Family Law Attorney Lake County, Indiana — Local Counsel for Divorce, Custody, and What Comes Next
Family law cases don't follow a clean timeline, and the decisions made early in the process affect outcomes long after the final order. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock represents families in Lake County and Porter County through divorce, custody disputes, child support proceedings, adoption, and related matters — with attorneys who have practiced in these courts for over 40 years.
Family Law
Your First Call Matters More Than You Think
Law enforcement will advise you of your right to remain silent. Exercise it — and then use your phone call to reach an attorney, not to explain yourself to investigators.
We advise clients immediately on what to say, what not to say, and how to handle early contact with law enforcement and prosecutors. That guidance is time-sensitive, and it's available through a free consultation. The sooner you call, the more options remain open.
Family Law Cases We Handle
Divorce
Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, which means either spouse can file without proving wrongdoing — but property division, spousal maintenance, and parenting arrangements still require legal resolution. We represent both parties in divorce proceedings and work toward outcomes that hold up after the decree.
Child Custody
Indiana courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child — a standard that involves multiple factors and significant judicial discretion. We represent parents in contested and uncontested custody matters and help clients understand what that standard actually means for their specific situation.
Child Support
Indiana calculates child support using an income shares model under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. We represent both paying and receiving parents in initial support orders, modifications, and enforcement proceedings.
Adoption & CHINS
Adoption proceedings in Indiana — whether stepparent, private, or through the child welfare system — require careful navigation of state requirements and timelines. We also represent families involved in CHINS (Child in Need of Services) cases, where the stakes are high and the process moves quickly.
Guardian ad Litem
In contested custody and CHINS proceedings, an Indiana court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the child independently. We serve in this capacity and help families understand what a GAL's involvement means for their case.
Larry Stassin has practiced law in Northwest Indiana for decades, with deep experience in estate planning, probate, and family law matters. His client relationships tend to be long-term — families who return when life circumstances change and refer their relatives when they need a local attorney they trust.
Larry Stassin
40 Years in Lake County Family Courts
Family law is local in ways that matter. The judges who decide custody disputes, the timelines that govern how Lake County family cases move, and the procedural patterns that shape outcomes are specific to this jurisdiction — and knowing them is a practical advantage that goes beyond legal knowledge.
Andrew Tanzillo has practiced family law in Lake County courts throughout his career. Larry Stassin brings additional depth in matters that intersect with estate planning — custody arrangements that affect guardianship, divorce proceedings that require asset and estate review, and family transitions that require planning on both sides of the legal equation.
When you work with this firm, you're working with attorneys who know how these cases actually unfold here — not attorneys applying general family law principles to a market they don't know.
Mediation as a Path to Resolution
Contested litigation is sometimes necessary. When it isn't, mediation offers a structured, lower-cost path to resolution that keeps more control in the hands of the parties rather than the court.
We offer mediation services for family law matters — divorce, custody, and support disputes where both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith. Mediation doesn't mean giving up. It means pursuing an outcome without putting every decision in a judge's hands and without the financial and emotional cost of extended courtroom proceedings.
What Indiana Family Law Clients Ask Before They Call
How does family court work in Indiana?
Family law cases in Indiana are heard in Circuit or Superior Courts at the county level. In Lake County, these cases move through a court system that handles divorce, custody, support, and adoption proceedings under Indiana's Family Law statutes. Most cases begin with a filing and a hearing for temporary orders — covering custody arrangements, support, and use of marital assets while the case is pending. From there, cases either resolve through agreement or proceed to trial. Having local counsel familiar with Lake County family court timelines and judicial expectations makes a material difference.
Does Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock offer free consultations for family law cases?
Yes. Family law consultations are free. Many family law firms charge for the initial meeting — we don't. The first conversation is about understanding your situation and giving you honest guidance on your options, at no cost.
How long does a divorce take in Indiana?
Indiana requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces with agreed terms can resolve shortly after that window. Contested divorces — where property, custody, or support is disputed — typically take longer, depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the issues involved. Your attorney can give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your case.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Indiana?
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. Indiana courts can award sole or joint legal custody and primary or shared physical custody — the arrangements aren't automatically linked. An attorney can help you understand what each arrangement means practically and what's realistic given your circumstances.
Family law attorney near Dyer, Indiana — do you serve the surrounding communities?
Yes. We represent family law clients throughout Lake County and Porter County, including Merrillville, Hammond, St. John, Gary, Valparaiso, Portage, and Chesterton. Our office is in Dyer, and we practice daily in Lake County courts.
Start With a Free Conversation
Family law cases are rarely straightforward, and the right legal strategy depends on your specific circumstances. Call 219-339-4174 to speak directly with an attorney — no intake screener, no wait for a callback. If you prefer, send a message through the contact form and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. represents family law clients throughout Lake County and Porter County, Indiana, with over 40 years of local court experience in divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and related matters. Mediation services are available for families seeking resolution outside of contested litigation. Learn more about our attorneys.