When facing a divorce or family law issue in Madison County, Indiana, you need an attorney who combines legal expertise with genuine compassion. Stephanie Renner offers personalized, affordable, and effective representation for clients navigating life’s toughest transitions. Specializing in divorce and a wide range of family law matters, Stephanie is committed to helping Madison County residents find clarity and resolution. Contact attorney Renner today at 317-771-8535 or [email protected] for a free consultation and discover how she can support you in moving forward with a brighter future.  Call our office if you have questions for a divorce lawyer about Indiana Divorce Law, Child Custody, Parenting Time, Child Support, Spousal Support, Alimony, Division of Marital Property, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, Paternity Cases, Domestic Violence and Protective Orders, Legal Separation, Adoption and Guardianship, Post-Divorce Modifications, Relocation or Move-Away Cases, Parenting Plans, Annulment, Emancipation of Minors, or Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Stephanie Renner is more than just an Indiana divorce attorney—she’s a trusted advocate for families throughout Madison County and beyond. Stephanie has built a thriving practice rooted in her deep understanding of Indiana law and her dedication to her clients. Her professional journey includes significant experience under Judge Joven in the Marion Superior Court, where she gained invaluable insight into the judicial process, followed by five years at J. Edgar Law Offices, sharpening her skills in litigation and client representation.
A proud graduate of Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and Butler University, Stephanie brings a strong academic foundation to her practice. Her areas of expertise include divorce, criminal defense, expungement law, and school expulsion law. This unique blend of skills allows her to address the complex intersections of family law and past legal issues that can arise during divorce proceedings.
Stephanie’s approach is client-centered and accessible. She offers affordable and flexible payment options, including Buy Now Pay Later plans, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent Madison County residents from securing top-tier legal help. Known for her warm personality, Stephanie creates a welcoming environment for clients. With a track record of handling everything from straightforward uncontested divorces to high-stakes federal sentencing cases, Stephanie Renner is equipped to tackle any family law challenge you bring her way.

Divorce and Family Law Courts in Madison County, Indiana

In Madison County, Indiana, the judicial system overseeing divorce and family law matters is integrated into a broader network of courts that handle a variety of civil, criminal, and domestic cases. Family law issues such as divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, and legal separation are not adjudicated in standalone “Family Courts” as some states might designate them. Instead, these cases fall under the jurisdiction of the county’s circuit and superior courts, which are equipped to address domestic relations matters. Madison County’s court system reflects Indiana’s unified approach to judicial administration, where trial courts of general jurisdiction manage family law alongside other legal proceedings.

Madison County is served by a total of six courts relevant to this discussion: one Circuit Court, three Superior Courts, and two City Courts. The Circuit Court and Superior Courts, in particular, play a central role in handling divorce and family law cases. The Madison Circuit Court, as the foundational court established by the Indiana Constitution, has broad jurisdiction over civil matters, including family law. The three Superior Courts—Madison Superior Court 1, Madison Superior Court 2, and Madison Superior Court 3—also manage family law cases, often with specialized caseload allocations to ensure efficient processing of domestic relations disputes. While the two City Courts (Anderson City Court and Elwood City Court) primarily focus on misdemeanors, infractions, and local ordinance violations, they have limited civil jurisdiction and typically do not handle divorce or complex family law matters, which are reserved for the higher courts.

The physical location of these courts is centralized in Anderson, the county seat and largest city in Madison County. The Madison County Courthouse, located at 16 E 9th Street, Anderson, IN 46016, serves as the primary hub for the Circuit Court and Superior Courts. This historic building houses courtrooms, administrative offices, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court, where family law filings such as divorce petitions, custody agreements, and support orders are processed. The Clerk’s Office, reachable at PO Box 1277, Anderson, IN 46015 for mailing purposes, is a critical resource for litigants, offering services like e-filing (mandatory for attorneys and encouraged for pro se filers) and access to case information via the state’s mycase.in.gov portal. The Anderson City Court, while distinct from the county courts, is also situated in Anderson, operating out of municipal facilities, whereas the Elwood City Court serves the smaller city of Elwood at a separate location, typically within city government buildings.

Family law proceedings in Madison County follow Indiana’s legal framework, which recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. No-fault divorce, based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, is the most common route, while fault-based grounds—like felony conviction or impotence—require evidence presented in court. The courts also oversee legal separations, a process allowing couples to allocate marital responsibilities without dissolving the marriage, as outlined in Indiana Code Sec. 31.15.3.3. Mediation is frequently employed in Madison County for divorce and child-related disputes, often mandated by local rules to resolve issues amicably within 90 days of mediator selection, reducing court congestion and fostering cooperative outcomes.

Beyond Anderson, Madison County includes other notable cities that contribute to its population and may appear in searches related to family law courts. Elwood, with a population of around 8,000, hosts its own City Court but relies on the county courts in Anderson for family law matters. Pendleton, a growing town of approximately 4,500 residents, falls under the jurisdiction of the Anderson-based courts for divorce and custody cases. Alexandria, another significant community with about 5,000 people, similarly directs its family law proceedings to the county seat. Chesterfield and Ingalls, smaller but still relevant towns, also depend on the Anderson courthouse for these legal needs. These cities, while not hosting their own family law courts, are part of the broader Madison County judicial ecosystem, making Anderson the focal point for such cases.

For residents across these cities—Anderson, Elwood, Pendleton, Alexandria, Chesterfield, and Ingalls—the courts in Anderson provide accessible justice for family law concerns. The centralized location ensures that even those in outlying areas can file documents, attend hearings, or seek court orders without excessive travel, though the concentration of services in Anderson reflects the county’s administrative structure. Litigants can contact the courts directly for specifics, such as hearing schedules or document requests, though staff cannot provide legal advice. For those navigating divorce or custody disputes, resources like indianalegalhelp.org offer self-help tools, and the courts’ embrace of e-filing streamlines the process.

In summary, Madison County, Indiana, has six courts—one Circuit Court, three Superior Courts, and two City Courts—with the Circuit and Superior Courts in Anderson handling divorce and family law cases. Located at 16 E 9th Street in Anderson, these courts serve the entire county, including large cities like Elwood, Pendleton, and Alexandria, ensuring comprehensive coverage for family law needs as of March 30, 2025.

Divorce Law in Indiana

Divorce is a life-altering event, and in Indiana, it’s legally termed a “dissolution of marriage.” As a no-fault divorce state, Indiana doesn’t require proof of infidelity or abuse to end a marriage—filing on the grounds of an “irretrievable breakdown” is sufficient. For Madison County residents, Stephanie Renner provides expert guidance through every phase of this process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected in the Madison County Circuit Court or Superior Court.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Indiana

To initiate a divorce in Madison County, Indiana law mandates that at least one spouse has been a state resident for six months and a Madison County resident for three months prior to filing. The process begins with submitting a petition to the court, followed by a mandatory 60-day waiting period—a “cooling-off” phase designed to give couples time to reconsider or negotiate terms. During this period, Stephanie Renner works diligently to prepare your case, whether it’s gathering financial documents, drafting settlement proposals, or addressing urgent issues like temporary custody or support orders.

Divorces in Madison County can take two paths: uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms—property division, custody, support—allowing for a faster, less expensive resolution. Stephanie offers affordable services for uncontested divorces, starting at competitive rates, making this option accessible for clients seeking an amicable split. Contested divorces, however, involve disputes that may require mediation or litigation. With her litigation experience, Stephanie excels at representing clients in court, advocating for fair outcomes when negotiations break down.

For example, imagine a Madison County couple where one spouse owns a business started during the marriage. Disagreement over its valuation could escalate into a contested divorce. Stephanie’s meticulous approach ensures that experts are consulted, assets are properly assessed, and her client’s contributions to the business are recognized by the court.

Property Division in Divorce

Indiana adheres to an “equitable distribution” standard for dividing marital property, meaning assets and debts are split fairly but not always equally. Marital property includes anything acquired during the marriage—homes, cars, bank accounts, even credit card debt—while separate property (pre-marital assets, gifts, or inheritances) typically remains with its original owner unless it’s been commingled with marital funds.
Stephanie Renner’s expertise shines in unraveling complex property division cases. She can collaborate with financial experts to value pensions, 401(k)s, and real estate, ensuring no asset is overlooked. Stephanie can help with cases involving hidden assets, such as a spouse transferring funds to a secret account. Her thorough investigation and negotiation skills help clients secure their rightful share, safeguarding their financial stability post-divorce.
Consider a scenario where one spouse claims a family heirloom as separate property, but the other argues it was used as collateral for a marital loan. Stephanie’s ability to dissect these nuances ensures the court receives a clear, evidence-based picture, leading to equitable rulings.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Indiana

Spousal maintenance isn’t automatic in Indiana divorces, but it’s available in specific circumstances. Courts may award it if one spouse is incapacitated and unable to work, needs support while caring for a disabled child, or requires temporary assistance to transition to financial independence—known as “rehabilitative maintenance.” This last type is capped at three years unless exceptional circumstances justify a longer term.
In Madison County, Stephanie Renner evaluates each case to determine if maintenance is warranted. For instance, if one client paused a career to raise children while the spouse climbed the corporate ladder, this might justify rehabilitative maintenance, allowing the client time to reenter the workforce with updated skills. Conversely, Stephanie can defend clients against excessive maintenance demands, ensuring payments align with Indiana law and the paying spouse’s ability.
Her background in complex financial litigation aids in presenting detailed income analyses, uncovering discrepancies like unreported bonuses or side businesses that could affect maintenance calculations. Whether you’re seeking support or challenging a claim, Stephanie ensures your voice is heard in Madison County courts.

Child Custody and Parenting Time under Indiana Law

Child custody disputes can be the most contentious part of a divorce, and Indiana law prioritizes the “best interests of the child.” Legal custody determines who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and religion, while physical custody dictates where the child resides. Joint custody is common, but sole custody may be awarded if one parent’s behavior—such as substance abuse or neglect—jeopardizes the child’s well-being.
Stephanie Renner approaches custody cases with sensitivity and strategy. She helps Madison County parents develop parenting plans that balance each parent’s involvement with the child’s need for consistency. For example, if one parent seeks joint custody while the other spouse plans to relocate from to another state, Stephanie can highlight the stable home environment and active role in the child’s life in order to secure a favorable parenting time arrangement.
When disputes arise post-divorce, such as one parent denying visitation, Stephanie pursues enforcement actions or modifications to existing orders. Her goal is to minimize conflict while ensuring children maintain strong relationships with both parents whenever possible.

Child Support under Indiana Law

Indiana’s child support guidelines calculate payments based on both parents’ gross incomes, the number of children, and expenses like health insurance, daycare, and extracurricular activities. In Madison County, where costs of living can vary between urban and suburban areas, Stephanie ensures these factors are accurately reflected in support orders.
She also handles complex cases, such as when a self-employed parent underreports income or a child has extraordinary medical needs requiring additional support. For example, Stephanie could represent a mother whose ex-husband claimed a reduced income after quitting his job to avoid higher payments. Through discovery, she might discover that the husband had a new “consulting gig”, leading to a fair support adjustment. Whether you’re seeking support or defending against an unfair obligation, Stephanie’s attention to detail delivers results.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements under Indiana Law

Prenuptial agreements, signed before marriage, and postnuptial agreements, created during marriage, can streamline divorce proceedings by predefining property division and support terms. In Madison County’s diverse community these agreements are increasingly popular for protecting assets like businesses, inheritances, or real estate.
Stephanie Renner guides clients through drafting agreements that comply with Indiana law, which requires full disclosure and voluntary consent. She also reviews existing contracts to ensure enforceability, addressing issues like vague language or coercion that could render them invalid. For example, she might help a client enforce a prenup that preserved her family farm, despite her ex-husband’s claim it was outdated. Stephanie’s proactive counsel offers peace of mind, whether you’re planning a marriage or safeguarding your current one. For more details about prenuptial agreements, click here.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders under Indiana Law

Divorce can expose or escalate domestic violence, impacting custody, property, and personal safety. Indiana law allows victims to request protective orders, barring an abusive spouse from contact and potentially their shared home. Violations carry criminal penalties, providing a strong deterrent.
Stephanie Renner supports Madison County clients by filing for protective orders and integrating these concerns into divorce proceedings if needed. Her criminal defense experience enhances her ability to address false allegations, ensuring fair treatment for all parties. For instance, she could help a mother secure a protective order and sole custody after documenting her ex-spouse’s threatening behavior, all while expediting the divorce to minimize her client’s exposure to risk.

Modifications and Enforcement under Indiana Law

Post-divorce life isn’t static—job changes, remarriages, or relocations can necessitate updates to custody, support, or maintenance orders. In Madison County, Stephanie Renner handles modification petitions, proving “substantial and continuing” changes in circumstances to justify adjustments. She also pursues enforcement when an ex-spouse fails to comply, such as withholding child support or violating parenting time schedules.
Take the case of a father who lost his job and couldn’t afford his original support amount. Stephanie would petition for a temporary reduction, later restoring it when his income stabilized. Her pragmatic approach keeps orders fair and enforceable, adapting to life’s unpredictability.

Why Choose Family Law Attorney Stephanie Renner in Indiana?

Stephanie Renner is the clear choice for divorce and family law in Madison County because she offers:

• Local Insight: Her extensive experience in Indiana procedures gives clients an edge.
• Tailored Advocacy: Stephanie listens to your unique story, crafting strategies that align with your goals—whether that’s a quick settlement or a hard-fought trial.
• Affordability: Affordable payment plans make her services accessible to all income levels.
• Broad Expertise: From expungements to federal litigation, her diverse background tackles multifaceted cases with confidence.
• Client Commitment: Fully available and responsive, Stephanie ensures you’re never left in the dark during your case

Contact Indiana Divorce Attorney Stephanie Renner Today

Don’t face divorce or family law challenges in Madison County alone. Attorney Stephanie Renner is ready to stand by your side with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Whether you’re dissolving a marriage, fighting for custody, or planning your financial future, she has the skills to deliver results.
Call 317-771-8535 or email or [email protected] now for a free consultation. Serving all of Madison County, Stephanie Renner is your partner in navigating divorce and beyond. Take the first step toward resolution today.