About Cordell & Cordell – Divorce Attorney Office — Divorce Indianapolis Indiana
Cordell & Cordell’s Indianapolis office delivers experienced divorce indianapolis representation for Marion County clients dealing with the legal and emotional demands of marital dissolution. Located on West Ohio Street in downtown Indianapolis — close to the Marion County courts — this branch of the national family law firm brings the resources of a multi-location practice to the specific demands of Indiana divorce law. Attorney Rex Padgett has become a recognized name among Indianapolis clients who need steady, professional guidance through divorce proceedings, custody disputes, and asset division.
Cordell & Cordell built its national reputation on serving men in divorce and family law matters, though the Indianapolis office represents clients across the board. The firm’s approach is systematic and well-resourced, with attorneys who stay responsive and manage cases with documented thoroughness. For complex Marion County divorces involving substantial assets, business interests, or contentious custody disputes, the firm brings the depth that smaller practices sometimes cannot match. Find more options in the Indianapolis, Indiana attorney directory to compare your choices.
What Clients Say
Rex Padgett draws the most consistent praise among Indianapolis reviewers, with clients crediting him with attentiveness, professionalism, and a genuine investment in their outcomes over multi-year cases. Reviewers describe him as someone who truly listens, responds quickly, and fights for his clients’ interests. Mary Wisehart Berry also receives praise for aggressive and skilled mediation performance. The firm’s reviews are mixed overall — some clients describe concerns about pricing and follow-through at the firm level — but the attorneys who are specifically named by reviewers are consistently praised for quality representation. Long-term cases resolved well by named attorneys form the core of the positive feedback.
Divorce Indianapolis — Practice Areas & Services
- Divorce: The Indianapolis office handles contested and uncontested divorces in Marion County, including property division, spousal maintenance, and negotiated settlements.
- Family Law: Cordell & Cordell attorneys represent clients in child custody, parenting time, and child support proceedings throughout the Indianapolis metro area.
- General Practice: The firm also handles related civil and domestic matters for Indiana clients as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Indiana handle property division in divorce?
Indiana is an equitable distribution state — courts divide marital property in a way that is just and reasonable, starting with a presumption of a 50/50 split. The Marion County courts may adjust that split based on factors including each spouse’s contribution to the marital estate, economic circumstances, and whether one party dissipated assets. An experienced Indianapolis divorce attorney builds the factual record needed to support a favorable division.
How long does divorce take in Marion County, and what does it cost?
Indiana requires a 60-day waiting period from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized. Simple uncontested divorces can wrap up in a few months; contested cases with custody or property disputes can take one to two years. Attorney fees at firms like Cordell & Cordell reflect the complexity of the work — clients with high-asset or high-conflict cases should budget accordingly and discuss fee structures up front.
What should I know about child custody proceedings in Indianapolis?
Marion County family courts apply Indiana’s best interests of the child standard, weighing each parent’s relationship with the child, stability, and parenting capacity. Indiana courts favor joint legal custody arrangements where both parents remain involved in major decisions. Physical custody arrangements vary widely based on the specific facts. Documentation of parenting involvement from the start of a separation is important for building a strong custody case.
Quick Facts: Divorce Law in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Divorce Rate: Indiana’s divorce rate has historically tracked above the national average, creating consistent demand for experienced Marion County family law attorneys — CDC National Center for Health Statistics
- Marion County Courts: The Marion County Superior Court, Domestic Relations Division, handles all divorce and custody filings for Indianapolis residents — Indiana Courts
- Indiana Child Support: Child support in Indiana is calculated using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, a formula based on both parents’ incomes and parenting time — Indiana Supreme Court
Related Guide: Legal Guides for Indiana Residents


