Approximately one in three children will live at least some portion of their childhood with a stepparent, according to recent statistics. These are individuals who will play an important and lasting role in children’s lives. However, from a legal standpoint, stepparents – even residential stepparents – generally have fewer rights…
Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog
Carr-MacArthur v. Carr – On Mental Health and Child Custody
Mental illness does not carry the same stigma it did even just a few decades ago. This has brought many conditions to light that may have otherwise been hidden, and allowed for better treatment plans with greater family support. However, in the course of dissolving a marriage or within a…
Indiana Appeals Court Affirms Adoption Ruling
While Indiana family law courts strive to make the adoption process and transition as seamless as possible for children and their families, inevitably, there are going to be bumps in the road. This is especially true when the adoption is in any way disputed or when the adoptive parent or…
Bogner v. Bogner – Indiana Appeals Court Weighs Child Support Change
Changes in Indiana child support payments are only going to be made in circumstances where the court has held there has been a substantial change in condition and it’s in the best interest of the child or children involved. Deviation from the Indiana Child Support Guidelines also generally isn’t done…
Hardman v. Hardman – Allocation of Child Tuition Expenses in Divorce Settlement
Most parents want to ensure their children have the best possible chance of success as an independent adult, and that means having a solid education. However, there are many varying schools of thought about what a good education looks like – and how much it costs. In matters of divorce,…
In re J.T. – Grandparent Visitation in Indiana a Long Shot
It’s been 14 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s watershed ruling in a grandparent visitation dispute. In the years since, Indiana courts have still struggled to strike a balance between parental rights and the strong desire of grandparents to be a part of the children’s lives. Indiana Code 31-17-5 details…
Balogh v. Balogh – Post-Nuptial Agreements Can Protect Property
By now, most people are familiar with the concept of pre-nuptial agreements. These are contracts signed before a couple recites their vows, and are typically intended to protect assets acquired by the individuals prior to the union. Less recognized, but no less formal before the courts, are post-nuptial agreements. These…
Shae v. Shae – Modification of Child Support Orders
While child support guidelines in Indiana were modified nearly five years ago in order to promote fairness in family law proceedings, many parents still find themselves battling a system that is either forcing them to pay more than they can reasonably afford or isn’t making the non-custodial parent pay what…
In re: J.A.L. – Securing Elderly Guardianship in Indiana
Typically when our Highland family law attorneys talk about guardianship of an individual, we are speaking of children. However, as the population ages, with increasing frequency we are seeing individuals seeking guardianship of elderly relatives and loved ones. Adult guardianship in Indiana, similar to child guardianship, is a legal process…
Frackman v. Enzor – Evidence of Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, a Material Change in Circumstance for Child Custody Case
Modification of child custody orders in Indiana, as well as in many other states, typically requires evidence of some material change in circumstances. That is, something is substantially different to such an extent that reconsideration of the previous order is necessary. Gary child custody attorneys know that some general examples…