Dennis, Wenger & Abrell, P.C. helps Indiana individuals and families with divorce, child custody, parenting time, support, paternity, adoption, guardianship, and related family-law matters through its Muncie and Carmel offices.
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How DW&A Can Help With a Family-Law Matter
Family-law matters may involve children, property, finances, living arrangements, and existing court orders. DW&A can review records, explain legal procedures, prepare or respond to filings, assist with negotiation or mediation, and represent clients in contested court proceedings.
The appropriate approach depends on the legal issues involved, the available information, and whether the parties can resolve some or all of their disagreements.
Family Law Services
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Guardianships and Guardian ad Litem Matters
Guardian ad Litem Matters
A court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to investigate circumstances affecting a child and provide information or recommendations concerning the child’s best interests. The exact role depends on the case and the court’s appointment order.
Guardianships
A guardianship may give someone court-approved authority to make certain personal or financial decisions for a minor or an adult who needs a guardian. The responsibilities and court requirements depend on the type of guardianship and the circumstances involved.
Mediation and Changes to Existing Orders
Post-Divorce and Modification Matters
Changes involving relocation, work schedules, finances, or a child’s needs may lead someone to request a modification of custody, parenting time, support, or another order. An informal agreement between the parties does not necessarily replace the existing court order, so additional legal steps may be required.
Domestic Mediation
Domestic mediation allows parties to discuss parenting arrangements, property division, support, and other disputed issues with the assistance of a neutral mediator. It may reduce the number of issues requiring a court decision, although mediation is not appropriate for every case and does not guarantee an agreement.
Preparing for a Family-Law Consultation
Before meeting with an attorney, gather available court papers, financial records, tax returns, pay information, property records, parenting schedules, written agreements, relevant correspondence, and a brief timeline of important events.
Meet the Family-Law Team
Tara M. Smalstig, Partner
Tara M. Smalstig handles divorce, custody, parenting time, support, paternity, adoption, guardianship, and post-divorce matters. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Family Law Section and has completed civil and family mediation training.
Michael G. Foley, Partner
Michael G. Foley handles divorce, custody, parenting time, support, adoption, guardianship, and other family-law matters. His broader practice includes civil litigation, personal injury, criminal defense, real estate, and estate planning.
Serving Clients Through Muncie and Carmel
MUNCIE OFFICE
Founded in Muncie in 1980, Dennis, Wenger & Abrell, P.C. has served Indiana individuals and families for decades. The firm’s Muncie office remains an important part of its history and provides access to a broad range of legal services, including family law, estate planning, probate, business law, and civil litigation.
CARMEL OFFICE
DW&A also serves clients through its Carmel office, providing a convenient option for individuals and families in Carmel, Hamilton County, and surrounding Central Indiana communities. Clients seeking help with divorce, child custody, parenting time, support, adoption, guardianship, or another family-law matter can contact the office that is most convenient for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bring available court papers, tax returns, pay information, financial statements, property records, parenting schedules, written agreements, and relevant correspondence. A brief timeline and a list of your main questions may also be helpful.
Indiana courts consider the child’s best interests. The analysis may involve the child’s needs, relationships, living arrangements, adjustment to home and school, and other circumstances recognized under Indiana law.
Parenting time may sometimes be modified when circumstances change or when a different arrangement may better serve the child’s interests. The procedure depends on the existing order, the requested change, and whether the parties agree.
A Guardian ad Litem may investigate circumstances affecting a child and provide information or recommendations to the court. The exact responsibilities depend on the case and the court’s appointment order.
No. Mediation may be ordered, agreed upon, or suggested in some matters, but it is not appropriate for every dispute. Its use depends on the court, the issues involved, and the parties’ circumstances.
Request a Family-Law Consultation
Contact Dennis, Wenger & Abrell, P.C. with general information about your family-law matter. The firm can review the nature of the request and discuss the appropriate next step.
Fees depend on the nature and scope of the work. Review the firm’s Fees and Billing page for general information about billing arrangements.
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