Normally these cold, overcast days and dark weather leave us a bit glum. Nevertheless, for parents who have children who are not in a relationship with the other parent (by paternity and the relationship did not last or divorced parents), it’s time to think about the Spring Holidays, Holy days and the Summer and, well of course, parenting time. On the upside, on February 2, 2019, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so it should all be a little brighter and happier soooooon . . . .an early ... Read More
15
Feb2019
31
Jan2019
Whoever said “there is a fine line between love and hate” was on to something. Frequently, two people who were madly in love, somewhere stumbled and are now getting a divorce. As you may have already figured out, those loving days are gone, and not only are they gone, but that love has been replaced, in most cases, with resentment towards the other person. So, what do you do when you are going through a divorce? What shouldn’t you do? How do I act? How should I treat the other person? These ... Read More
24
Jan2019
One of the best ways to make the most of a divorce is to try to remove yourself from the emotion and clearly understand what you want, why, and if your legal desires are realistic. Divorce law is complex making this difficult. However, there are three pervasive myths about divorce law that have many litigants confused before they even consult with counsel. They are debunked and the focus of this blog.
The first myth is with property (e.g., stocks, bonds, cash, homes) that a party brought into the marriage. Indiana is a “one-pot ... Read More
15
Jan2019
Probably. Divorce is unique in civil suits because the parties likely will continue to know each other (particularly) if they have children and interact into the future. With a divorce if you lose custody, child support is wrong, or the property is not properly divided or completely divided, you need to appeal to protect your future rights. This blog explores why you should consider an appeal in divorce and paternity cases.
Where children are involved (divorce or paternity), if child custody is at issue, the parent ... Read More
13
Dec2018
The ending of yet another year and thinking about life and goals for the next year brings up all sorts of thoughts; psychologists and lawyers will tell you the clients they see have them run the gambit during the holiday season (Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years). Often this brings up a continually declining marriage and thoughts of filing for divorce. So, with the holidays, it often the best of times, with gatherings of family and friends, and the worst of times, with the thought of entering another year ... Read More
14
Nov2018
Can I Be Required to Contribute Toward My Kid’s College Expenses If We Have Had No Relationship After the Divorce1?
Maybe? Maybe not! Under Indiana law, there is no absolute duty for a divorced parent to be ordered to contribute toward his or her adult child’s college expenses. Generally, Indiana divorce courts order divorced parents to pay toward their adult child’s college.2 However, where repudiation can be established—that there is no relationship between the adult child and parent--the court may determine the child has repudiated the relationship with the parent and relieve him ... Read More
17
Oct2018
For most of us, it is easy to be prepared to go to a new doctor’s appointment. We generally know what the doctor wants to know (our medical history) and what brings us to the doctor in the first place (a routine checkup to a lingering pain or bump). On the other hand, most people really do not know what to expect when they first seek an attorney for an auto accident, divorce, or criminal matter. Just the thought of needing an attorney and making an appointment can be overwhelming ... Read More
07
Sep2018
Every person has done something in their past they are not proud of. Most people have seen or done things they think only they know, things they will not talk about—to anyone, at any time, for any reason. However, in today’s digital world, particularly with skilled forensic private investigators, almost nothing is truly a secret. So, in the ugly world of divorce, even if you do not think it is probable, certain “skeletons” have a remarkable way of coming out of the closet to negatively define your divorce (or paternity case). Once ... Read More
29
Aug2018
The divorce decision was handed down and it is now final. The property has been divided. The costs have been allocated, and attorney’s fees may have been awarded. If you have children, then custody, parenting time, and child support also have finally been decided. What are your rights if you disagree with the decision? You are not happy with the result. Maybe you feel the property division was unfair, or maybe you did not get joint custody. Whether you disagree with one provision or several, you have a right to appeal your divorce ... Read More
31
Jul2018
In large segments of the United States population, couples are not having children, fewer kids, or waiting until later l in ife. This may account for the growing multi-billion-dollar industry related to pets: Dog dadaycarePet therapists. Organic pet food. These are all words that are as common to hear and convey as lol and emojis. And hearing “my child” is a dog [cat, or fill in the blank] is a norm. It is at the time of divorce, the pets sometimes become focal points. Both litigants “love” the dog and want him/her; ... Read More