Proven Family Law Attorney in Anderson, Indiana
Decisions about your family are some of the most difficult you will ever make. If you are in the process of grappling with these matters, I understand that you are feeling overwhelmed and worried about what comes next. At The Law Office of Jane G. Cotton, I offer a compassionate ear and tenacious advocacy to protect your rights and your children’s best interests.
Professional Family Law Services
Family law issues are deeply personal and often arise during the most stressful times of our lives. My role is to provide you with clear legal guidance and dedicated advocacy every step of the way. Below are the key areas where I help families like yours find resolution and stability:
- Divorce: Are you headed for a divorce? I can help you through the process, from considering your options, to negotiating a settlement or litigating a fully contested hearing on the issues.
- Paternity: Have you separated from the parent of your child? If you were not married, you need to define your rights and responsibilities through a paternity action.
- Custody and visitation: Your child is the most precious thing in your life. Studies show that children who have a healthy relationship with both parents turn out happier and more emotionally well-adjusted. But sometimes a parent’s behavior can be physically or emotionally harmful to a child. In that case, you need someone who knows how to fight for you and your child. I have fought hundreds of custody cases in my 24 years of practice. I have also obtained custody orders for non-parents (such as grandparents or stepparents) when the natural parents are unable to care for or support their child.
- Child support: I will make sure that your child support order is reasonable and fair. If you have trouble collecting child support payments, I can offer you different avenues to obtain them.
- Grandparent visitation: Grandparents have a right to court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances, and I have helped many grandparents get this.
- Adoption: These are the happiest cases to have. I have handled over 100 adoptions in my career and hope to do more.
- Guardianship: Often, a guardianship is needed when a loved one is unable to care for themselves physically or financially. Guardianships can also be established for the care of minor children.
- Children in need of services: Knowing your rights is essential in these cases.
No matter what issue you are facing, I am prepared to negotiate firmly on your behalf or assertively represent you in court if needed. Your future is important.
Family Law Guidance: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
With over 30 years of experience, I have helped families navigate the same situation you are facing right now. Below, I answer the questions my clients ask most often. While every family situation is unique, these answers offer general guidance on common issues involved in family law matters.
What are the differences between divorce and legal separation?
A divorce legally ends your marriage, and it often begins when one spouse files a complaint against the other. Legal separation, however, allows you to live apart with court-ordered arrangements for finances and children while remaining legally married. This can benefit couples who need distance but want to maintain health insurance coverage or have religious concerns about divorce.
The best choice depends entirely on your specific situation and goals. I help my clients carefully review the financial and personal impact of each path. We will work together to understand your needs and protect your interests.
Are family law issues typically resolved through mediation or litigation in Indiana?
Indiana courts strongly encourage resolving family law matters through mediation, as it allows you and your spouse to control the outcome. Litigation becomes necessary only when you cannot reach an agreement on key issues like custody or asset division.
How important is it to have an attorney’s help with resolving your family law challenges?
Family law matters involve critical legal procedures and decisions that will affect your finances and your relationships with your children for years to come. Without proper legal guidance, you risk missing important deadlines, overlooking crucial details in agreements or accepting terms that do not protect your rights or serve your family’s best interests. With me in your corner, we can ensure you avoid these pitfalls, paving the way toward a stable future for your family.
Protect What Matters Most To You – Reach Out For Dedicated Legal Support
Legal family matters require both compassion and fierce advocacy. Call my Anderson office today at 765-417-8705 or reach out to me by completing this online form. Your initial consultation gives us the chance to address your concerns and begin building a strategy that protects your interests.