Family Law

Family Law Attorney Evansville Indiana

Choosing a family law attorney in Evansville, Indiana is one of the most consequential decisions a family will make during a divorce, custody dispute, or paternity case. Ziemer & Ziemer represents clients across Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Warrick counties in every area of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and post-decree modifications. The firm brings 34 years of courtroom experience, a husband-and-wife partnership built on personal investment in every case, and more than 1,200 Google reviews from clients who found the steady, honest representation they needed during the hardest seasons of their lives.

A Family Law Practice Built on Real Courtroom Experience

Family law in Indiana involves more than paperwork and procedure. Custody hearings, contested divorces, and paternity disputes turn on how judges in Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Warrick counties weigh evidence, evaluate testimony, and apply the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. Jay A. Ziemer has practiced law since 1991, serving as both a Cook County Public Defender and a Vanderburgh County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. That dual perspective gives clients an inside view of how the opposing side prepares a case. Holly Ziemer brings a strong civil litigation background from her years as a partner at Bowers Harrison LLP. Together, Jay and Holly handle every case personally. Clients work directly with the named attorneys, not associates or paralegals.

Areas of Family Law Representation

Divorce in Indiana

Indiana divorce filings require a 60-day waiting period, careful property division, and clear thinking about long-term financial outcomes. The firm handles both contested and uncontested divorce cases, including matters involving significant assets, retirement accounts, business interests, and disputed real estate. Ziemer & Ziemer works to resolve cases through negotiation when possible and is fully prepared for trial when a settlement cannot be reached.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Indiana courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Relevant factors include the wishes of each parent, the relationship between the child and each parent, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of all involved. Ziemer & Ziemer represents mothers, fathers, and grandparents in child custody matters, including initial determinations, joint custody arrangements, sole custody petitions, and parenting time disputes.

Child Support

Indiana applies a specific formula to calculate child support based on each parent’s weekly income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. The firm assists clients with child support orders, enforcement of unpaid support, and modifications when circumstances change, such as job loss, income increases, or shifts in custody arrangements.

Paternity

Establishing paternity in Indiana protects the rights of fathers and the support rights of children. Whether a father seeks to confirm a parental relationship or a mother needs to establish paternity for support purposes, paternity cases require careful handling of court procedures, genetic testing, and the legal recognition of parental rights and responsibilities.

Spousal Maintenance and Post-Decree Modifications

Indiana does not award traditional alimony in most cases, but spousal maintenance is available in limited circumstances, including incapacity, caregiving for a disabled child, and rehabilitative situations following a long marriage. The firm also represents clients in post-decree modifications when child support, custody, or parenting time arrangements need to be adjusted as life changes.

Why Evansville Families Choose Ziemer & Ziemer

Family law decisions do not end when a final order is signed. Custody arrangements affect holidays, school events, and college plans for years. Property division shapes retirement and homeownership for decades. Ziemer & Ziemer approaches every family law case with that long view in mind.

Several factors set the firm apart from other Evansville family law practices:

Husband-and-wife partnership. Both attorneys have a personal investment in family outcomes. Few firms in Southwest Indiana offer this team structure.
Direct attorney access. Jay Ziemer answers his own phone. Clients communicate with the attorneys handling the case, not a rotating cast of staff.
Prosecution and defense perspective. Jay’s prior service as a Vanderburgh County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney provides insight into how the other side approaches every case.
More than 1,200 Google reviews. Real client experiences spanning more than a decade of practice in Evansville.
Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished rating and Avvo Client’s Choice Award recognition.
Registered Indiana mediator. Jay holds active mediator registration, giving clients additional resolution options outside of trial.

The Family Law Process in Indiana

Most family law matters in Indiana follow a recognizable path. Knowing the stages helps clients prepare emotionally and practically.

Initial consultation. Ziemer & Ziemer offers a free consultation to review the facts, identify legal options, and explain likely outcomes.
Filing the petition. Whether the case is a divorce, custody petition, paternity action, or modification, it begins with a formal court filing.
Temporary orders. In contested matters, temporary orders address custody, support, and use of the marital residence while the case proceeds.
Discovery and negotiation. Financial documents, parenting evaluations, and supporting evidence are exchanged. Many cases settle during this phase.
Mediation. Indiana courts often require mediation before trial. Jay’s mediator registration gives the firm extensive familiarity with the process from both sides of the table.
Trial or final hearing. Cases that cannot be resolved through negotiation proceed to a final hearing where a judge issues binding orders.
Post-decree matters. Modifications, enforcement actions, and contempt proceedings follow when circumstances change or orders are not followed.

Serving Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Warrick Counties

Ziemer & Ziemer represents family law clients throughout Southwest Indiana, with dedicated attention to the procedures and judges in each county served. Information about local court practices is available on the firm’s Vanderburgh County, Gibson County, and Warrick County pages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Indiana

How long does a divorce take in Indiana?

Indiana requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. Uncontested divorces often finalize shortly after that period. Contested cases involving custody disputes or significant assets can take six months to over a year.

How is child custody decided?

Indiana judges apply the best-interests-of-the-child standard, weighing factors including parental wishes, the child’s wishes when old enough, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.

Can custody or support orders be changed after the divorce?

Yes. Indiana law permits modifications when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as a job change, a relocation, or a significant change in the child’s needs.

Does Indiana recognize fathers' rights?

Yes. Indiana law treats mothers and fathers equally in custody decisions. For unmarried fathers, paternity must first be established before custody and parenting time can be addressed.

What does a free consultation include?

The consultation reviews the facts of the case, explains the relevant Indiana law, identifies likely options and outcomes, and provides a clear picture of what representation by Ziemer & Ziemer would involve.