What Legal Services Do You Offer?

Our firm offers numerous legal services to address diverse client needs. These include criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and more. We work closely with our clients to help them develop an effective legal strategy that steers them toward their goals. No matter your situation, we bring a customized, client-focused approach to every case.

How Do I Determine if I Need Legal Representation?

If you're facing a situation that could significantly impact your rights, finances, or future, consulting with an attorney is a prudent choice. Whether you have been charged with a crime, are going through a divorce, or were injured in an accident, legal representation can protect your interests and guide you through complex processes. Our team can evaluate your circumstances during an initial consultation to help determine your best course of action.

What Makes Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP a Reliable Firm?

Our commitment to client satisfaction and tailored legal strategies sets us apart. We take pride in fostering clear and transparent communication, offering clear explanations and timely updates at every stage of your case. Additionally, our attorneys combine legal knowledge with a dedication to achieving results. Over the years, we have built lasting relationships with clients who trust us to handle some of their most critical legal matters.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Involved In An Accident?

Following a personal injury, your top priority should be to seek immediate medical care, even if your injuries seem minor initially. Capture the scene with photos or videos, and gather contact details from any witnesses. Be mindful to avoid making any statements that might be interpreted as an admission of fault, and contact an attorney promptly to discuss your case and protect your rights.

What Can I Expect During My First Consultation?

During your first consultation, we'll listen as you explain your situation, assess the initial details of your case, and discuss potential legal strategies. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether we're the right fit for you. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of your legal options and what steps you can take moving forward.

How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Case?

Timelines vary depending on the type and complexity of your case. Some disputes may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while others—especially those involving litigation—can take months or longer. We prioritize efficiency while ensuring every case is handled thoroughly and strategically. We keep you updated throughout the process, so you're always informed.

How Will You Communicate With Me During My Case?

Clear and consistent communication is a core value at our firm. We provide regular updates on your case and stay available to address your concerns. Depending on your preference, we can communicate via email, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Our goal is to ensure you always feel informed and supported.

What Are My Rights If I Have Been Charged With A Crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, you have several critical rights under the law, including the right to remain silent, access to legal counsel, and the guarantee of a fair trial. It's important to exercise these rights and refrain from discussing your case with anyone except your attorney. An experienced criminal defense attorney helps you face your charges and craft a compelling defense strategy tailored to your case.

How Can I Get Started With Your Firm?

Getting started is simple—contact us to schedule an initial consultation. This session allows us to learn about your needs, discuss options, and work together toward the best solution. If you have any additional questions, we invite you to contact our office directly.

Family Law Attorneys in Northwest Indiana

When your family is facing challenging legal issues, you need a compassionate family lawyer. With an eye toward an amicable resolution, sensitive and often divisive family issues are first dealt with through discussion. Once the disagreement or issue is resolved, your family relationships will go on. It is our goal to ensure those relationships survive the process as intact as possible.

Difficult situations call for an experienced family lawyer

Family legal struggles are emotionally and mentally challenging, no matter what the circumstances. It is critical to have the assistance of a qualified, objective family lawyer as you begin to make plans for resolution.

At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, you will receive an effective balance between the practical legal strategizing that is necessary for success and the individualized attention that these types of sensitive cases demand.

The firm is experienced in handling the following types of family law matters:

Legal Separation
Mediation
Divorce
Spousal support/maintenance
Division of property
Modifications
Domestic violence protective orders
Adoption
Paternity
Grandparents’ visitation
Dissolution of marriage
Child custody
Child support
Parenting time
Pre- and post-marital agreements
Emancipation
Guardianship
Relocation Post Divorce

Collaborative divorce: a resolution process

Not every divorce needs to be a long expensive ordeal or decided in court. We will help you and your partner make important divorce decisions together with a process known as collaborative divorce. In a formal collaborative divorce, all parties involved sign a participation agreement at the outset, stating that they agree to work cooperatively and openly to resolve all issues surrounding the termination of their marriage. Everyone operates from the same base of information to structure a solution the family can live with. If the process fails and a trial becomes necessary, all attorneys involved in the collaborative process must excuse themselves from involvement in the proceedings.

At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP we truly strive to attempt to resolve every case amicably, whether a formal collaboration agreement is signed or not. It is widely held that cases in which the parties negotiate and control the outcome have a better success rate post-dissolution than cases where the court is making the determinations for you. Family law related issues are highly personal and the people in the best positions to know what is right for your family are you and your former spouse. Obviously, agreements cannot be reached in every case for every issue. If there are issues that simply cannot be resolved by agreement, the attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP will vigorously represent your interests at trial.

Divorce and dissolution of marriage is a process that no couple takes lightly. Unfortunately, a divorce too often means the end of even the most basic friendship between the separating partners. This can be extremely traumatic. If children are involved in the dispute, they may feel forced to choose one parent over the other or may feel pressure from one parent to change their attitudes towards the other.

Child custody, support, and visitation: acting in your child’s best interests

Although a much larger percentage of custodial parents are mothers (about 83 percent nationwide), our courts recognize the importance of having both parents maintain nurturing relationships with their children when possible. We will explore custody options with you, negotiate positive settlements and, if needed, litigate.

Indiana courts take these factors into consideration when deciding custody issues:

Your child’s sex and age
Your child’s preference (more so if age 14 or older)
Your child’s stability in the home, school, and community
Parent’s wishes
Mental and physical health of all parties
History of domestic violence
De facto custodian child care

Your child’s relationship with parents, siblings, and others who have a significant impact regarding the child’s best interests are also considered.

Indiana child support guidelines

Child support in Indiana is determined by child support guidelines. As child support lawyers, we will explain how the guidelines apply to your case.

Indiana parenting time guidelines for visitation

In deciding visitation, Indiana laws desire children to spend time with each parent. Parents are encouraged to be understanding and flexible to the children’s needs as they get older. Visit the state’s website for more Indiana parenting time guidelines visitation information.

Relocation after a divorce

If you plan to relocate for any reason, Indiana law requires you to file a Notice of Intent to Relocate. Whether you’re the custodial or noncustodial parent, this Notice should be sent to the non-relocating parent by Certified or Registered mail 90 days prior to your move.

We’re available to help you file the Notice of Intent to Relocate and, if your former spouse objects to the relocation, we can provide you with the legal representation you need.

Legal Guardianships protect those who can’t defend themselves

A guardian may be appointed by the court in order to protect the best interests of a person, an estate or person, and estate. Minors, elderly persons, persons with disabilities and others who are not able to make competent decisions about themselves are some examples of those who need a guardian. We have assisted many clients in this area; contact us to learn more.

For an aggressive and effective legal team to advocate on your behalf, call the firm at 219-736-6500 or use the convenient online contact form on this site.

FAQs About Family Law in Indiana

What cases can a family law attorney assist with?

A family law attorney can assist with a comprehensive range of legal matters concerning family relationships. This includes critical areas such as divorce, parenting time arrangements, property division and more. Furthermore, they handle cases involving adoption, establishing paternity, drafting and enforcing pre- and post-marital agreements, guardianships and securing domestic violence protective orders.

How long does the divorce process take?

The timeline for a divorce in Indiana depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Uncontested cases where both spouses agree on all of the major issues can be resolved more efficiently, sometimes in a few months. However, contested divorces involving significant disputes over assets or child custody may take several months or even longer to finalize.

How are assets divided in an Indiana divorce?

Indiana follows the principle of “equitable distribution,” which means marital property is divided in a way the court deems fair, but not necessarily a 50/50 split. The “marital pot” includes all assets and debts acquired by either spouse before or during the marriage. Courts consider factors like each spouse’s economic circumstances and contributions to acquiring property when making a determination.

How is child custody determined in Indiana?

When deciding child custody, Indiana courts focus on the child’s best interests. Judges evaluate several factors, including the child’s age and wishes, each parent’s physical and mental health and the child’s adjustment to their home, school and community. Courts also assess each parent’s capacity to cultivate a healthy relationship between the child and the co-parent.

What is parental alienation?

Parental alienation happens when a parent deliberately undermines or damages the child’s relationship with the other parent. This can involve making false accusations, limiting contact or speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child. Courts take allegations of parental alienation very seriously, as it is considered detrimental to a child’s well-being.