The family dynamic is something that is always changing, and there is certainly no “standard” or “normal” family. Many may picture a mom, a dad, and a couple of children when thinking of what was called a “nuclear family.” However, the truth is, families, often, do not resemble a nuclear family. Families may consist of same-sex couples, single parents, step-parents, half-siblings, adopted children, aunts, uncles, third-party custodians, or a myriad of other possibilities. On this note, it has become increasingly common for grandparents to play an active ... Read More
28
Mar2019
27
Mar2019
The digital age is an exciting time. New developments in technology are routinely made, bringing about changes that have the potential to affect our daily lives. But with these new advances comes changes to the legal landscape. These new changes have the potential to dramatically change your life, and as such, require your attention. One of the most drastic changes in the legal world has been the use of cell phones as a source of evidence. This hot button topic ... Read More
26
Mar2019
Going through a divorce or raising a child who was born outside of a marriage comes with unique challenges for custodial and non-custodial parents alike. Despite these challenges, such parents are not immune to other changes and challenges that life may throw their way. After a divorce or after having a child outside of marriage, a parent may obtain a new career opportunity, engage in a new relationship, desire to move closer to their hometown or their family, or have to ... Read More
22
Mar2019
A topic of hushed discussions or private contemplation between some soon-to-divorce is pre-planning for divorce. This covers everything from illicit/illegal activities (such as dissipating marital assets or hiding them) to meeting with a lawyer to specifically discuss your situation to pre-plan within the limits of the Divorce Act to some of the basics you can do yourself in most cases. This blog covers the three things every person considering divorce should do well before the divorce filing occurs.
First, most couples have some apportionment of ... Read More
20
Mar2019
Anyone who has found themselves in the unenviable position of being in a traffic stop knows the stress and panic it can cause. Whether it be a DUI check-point, a rear headlight being out, or failure to use a turn signal, no one likes being pulled over. You may ask yourself, “can a police officer pull you over at any time?” or “what are the limits on being pulled over?” While there are no hard and fast rules governing traffic ... Read More
14
Mar2019
Divorce is a process that affects a multitude of aspects in a family’s life. Relationships that were premised on lasting are being dissolved between spouses. New living arrangements may take place. Parents’ time with the children may be drastically altered. A two-income household where parents share responsibilities is split, and now each spouse may be entirely responsible for their own household – both financially and in terms of day-to-day upkeep. This change can be tremendously stressful and is certainly an emotional process. The attorneys ... Read More
14
Mar2019
Unfortunately, when a couple divorces, all members of the family must adjust to a new dynamic. Despite provisions for parenting time and visitation rights in various statutes, a divorce may disrupt the relationship between children and parents and limit the time they get to spend together. However, with the incidence of divorce being high, and with step-parents playing an ever-increasing role in children’s lives, a step-parent may wonder what rights they may have after they separate from a biological parent of a child. ... Read More
13
Mar2019
As stated in Ciyou & Dixon, P.C.’s blog post of February 25, 20191 (read it here) the idea of cohabitation between partners has become common in the United States. Couples may cohabit for a variety of reasons – younger individuals are choosing to cohabit before marriage at an increasing rate; partners with children may choose not to marry for a variety of reasons; some who have been “burned” by a past marriage may vow never to get married again but have found a new partner with ... Read More
08
Mar2019
Many people in Indiana have a general idea of what it means to appeal a decision. The popularity of legal TV shows, true crime shows streamed to our laptops and tablets, and news stories about the reversal of criminal convictions based on DNA evidence or a new United States Supreme Court case all touch on the idea of an “appeal.” But what does an “appeal” really mean, and what can you do to set yourself up for success if you find yourself having to appeal ... Read More
06
Mar2019
Anyone who has dealt in the administration of an estate knows the amount of work that goes into it. Whether it be the estate of a recently passed loved one, a family member, or a friend, administration of an estate becomes tough due to the emotions typically involved with the passing of someone close to you. You may find yourself asking what to do? Where do you go for questions? What rights does a deceased individual’s estate continue to have? The Indiana Supreme Court touched on this last question in its recent ... Read More