Confident, Reliable, Aggressive Divorce Attorneys
At its basic level, choosing a divorce lawyer comes down to one important consideration: Are you going to be put in the best position to come out with a satisfactory result? Time after time, our attorneys at Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, have delivered positive results for our divorce clients with modest to multimillion-dollar marital estates in Indiana.
Our firm is known as the divorce law firm in the region. Our proven record of success with issues of family law for professional clientele – including doctors, engineers, dentists, accountants and other high-income individuals – means that we live up to our reputation, and we work hard on your behalf to do so.
A key part of any high-asset divorce is marital property division, which often involves aspects of estate planning as well. You and your spouse might reasonably disagree about which assets you should receive, including a co-owned business, real estate, investments, stocks, sentimental items and retirement accounts.
If you have minor children, custody and child support arrangements could be a stressful point of contention. Our family law attorneys will aggressively advocate to protect your interests and ensure your voice is heard both inside and outside the courtroom.
Understanding The Indiana Divorce Process: What To Expect
At least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in the specific county where the petition is filed for three months to file a divorce in Indiana. Upon filing, Indiana law mandates a 60-day “cooling-off” period. This is the minimum amount of time that must pass before a judge can grant a final divorce decree.
During this time frame, either party may request a preliminary hearing to establish provisional orders. These are temporary court orders designed to provide stability while the divorce is pending. Provisional orders can address immediate concerns such as:
- Temporary child custody
- Parenting time
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
These orders remain in effect until the court issues the final decree. Following the initial filings, the case enters the discovery phase. This is a formal process where both spouses exchange information and documents to ensure full transparency regarding marital assets, debts and income.
In many Indiana counties, the court will require the parties to participate in mediation before a final hearing. During mediation, a neutral third-party mediator helps the parties negotiate a settlement agreement. If the divorcing couple can reach an agreement on all issues, they can submit a written settlement agreement to the court. If the judge approves the agreement, it becomes part of the final decree, often bypassing the need for a stressful and costly trial.
Helping You Make Rational Decisions During Your Divorce
Divorce is an emotional event for everyone, even for people who have been anticipating the end of their marriage for some time. At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, we understand that you need your divorce lawyer to be an ally during the process – someone who can keep you on track and not let the emotions of the situation cloud your decision-making process.
And that’s exactly what our clients say about us.
“I would highly recommend Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, to handle any divorce case. Tom was thorough and was able to calm me down so I could make rational decisions through an emotional time.” Client Testimony
Answering Your Commonly Asked Questions
Divorce brings immediate legal and financial concerns, but understanding the process can help you plan your next steps. These answers address common issues spouses consider before filing for dissolution.
What residency requirements must you meet to file for divorce?
Under Indiana law, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for the six months immediately before filing. You must submit the petition in a county where either spouse has lived for the preceding three months. A spouse stationed at a U.S. military installation in the state and county for those respective periods also qualifies.
How long does a divorce usually take to finalize?
The state requires at least 60 days between filing the petition and holding a final hearing or entering a summary dissolution decree. An uncontested case can end soon after that period, while disputes over property division, support or child custody often keep the divorce pending for several months or longer.
How does Indiana divide high-asset estates and complex financial portfolios?
The court places property owned before the marriage, acquired before final separation or obtained through the spouses’ joint efforts into one marital estate, then presumes that an equal overall division is fair. Either spouse may seek a different result based on factors such as each party’s contributions, financial position and earning ability.
Are temporary orders for support or custody available during a pending divorce?
Once you file the petition, either party may request provisional orders covering child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance and possession of the marital home. These arrangements remain in place until the final decree or dismissal, although a judge may modify or revoke them earlier when the facts support a change.
Does an Indiana divorce require mediation, or does the case go straight to trial?
The state does not require mediation in every divorce, but a judge may order it in a contested case. A neutral mediator helps spouses work through property division, support and custody without deciding the outcome. If they settle every dispute, the court can finalize the dissolution without a trial; any unresolved matters proceed to a final hearing.
Connect With Our Indiana Divorce Law Firm Today
At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, no case is too big or too small. Let our skilled lawyers help you protect what matters most. To discuss your divorce concerns in private, you may contact our Crown Point law office today at 219-227-4259 or send us an email online to schedule your consultation.
We have more than a century of combined legal experience and serve clients throughout northwest Indiana.