WORKING TO IMPROVE QUALITY REPRESENTATION IN NOBLESVILLE FAMILY LAW CASES

Posted April 25, 2015

THE EVOLUTION OF INDIANA SAME SEX DIVORCE

Posted Nov. 29, 2014
Indiana family law changed forever when the ban on same-sex marriage was overturned recently. This affects not only the right to marry, but also all aspects of Indiana family law. It directly affects same sex divorce which affects custody and parenting time issues as well as the financial division. It can be presumed that there will be ripple effects on determination of same sex custody and parenting time under paternity actions.

Indiana is actually quite well prepared to assimilate and accommodate these changes. Indiana case law and statutes have been increasingly focused on the best interests of the children and increasingly moving away from traditional household sex-based roles and parental roles.

Here are three reasons why Indiana is well prepared for same-sex divorce:

​1.   Emphasis on best interests of the children. By looking at the best interests of the children and their relationships with the parents, courts are less reliant on traditional parental roles. The advent of same-sex marriage carries with it the potential of real analysis of parental roles and household roles. Indiana's movement over the past few years toward a child focused analysis diminishes the anticipated effects of the same-sex marriage ruling.
2.   Less reliance on traditional parental roles. Recent decisions by the Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court rarely mention the “fatherly role” or “motherly role” in the upbringing of children. They discuss the children's relationship with each parent. There is little to no analysis of a father’s traditional role or a mother’s traditional role now.  Courts are increasingly looking at how this parent interacted with the children in this family. Indiana's continuing evolution therefore seems well suited to the new same-sex marriage landscape.
3.   Less reliance on traditional household roles. In the division of the marital estate as well as analysis of spousal maintenance, the Indiana courts do not presume that the husband is the breadwinner or that the wife is the homemaker. While courts may from time to time reference a spouse’s role as breadwinner or homemaker, it is within a discussion of the reality of that individual household not due to that spouse’s sex or gender. Maintenance analysis is strictly limited to the presence of an incapacity or the need for additional support to re-enter the workforce, with no distinction or presumption concerning a spouse’s gender.

Indiana’s courts therefore seem well placed to analyze the custody and financial issues of a divorce for a divorcing same sex couple.  While this change is still new and untested under Indiana law, there should not be significant differences on the custody and parenting time analysis for same-sex paternity cases.

Given this new and evolving landscape you are best served by a law firm or lawyer who is adaptable and not cemented to advocating only what will soon be archaic sex or family roles. This does not mean that these new changes will occur overnight.  But sooner rather than later, the changes on the horizon will be in your courtroom and affecting your case. 

Carter Legal Services LLC is well placed for this new landscape. I have practiced family law in multiple states for over 20 years.  I have not only seen and participated in this evolution but also can bring in the multiple points of view from the various states in which I have practiced. In addition my experience as a systems programmer allows me to develop a strategic plan for your situation regardless of the gender or parental roles of my client. Please use our CONTACT page to schedule an initial strategic consultation to analyze your situation and assist you in moving to the next phase of your life and your children's lives.

Earlier this month, I completed a course through Purdue University via edx.org called COMMUNICATING STRATEGICALLY.  This is in line with my philosophy of strategic legal representation.  It also improves the quality of legal writing on your behalf. Finally, by using a course through edx.org, I can improve my representation with no additional overhead (From their website: "Edx.org offers interactive online classes and MOOCs from the world’s best universities, colleges and organizations. Online courses from MITx, HarvardX, BerkeleyX, UTx and many other universities can be taken here.")

I am a huge fan of edx.org, TED talks, and other online resources focused on educational improvement. For example, I am enrolled in 2 current classes:

THE AMERICAN DREAM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION (MIT) and POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (UWashington).

These courses will help me offer more solutions and alternatives to clients with children (how to keep the stress of litigation off your children) and today's economy how it can affect current and future jobs for you and your spouse).

I will start a class called CYBERWAR, SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY (Adelaide) in May just because I am interested in stuff like that. 

By using resources such as this - and encouraging you to use resources such as this - my representation in your family law case can remain strategic, efficient, current and creative.  This is in addition to the Continuing Legal Education courses we are required to complete each year to maintain our law licenses.  

I will admit that part of my motivation for taking classes is my love of learning and interest in these subjects. But the main motivation is to be able to offer you a clear choice when you are selecting your Fishers divorce lawyer or Noblesville paternity lawyer: a lawyer applying experience and the most current and modern ideas from the top thoughtleaders.  You and your family deserve this.

You can download free materials to learn more about my VALUE ADDED DIVORCE/PATERNITY strategic process, designed to efficiently reduce your divorce litigation costs and time, and focus on results and goals built on your vision of your family.

To schedule a no-fee Strategic Consultation - in person or by phone or web - please use the CONTACT page.