Indiana law distinguishes between a biological father and a legally recognized father.  Simply fathering a child does not automatically give one the rights of a parent.  Indiana law puts a large amount of emphasis on whether the parents of the child were married at the time of birth, or whether the parents ended up getting...

What is mediation? Mediation is a form of dispute resolution.  It is a way in which the parties negotiate with the help of a mediator.  Mediation is generally voluntary and parties choose whether to go or not, although in Indiana, many courts have ordered attempted mediation before final hearings.  Mediation is also a collaborative environment...

Prenuptial agreements, commonly referred to as “prenups,” are a common source of drama in the media and sometimes in real life.  The idea of signing a “what-if” agreement before saying “I do” in preparation for the failure of something that is supposedly a forever contract is not generally seen as a positive step.  However, a...

If your problem is financial insecurity in property, sometimes the best option is to “just walk away.”  If you overextended yourself and can no longer afford the real estate or personal property you own, walking away from it may be the best option for you.  Given the rise in bankruptcy filings across the country, and specifically...

Everyone knows about property division after a divorce.  Generally, the story is about one of the spouses somehow railroading the other and taking all of their money.  The favorite anecdote includes a vicious, vengeful ex-spouse with the bulldog of a lawyer who somehow manages to convince the court to give that spouse all of the...

A criminal record can make it hard to get a job, or even to qualify for jobs.  A criminal record can impact your personal life, giving you a negative reputation among friends and acquaintances.  A criminal can affect your academic success and other areas of your life.  Therefore, an expungement could greatly affect your life...

Legal separation does not necessarily lead to divorce. There is an entirely separate legal tool for couples who choose to separate and those that choose to divorce. A divorce legally ends the marriage, while a legal separation instead gives the couple an opportunity to determine whether the marriage can be saved or whether the marriage...

A custody battle is often one of the most stressful and difficult times in a person’s life.  It is a very personal relationship put into a very public eye and decided by someone completely unrelated to the situation.  If you are entering into a custody battle, it is important to know that, although you may...

Bankruptcy can be a terrifying and daunting idea.  As an individual with no experience in bankruptcy, it might even seem an impossibly difficult task.  In truth, bankruptcy is a last chance option, and one ought only to consider it in the face of dire financial circumstances.  That said, the process will go much smoother with...

Getting a divorce is an extremely difficult time in a person’s life. It creates both economic and emotional hardships on the family, and can affect both extended family and friends. In Indiana, one must follow certain procedures in order to file a divorce properly. The last thing one needs is the legal burden that accompanies...