Divorce Lawyer in New Albany, Indiana

Divorce can be an extremely emotional and difficult time for anyone.  Regardless of whether the divorce has been in the discussion stages for months or if it’s sudden and unexpected, the parties must discuss and address many difficult issues, including:

As Indiana Divorce Lawyers, We Have Been Supporting Clients in New Albany and The Surrounding Communities For 3+ Decades

During a divorce, it is sometimes difficult for spouses to think clearly about how these and other matters should be resolved, or to think beyond the end of the marriage.

This is where we can help. Call our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced New Albany divorce lawyer. We can discuss the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and tenaciously advocate for the best possible outcome for you. Once this step is reached, we can then work with you to develop a plan for achieving your goals.

The Divorce Process Is Not About Fighting To The Death Over Every Issue

The journey through divorce is often perceived as a battlefield where every issue must be fought over. However, managing the divorce process effectively is not about engaging in an all-out war over every single matter. Instead, it is about crafting an acceptable resolution to a multitude of important issues that need to be resolved. The aim should be to focus on the key elements of importance and the desired outcomes, rather than attempting to emerge victorious on issues of lesser significance. This approach not only streamlines the process but also minimizes unnecessary stress and conflict.

Innovative Solutions from Experienced New Albany Divorce Attorneys

As experienced divorce lawyers, we understand that each divorce is unique, with its own set of concerns and priorities. Recognizing that what is paramount to one spouse may hold less significance to the other is a critical aspect of our strategy. This deep understanding allows us to tailor innovative solutions that address the core issues at hand, facilitating a smoother negotiation process.

We navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings with a focus on innovative problem-solving. By identifying and concentrating on the matters most crucial to each party, we can often devise creative and effective resolutions to disputes that might otherwise seem insurmountable. Our approach is not just about reaching an agreement; it’s about finding the best possible solution for the needs of our clients.

If you’re going through a divorce and need guidance, contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer. Let’s work together to find innovative solutions tailored to your unique situation.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Indiana?

In Indiana, a minimum of 60 days is required before a court can finalize a divorce.

After the divorce paperwork is filed, the court may implement temporary orders, but the official completion of the divorce proceedings cannot occur until 60 days have elapsed since the filing date.  So, if a couple is in agreement on all aspects of their divorce at the outset, it is possible to have the divorce completed in about 60 days.

However, as there are usually a number of contentious items that must be resolved in a divorce (such as property division, child custody, and parenting time matters), the actual time to get a divorce usually is longer than 60 days; often, three to six months. Particularly contentious divorces often take much longer than this time period, especially if a trial is needed.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Indiana Divorce Attorney?

The expense of hiring an experienced New Albany divorce attorney cannot be precisely estimated due to the numerous factors that influence the overall cost. The financial implications are contingent upon the behavior of the parties involved, their specific requirements and desires, and the strategies they employ to pursue these objectives. If both parties can agree at the outset about how to divide assets and resolve other aspects, then the legal fees will be significantly lower than if the divorce becomes highly contentious.

Does Indiana Require Marital Fault for a Divorce?

No. Indiana is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that a spouse does not need to prove any fault on the part of the other spouse to file for a divorce.

The court does not require evidence of misconduct, such as adultery or abandonment, to dissolve the marriage. Instead, the petitioner can simply cite “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” as the reason for the divorce.

This no-fault approach aims to reduce the potential conflict and complexity involved in the divorce process, allowing the court to focus on the resolution of issues such as asset division, child custody, and support without delving into the reasons behind the marital breakdown.

What Should I Do Before I File for Divorce in Indiana?

If you plan to file for divorce in Indiana, it’s crucial to take preparatory steps to safeguard your personal and financial information. We advise establishing a new email account exclusively for divorce-related communications. Additionally, consider renting a post office box. This will ensure that all correspondence with your divorce attorney and sensitive documents remain confidential and secure.

To protect your interests further, it’s essential to compile copies of key documents, including:

  • Tax returns from recent years
  • Statements from investment accounts
  • Insurance policies
  • Deeds to any real estate, including your home

Having copies of your children’s birth certificates and their Social Security cards is also advisable. These preparations will not only help in keeping your information secure but will also provide a solid foundation for your case, allowing us to represent you effectively throughout the divorce proceedings. 

Does It Matter Who Files First for Divorce in Indiana?

The legal system does not assign significance to which spouse initiates the divorce proceedings in Indiana. Nevertheless, there are practical benefits and drawbacks associated with being the first to file for divorce.

Filing first may afford the petitioner an opportunity to thoroughly prepare their legal strategy and gather necessary documentation in advance. This preparatory advantage allows the initiating party to articulate their expectations and requirements within the divorce petition from the outset.

However, it’s crucial for the spouse who decides to file first to have a clear and confident understanding that pursuing a divorce is the correct path for their situation. At Mattox & Wilson, we guide our clients through these considerations, ensuring they are well-informed and ready to make decisions that best serve their interests in the divorce process.

While we can’t take away the emotional pain of a divorce, we can help you through this very difficult time so that you are in a good position to start your life anew.

If you are considering a divorce or need legal representation in a divorce, please call our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced New Albany divorce lawyer.  We will meet with you so that we can learn about your situation, and we can tell you how the law will apply to your case and help you develop a plan for moving forward.


Client Review

“Derrick Wilson has been AMAZING at advising and representing me in my complicated and long divorce. He is always on top of the situation, and it is obvious his peers/competitors greatly respect him as well. He is a very compassionate person who always remains level-headed and always has my best interest in mind. He explains the process very well, in clear and concise steps. He communicates in a very efficient way to reduce costs while never making me feel bad for needing extra time when the situation requires it. He is fair and practical yet very intelligent and knows the law. Bottom line, you want this attorney on your side, not the other way around! If you need expert representation, Derrick Wilson is the best choice!”

Google Review 5 Stars – H.M.

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New Albany Divorce Attorneys for Contentious Divorces
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