Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

Re: custody

The cost will be determined by whether the mom contests the Petition to Modify. If she does not, then it wont cost much. If she does, it will.

The fact that your daughter wishes to live with you is one of many factors that the court may look at to determine whether it is in your daughter's best interest to have a change of custody.

Practically speaking, if you have been a good father, regularly had parenting time, participated in school conferences and other activities, have no criminal record, no history of addiction problems, have lived a relatively stable life and can provide a safe and loving environment for your daughter and she wishes to live with you, the court will probably allow the change.

Good luck

Re: custody

Unless mom agrees, there is no way to tell about the cost. The courts will be interested in whether you having custody will be in the child's best interests. Nothing you have said gives me any ideas on that other than your concern not to spend a lot of money. I have a post on my blog about custody modification that may help:

http://haslerlaw2.blogspot.com/2007/02/modifying-decree-custody-modification.html