Valparaiso, IN Family Law Attorney

A Family Law Attorney Who Will Fight For Your Best Interest

Are you having family issues that require a Valparaiso Family Law attorney? Do you need help determining paternity or creating a prenuptial agreement? Are you and your spouse considering a divorce? Do you need help settling on a child custody agreement?

Navigating the legal system to resolve family issues is not an easy process. But the good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone; Valparaiso Family Law attorney, Mark Worthley, will help guide you through the system and fight for your best interests every step of the way.

With more than a decade of experience practicing law, Mark Worthley can put his skills and expertise to work for you. He’s earned a reputation for being hard-working, compassionate, trustworthy, and tenacious; that’s exactly the kind of person you need in your corner. Mark can assist you with:

Child Custody
Paternity
Child Support
Mediation
Prenuptial Agreements
Guardianships
Adoptions…and more

If you’d like to talk to attorney Mark Worthley about your case, just give him a call at 219-575-8565. For those who prefer online communication, you can send a message to [email protected] or fill out the contact form on this site.

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Commonly Asked Questions About Valparaiso Family Law

Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxieties you may be having about your upcoming legal proceedings. That’s why we’ve provided the following brief guide to some of the most common questions asked by our clients:

How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce In Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, a divorce will not be finalized until at least 60 days after the initial filing. That is the shortest amount of time required by law; your actual divorce may take longer depending upon whether one of the spouses contests the divorce, how long it takes to gather information about marital assets and debts if there are issues dividing property, or determining child custody, etc.

How Are Assets Usually Split In A Divorce Settlement?

The typical settlement is to divide assets up equally between the two parties, but it depends upon the facts of the case. For example, the court might decide to award one spouse more or less property if any of the following factors come into play:

One of the parties owned property before the relationship began
A spouse inherited or was gifted money or property
One spouse earned considerably more or less than the other
One of the parties was involved in illegal conduct or destroyed property

If at all possible, try to come to an agreement with your spouse on the best way to split assets. This approach is much easier than letting the court decide. But if you find yourselves in a stalemate, trust that your Valparaiso Family Law attorney will work to get you the best settlement possible.

Will I Have To Pay Alimony Or Spousal Support?

The awarding of spousal support is rare in Indiana, but may occur in the following cases:

If one spouse is incapacitated and unable to work
If one of the spouses needs additional education or training to be able to support him/herself
If a spouse acts as the primary caregiver for an incapacitated special-needs child

What Are The Different Types Of Child Custody Agreements?

Indiana distinguishes between legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody means that the parent gets to make decisions about the child’s health, education, religious upbringing, etc. Physical custody refers to which parent the child resides with.

In many cases, parents end up with joint legal and physical custody. That means the child will spend an equal amount of time at each home and the parents must consult each other when making important decisions that could affect the child’s future.

Who Determines The Amount Of Child Support That Needs To Be Paid?

The court will determine how much child support is required based on the income and assets of the parents. This amount is calculated using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines that were created by the Indiana Supreme Court.