle Township
Union Township
We Also Serve Families in Nearby Communities: