The Importance of Adequate Parenting Time
When a couple makes the decision to divorce, it can result in a tumultuous experience laden with multiple ups and downs. However, when the couple has children it can be even harder on the family. One of the biggest reasons why couples postpone moving forward with a divorce is because they fear it will have...
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics
Bankruptcy can be an overwhelming and traumatic process, resulting in significant heartache. However, it can also give you the fresh start you need while eliminating your financial burdens. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commonly referred to as “liquidation” where some of your assets are sold to pay creditors. Some assets may be exempt to creditors...
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests for OWIs in Indiana
You may have seen it on TV or have been unlucky enough to experience what happens when a person gets pulled over and is suspected of drinking and driving. In Indiana, the charge for driving under the influence is called “Operating a vehicle while intoxicated” (OWI). A police officer usually administers a series of tests...
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody in Indiana: What’s the Difference?
Divorce is often one of the most difficult things a couple must endure during the end of a relationship. Distributing assets and property can become combative and be anything but amicable. However, one of the most harrowing aspects of a divorce has to be determining child custody. Parents often times neglect to file for a...
Prenuptial Agreements Lessen the Blow of Divorce in Indiana
Before a couple officially becomes husband and wife and pronounce the words “till death do us apart” as part of their marriage vows, it is not uncommon for them to execute a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is a contract negotiated by the couple regarding the ownership and division of certain present and future assets...
A Child’s Basic Needs: What is Behind the Guidelines
The guidelines on child custody arrangements were developed based on the needs of the child, with the input of family and child development professionals, including psychologists and attorneys, and divorced parents. Everyone agrees that, “both parents nurture their child in important ways, significant to the development and well being of the child.” The guidelines were...
Best Interest of the Child
We are a nation that quickly became accustomed to the frequency of divorce. This is not to downplay the stress and the trauma of the event, especially the trauma felt by any children born from the marriage. Divorce is a battle. We fight over who gets what. We fight about how much will be given...
Overseas Adoption
Adoption and the creation of a new family may be a lone bright spot in the realm of family law. Domestic adoption though (adoption within the borders of the United States), is not necessarily a walk in the park. The bureaucratic and delicate nature of administering an adoption of American children to American adults is...
Beyond Child Emancipation
In Indiana if you are divorced and are the noncustodial parent, you will be required to pay child support. Indiana uses the income shares model to determine the amount of child support the noncustodial parent will owe. The amount of child support owed is based on the estimated parental support if the parents were to...
Should We Get a Prenup? Prenuptial Agreements and Indiana Law
Preparing to get married is a happy time. In addition to planning the wedding, however, couples must make a number of decisions about their future lives together. Many future spouses benefit from creating a prenuptial agreement, an arrangement that governs how assets will be divided upon divorce or death. As well as helping couples plan...