Lawyer of Firm Description

About Zivitz Law Group — Family Law Carmel Indiana

Family law Carmel clients facing divorce, custody, or complex child welfare matters turn to Zivitz Law Group, P.C. at 600 E Carmel Drive in Hamilton County. The firm focuses exclusively on divorce and family law, with attorneys Melissa Vare, Anelia Ninova, and Chrissy leading the practice. Zivitz Law Group has built its reputation on thorough case preparation, realistic billing, and an ability to achieve favorable outcomes in contentious proceedings. Clients looking for dedicated family law counsel in central Indiana find the firm’s focused approach distinctive.

Melissa Vare is widely recognized in Hamilton County for contested divorces, custody matters, and cases involving children’s welfare. Anelia Ninova handles divorce and custody litigation with a reputation for detailed trial preparation. The firm’s paralegals, including Mandy Miller and Amanda, provide reliable client support throughout often lengthy proceedings. The practice serves Hamilton, Marion, Boone, and surrounding central Indiana counties.

What Clients Say

Clients repeatedly describe Zivitz attorneys as present, responsive, and effective advocates in difficult family matters. Reviewers mention divorces finalized in six months, custody cases won through careful questioning at hearings, and settlements that significantly exceeded initial expectations. Single parents specifically highlight the firm’s willingness to work on reasonable payment plans, reducing financial stress during difficult life transitions.

Family Law Carmel — Practice Areas & Services

Contested and uncontested divorce in Hamilton County
Child custody and parenting time disputes
Complex property division and asset valuation
Modification of existing custody and support orders
Protective orders and domestic violence matters
Paternity establishment and related proceedings
Payment plans for qualifying clients

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Hamilton County, Indiana?

Indiana requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces may finalize in 60 to 90 days, while contested cases often take 6 to 18 months depending on issues and court schedules. Hamilton County Superior Court at One Hamilton County Square in Noblesville hears local divorce matters.

How is child custody determined in Indiana?

Indiana courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests under IC 31-17-2-8, weighing factors like each parent’s home environment, child’s wishes (if mature enough), and existing relationships. Joint legal custody is common for cooperative parents, while primary physical custody often goes to the parent who has been the primary caregiver.

How much does a divorce attorney cost in Carmel?

Retainers in Hamilton County typically range from $2,500 for uncontested matters to $10,000+ for contested custody cases. Hourly rates run $250 to $450 depending on experience. Many firms, including Zivitz, offer flat-fee uncontested divorce packages and payment plans for qualifying clients.

Quick Facts: Family Law in Carmel, Indiana

Indiana Waiting Period: 60-day statutory waiting period before divorce can be finalized — Indiana Code Title 31
Parenting Time Guidelines: Indiana courts reference the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for visitation schedules — Indiana Supreme Court
Hamilton Superior Court: Family matters heard at One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville — Hamilton County Courts

Related Guide: Family Law Attorneys — ReachAttorneys

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Zivitz Law Group, P.C. in Carmel, Indiana, is highly praised for its exceptional legal services in family law, particularly in divorce cases. Clients consistently commend attorneys Melissa Vare and Anelia Ninova for their professionalism, thoroughness, and outstanding communication skills, which have made the often stressful process of divorce much more manageable. Reviewers express deep satisfaction with the outcomes of their cases, highlighting the attorneys’ commitment to understanding their individual situations and providing personalized support every step of the way.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

I am very pleased with Melissa and her efforts on my case. I was completely clueless, not knowing anything about divorce and family law in the state but Melissa made me comfortable and aware from the very first appointment. Her attention to details, communication skills and knowledge in family law is remarkable. She took care of the entire process very well and made sure I am financially capable to take care of myself and my children. I was constantly worried but Melissa understood me and my situation very well. Divorced in 6 months and I am very pleased how Melissa handled this case. I honestly would have been no where without her! I would highly recommend Melissa!!

Anelia is absolutely fantastic. She is so knowledgeable of divorce and custody matters. My divorce was/is very contentious and Anelia has been there with me every step of the way. She has helped me transition into this new phase of life. I can’t recommend her enough.

I have been extremely pleased with my experience with Melissa. She was absolutely fantastic to work with. I gave her all of the information from my case, this case had been messed up because of my prior counsel. She took everything with stride made sure she had everything like the back of her hand and took off with it. I was prompt with getting her paperwork back to her and she would do the same in a timely fashion to ensure we could have this case resolved. She was always available for any questions, comments or concerns. She knows family law very well. She looked through prior documents that I had from the same case and showed me the errors that were made and miscommunications that were established due to my daughters dads lack there of communication skills on this said signed court document. Melissa is extremely personable, is extremely thorough with her work and is all around an A+ counsel. She has been nothing but great since day one. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to get my case sorted. Zivitz Law Group is certainly one that I recommend. And I know in the future, should I have more issues, I will be returning to Melissa for guidance on said family issues. Thank you Melissa for doing an outstanding job, I appreciate you more than you know!

Zivitz Law Group was absolutely phenomenal to work with and exceeded all my expectations.

Anelia was so professional and very easy to work with. She fought very hard for me to get what my family and I deserved! She had no issues explaining things thoroughly so I could understand them and it put me at ease to ask questions. I would recommend her to everyone.

I don’t even know where to begin. If were anything like me, felt like nobody was truly fighting for you and the well-being of you children. Look no further. Melissa Vare is you girl! When I got a divorce in 2020 i was young and naive, i just wanted out of my marriage. I had no idea what I was doing. Then in 2021 when we went back to court for other reasons I hired another attorney, whom i only talked to once the entire time. Fast forward to December of 2022 I was in despite need of a GOOD attorney. Someone willing to listen to me, someone who was ready to fight because I was tired of being walked all over. In the court system and with the father of my children. I had been trying to get in contact with several attorneys for almost 3 weeks, they either wouldn’t call me back or insisted an insane amount of money for just a consult. I was a single mom who wasn’t getting child support. I didn’t have the extra money to just throw at attorneys for consults if I didn’t like them. Then I called the Zivitz Law Group in tears one day. They set me up me with Melissa Vare. She called me within an hour. She started going over my case that night. It was a huge weight off my shoulders. Commnication was a must for me and she went above and beyond that expectation. I never had to worry if she was only in it for the money like most attorney. She got me the outcome that I wanted and I couldn’t be happier I found her. Thank God for google!!!

Excellent firm! I worked with Anelia Ninova, who was very professional and empathetic to my situation. Very knowledgeable and helped me reach a fair settlement for my divorce. All my questions were answered promptly and she helped me understand the entire process. Worth every penny! Highly recommended!

Anelia was a Rockstar from start to finish. With the aid of her team from the office, she was able to keep me updated on my case and advise me on my next steps to take. During the court hearing, Anelia asked questions others would not have thought of to ask. In doing so, Anelia caused the petitioner to fumble and trip over themselves multiple times. This resulted in me being rewarded every request I had through the courts. I highly recommend Zivitz Law Group, and absolutely recommend Anelia.

Chrissy and her paralegal Amanda worked hard on my case and were available to respond to my questions in a timely manner. Although I was just another case for them, they never made me feel it. Chrissy also worked with me on a reasonable payment plan until my case ended which relieved one of my stressors during an already difficult time. I cannot recommend this firm enough.

Melissa Vare was an amazing help to me and my case. She was very knowledgeable and expedited my case.I highly recommend her! She is amazing!

Anelia Ninova was an excellent attorney for me . She answered questions promptly and was very knowledgeable about divorces . I highly recommend her if you want great service.

I cannot say enough about how pleased I have been with my experience! Attorney Melissa Vare and her Paralegal Mandy Miller were both excellent at communication, responsiveness (even late at night or early Sunday mornings!), tireless in their efforts and left me feeling very well taken care of! Melissa was so very good at explaining what was unfamiliar to me so that I could understand how to make the best decisions for my benefit, not hers. I ultimately walked away with twice as much as I had ever hoped for in compensation, thanks to their tireless expertise! This is the steady team we all need when life is already derailed. I slept easy knowing my case was in capable hands. I highly recommend Melissa Vare and her team!

Melissa was not only very professional and knowledgeable but she was prompt and timely and even provided daily updates regarding my case. Every step of the way she was there for me. I would highly recommend her to anyone with a legit need for an attorney; she will not simply just take your case for the business, only for the actual need. In my opinion, best lawyer in Indy!

I know that I would not be in the position that I am in had Melissa not been there through every step of the way! While I focused on irrelevant facts – Melissa kept the direction focused what was relevant! When I thought everything was crumbling traveling Melissa kept my head level and continued to help me through the process! 5 Stars doesn’t amount to a level a commitment given by Melissa and staff! Thank you from Myself, My Daughter & Son!

Melissa and her team couldn’t have been more accommodating and accessible. She always made time to be available and I always felt like my concerns were a priority. You will not find a better attorney to represent you for legal needs. Highly recommend!