Indiana Divorce Law in 2025: What Families Need to Know With Ziemer Law
Navigating divorce in Indiana has always required skill and compassion, but recent legal updates and shifting family dynamics make professional guidance even more crucial. Led by Jay Ziemer, a respected Evansville divorce lawyer, Ziemer Law provides families, parents, and individuals with clear counsel and effective representation for the challenges and opportunities of divorce, custody, grandparent rights, expungement, and family law in Evansville, Indiana.
New Changes in Indiana Divorce and Custody Law
Indiana’s divorce laws experienced a major update on July 1, 2025, when House Enrolled Act 1626 took effect. Under the new statute, all custody orders—be it for divorce, paternity, or modification—must include specific findings of fact and detailed legal reasoning. This means trial judges and appellate judges must provide full explanations for their custody decisions, bringing an unprecedented level of clarity and transparency to family law.
For families dealing with divorce or custody disputes, these changes underscore the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney near me family law or family lawyers near me who understand both the legal landscape and the personal realities at stake.
Divorce Process in Indiana: Key Steps and Requirements
To file for divorce, one spouse must have resided in Indiana for at least six months, and for three months in the filing county. There is a statutory 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. The process may involve provisional hearings, negotiation of settlements, and decisions on matters such as property division, child custody, and support.
- Residency: At least six months in Indiana; three months in county
- Waiting Period: Minimum 60 days after filing
- Key Issues: Child custody, support, spousal maintenance, property and debt division
Equitable Distribution, Marital Property, and Asset Disclosure
Indiana operates under an “all property” system—meaning nearly all property acquired before and during the marriage is subject to division. While Indiana law presumes an even 50/50 split is fair, the court considers:
- Each spouse’s contribution to acquiring property
- When and how assets or debts were acquired
- Child custody and the needs of dependents
- Earning ability and economic prospects of each party
Business owners and couples with significant investment or retirement assets must disclose all holdings, as hiding assets can incur legal penalties.
Experienced divorce lawyers in Evansville, Indiana such as Jay Ziemer provide detailed strategies to protect what matters most, whether handling a high-asset case or a more straightforward divorce.
Custody, Grandparent Rights, and Parenting Time
Under House Enrolled Act 1626, every custody order must articulate specific facts and conclusions. This not only supports appellate review but ensures parents understand how decisions are made. Indiana also provides legal avenues for third parties—including grandparents—to pursue visitation or custody when it serves the best interests of the child.
If you are a grandparent seeking “grandparent rights Indiana,” a divorce lawyer or family law attorney near me can explain your options—especially if issues of addiction, family violence, or loss of a parent are involved.
Support, Taxation, and Name Changes
Divorce decrees typically address child support, alimony (spousal support), and tax matters. Indiana courts generally use a 50/50 model for dividing marital property but may shift the balance for special circumstances. Courts can order the return of a maiden name and determine which parent claims children on taxes—making experienced guidance essential for lasting outcomes.
Default Judgments and Bifurcation
If one party cannot be found or fails to participate, the court can issue a default divorce judgment. Indiana’s bifurcation laws also allow couples to be declared legally single while finalizing sensitive details (custody, support, asset division) separately—a relief for families reaching partial agreement.
Expungement and Criminal Defense in Family Law
Ziemer Law also assists with expungement in Indiana and criminal defense, matters that can significantly impact family law issues such as custody, visitation, and support. If you seek “expungement in Indiana,” “criminal lawyer near me,” or advice concerning criminal allegations during a divorce, Ziemer Law provides deft, discrete counsel to protect your interests and your future.
Why Choose Jay Ziemer and Ziemer Law?
- Named among the best divorce lawyers in Evansville, Indiana, Jay Ziemer brings decades of experience in both negotiation and trial, offering personal attention to every client.
- Ziemer Law is known for clear communication, strong advocacy, and steady guidance through family court, mediation, and settlement—with an eye on your well-being and your children’s best interests.
- The team supports every aspect of family law: divorce, modifications, enforcement, grandparent rights, emancipation in Indiana, expungement, and even criminal defense matters for more comprehensive support.
Your Trusted Family Law Advocates in Evansville, Indiana
Whether you need a divorce lawyer near me, family law attorney Evansville Indiana, or help with a complex division of assets, Ziemer Law stands ready to help. Their understanding of the latest reforms—and commitment to client-centered counsel—makes them the first call for those facing divorce, custody, and family law disputes in the region.
Contact Ziemer Law to schedule a confidential consultation with Jay Ziemer or the team, and take the first step toward resolving your family law concern with clarity, dignity, and the region’s top expertise by your side.
