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Indiana was the 32nd state to make text messaging while driving illegal. The law took effect on the 1st of July. Drivers can be fined up to $500 if busted, according to Hands-Free Info. The law was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels back on May 11th and is being used to reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents in Highland and elsewhere.”Distraction is still a factor in too many serious crashes. But, the bill signed by Gov. Daniels will help make Indiana roads safer,” U.S. Transportation secretary Ray LaHood.

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There have been many celebrity divorces in the news recently and aside from a higher income than most of the rest of us, these high-profile divorcees go through similar challenges — just like everyone else.

A Lake County divorce can take a toll, not only financially, but emotionally as well. It can create a big change in life circumstances and requires adapting to a new way of living.An experienced Gary divorce lawyer must be consulted to seek the best outcome possible. Whether fighting over alimony or child support payments, child custody, division of assets and debts or preparing financially (including consideration of tax issues and debt after a divorce), a lawyer will be able to assist you.

Among the most high-profile marriages and divorces in recent years was that of reality TV star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphries. The couple spent millions on their wedding and agreed to a contract to do a television special about the event, only to split 72 days later.

It hasn’t been made public what led to the split, but the two millionaires had a prenuptial agreement in place. It’s unclear if either took away assets from the divorce.

News reports alleged that actor Ashton Kutcher was spotted out on the town with a young fling despite being married to actress Demi Moore for six years. Despite Kutcher’s efforts to save the marriage, the New York Daily News reports, Moore wanted a divorce.

The newspaper reports that Kutcher, 33, bought his 49-year-old wife a $100,000 car as a way of trying to save their marriage. Tabloid reports state that Moore knew of her husband’s alleged affairs as they were ongoing.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer’s divorce has also gotten media attention, as it has been reported that he and his wife of 13 years are attempting to go to mediation to settle a lawsuit so they don’t have to proceed to a trial.

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that Farmer and his wife, who filed for divorce in April, will again attempt to have a mediation hearing in order to try to work out their differences. A trial date had been set for December, but the two agreed to a delay of the trial while they attempt to get together and reach an agreement.

Mediation is held when the two sides of a divorce are unable to amicably agree to the separation of assets, child custody matters and other issues. This is handled differently on a state-by-state and county-by-county basis.

In some situations, couples are forced to go to mediation in order to try to avoid going to trial and taking up the time and resources that can require. When the dollar amounts, investments, properties and other assets are very high, this can be more complex. But divorces where few assets are on the line can be equally time consuming because of what those assets represent in a relationship.

Each case is unique. An experienced Indiana divorce lawyer will take your needs into consideration and prepare your case individually. There is no cookie-cutter approach to a divorce because every case is different.

Don’t attempt to do this alone. There are many long-term legal implications from a divorce and all should be taken into consideration.
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Divorce in any demographic can be a difficult thing. There are issues of where will the children live and how much will child support be. Who will get the house and who will have to pay alimony.

There are also tax consequences and long-term financial implications that an experienced Gary divorce lawyer can assist people with.Dealing with an Indiana divorce can be emotionally draining. But a skilled lawyer will be able to look at a person’s marital situation, and assess the best course of action for a split that offers a client the best chance for financial stability and long-term quality of life.

A recent Huffington Post article looks at the challenges that stay-at-home mothers face when they are preparing for a divorce and after the divorce is complete. For wage-earning divorcees, the financial implications of a divorce can be devastating, but for parents staying at home, it can be even more difficult.

The Huffington Post article suggests some tips for moms who are staying at home in order to make a divorce as smooth as possible:

Get your financial records:

Establishing a snapshot of your finances and other important material, including assets, debts, income, investments and other information should be kept in a safe place that is easy to access.

Consult a financial planner:

First meet with an Indiana divorce lawyer, but then meet with a financial planner. Ask your divorce lawyer about the benefits of meeting with a planner, who can assist your lawyer. They can summarize your financial situation and help you discover your net worth and how you may build a strategy for the divorce.

Look at the division of assets:

In Indiana, assets are divided 50/50, regardless of whose name the assets were in before the marriage. Unless there is a prenuptial agreement in place, this is how assets are divided. Don’t let that fool you. One side routinely walks away with more than half a couple’s assets. Get qualified legal representation.

Learn about alimony:

Alimony is how much money one spouse may be paid by the other after the divorce is completed. Some states have strict laws, while in others, judges have great discretion.

Child support:

Like alimony, a spouse can be forced to pay child support if they aren’t granted custody. The amount can vary, based on income levels, the child’s needs and other factors. Where a child lives, in most states, is determined by the “best interests” of the child.

Make a plan:

Create goals and envision how you want to live, post-divorce. In an Indiana divorce, you may have to fight to make sure you get what you need. There may be a transitional period before the divorce is finalized and sometimes court delays slow things down.

Be prepared for the new stage in your life and allow an experienced Indiana divorce lawyer to help you. There are many aspects of a divorce that are complex and that a person who has never gone through this experience may not be prepared to tackle. That’s why years of helping people through this process comes in handy. We will work to ensure you are set up to enjoy a productive life after divorce and that starts with making sure your finances are in order.
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Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to give thanks and to spend your time with cherished friends and family. Unfortunately, nearly 450 people will die in car accidents in Indiana and elsewhere during the upcoming holiday weekend, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Another 43,500 people are expected to be injured badly enough to require professional medical attention during the 4.25 day holiday weekend.The Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27th. The new fatality estimates from the NSC are about 20 percent less than the average of the actual fatalities from the last six years.

Our Gary car accident attorneys understand the increased number of expected travelers equates to more risks for crashes on our roadways. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that nearly 43 million people will be traveling more than 50 miles from their home during the upcoming holiday weekend. This is up 4 percent from the 41 million who traveled for the 2010 holiday.

Gas prices are higher now than they were last year though. During the 2010 Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend, the average price per gallon was $2.88. This year’s average per gallon price is $3.39, according to CNN.

Memorial Day travel remained about the same for both 2010 and 2011, but travel for Labor Day and for Independence Day decreased from 2010 to 2011. Many experts believe that the decrease in travel is because of the increase in the price at the pump. Experts go on to conclude that travel will increase for the Thanksgiving holiday because Americans are sick of staying home and are swallowing their financial fear for some enjoyment on Turkey Day.

“Driving AAA’s projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years,” said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services.

With the increase in travelers during Thanksgiving, driving will still be the most dominant form of transportation for vacationers. Expectations for air travel are mixed. The Air Transport Association of America is forecasting a 2 percent decrease in the number of air travelers this year, while AAA is expecting a 2 percent increase.

Our Gary car accident attorneys would like to ask drivers to be safe, no matter how far you’re traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. All vehicle occupants should wear a seat belt at all times. These safety devices have been proven to be 45 percent effective in preventing death among front-seat passenger car occupants in the event of an accident. With this known information, about 150 people are expected to be saved over the holiday weekend because of seat belts. If everyone were to wear a seat belt, another 110 lives could be saved, says AAA.

The average number of traffic-related deaths over the last six Thanksgiving holiday weekends was more than 10 percent higher than the number of fatalities during similar non-holiday periods.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day weekend and drive safely on our roadways!
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Indiana State Police have seen it more than they want to remember– drivers asleep at the wheel and the resulting tragic consequences. That’s one of the reasons local officials have joined the efforts of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Sleep Foundation to support Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This campaign has been ongoing all this week, and is being used to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving-related car accidents in Highland and elsewhere nationwide kill more than 1,500 people and injure another 71,000 every year. Drowsy drivers cause more than 100,000 accidents each year. These sleepy traffic accidents cost nearly $13 billion a year.”People should use common sense if they’re feeling tired,” said Sgt. Bill Redman, St. Joseph County police spokesman. “You’re putting you and others at risk.”

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand how dangerous drowsy driving can be. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of this behavior. According to a recent study from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about a third of drivers admitted to engaging in drowsy driving at least once in the last month. This number is alarming because more that 95 percent of those surveyed said that this driving behavior was completely unacceptable. Too many drivers believe that they can just push through the sleepiness behind the wheel and they couldn’t be more wrong.

A person who has been awake for 20 hours straight has the same reaction abilities as someone who is legally drunk, with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08, according to WSBT.

“That driving behavior mimics someone drinking and driving,” said Indiana State Police spokesman Sgt. Trent Smith.

Indiana has experienced more than 4,600 drowsy driving-related accidents in the last year. These accidents have resulted in nearly 1,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths.

According to Smith, these accidents most commonly happen when drivers travel too many miles without getting enough sleep. He says the accidents are oftentimes seen on highways, like the Indiana Toll Road.

Symptoms of drowsiness at the wheel:

-Feeling irritable.

-Trouble keeping your eyes open.

-Feeling restless.

-Yawning excessively.

-Daydreaming.

-Swerving your vehicle in and out of your lane.

-Trouble keeping your head up.

-Feeling aggressive.

-Missing road signs and street lights.

-Having difficult remembering the last couple of miles you drove.

If you notice any of these symptoms while driving, you’re urged to pull over and take a break. One of the biggest mistakes that a driver can make is trying to power through the sleepiness. When you do this, you’re setting yourself up for microsleep, which is 3 to 4 second time periods when you actually fall asleep behind the wheel.

Remember to get plenty of rest before heading out on a long road trip, to stop and rest every 2 hours or every 100 miles, drive with a passenger when feasible, and know when to pull over and take a break.

“Drowsy driving is a major traffic safety problem that, unfortunately, is largely unrecognized,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.
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The Department of Public Works (DPW) Indy Snow Force recently recruited assistance from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard for new enhancements that have been added to the state’s snow removal program.

The recent announcement of its increase in snow plows comes just in time to address the wicked season to come. A recent freak snowstorm in the New England area dropped more than 30 inches of snow in some areas. The heavy, wet snow pushed over trees and snapped large branches, cutting off power to about 3 million businesses and homes from Maine to Maryland, according to USA TODAY.

With these dangerous conditions and icy roadways, we feel it’s time to start talking about the dangers and the risks of winter-related car accidents in Indiana.Our Highland car accident lawyers understand that meteorologists are predicting a lot of snow this season — above average levels. Indiana officials want to be prepared for this snowfall and the dangers and inconveniences that comes with it. To help keep the roads clear and safe for motorists, the Snow Force fleet was gifted with 6 new snow trucks for the upcoming season, according to Fox 59.

“Our Indy Snow Force fleet stands to clear city streets and keep residents safe during the harsh winter conditions we’re certain to face this season,” Ballard said.

The Indy Snow Force takes care of more than 6,000 lane miles of streets in the city. The fleet now consists of over 150 pieces of equipment. When snowfall exceeds 6 inches, the fleet tackles residential roadways to help residents gain access to their homes. This adds another 4,000 lane miles to the city’s workload.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is on board and buckling down for a brutal winter as well. According to Eagle County, the INDOT is urging motorists to be cautious when the snowy weather drops down on us. All motorists should be prepared before these conditions pop up.

INDOT will continue to focus its efforts on ice and snow removal, while keep the safety of motorists as a top priority.

To help prepare for the upcoming season, officials with the Seymour District conducted a number of inspections on their snow-removal trucks all through October. Officials looked at safety equipment and mechanical components on the vehicles in their fleet to ensure they’d be able to combat the winter weather in full force. The Seymour District has nearly 200 snow plows that look over nearly 5,000 lane miles of interstates and state highways.

If you plan on driving during questionable weather, you’re urged to visit www.trafficwise.in.gov to check out road conditions. About 500,000 used the website last winter. The website offers you information regarding closed roadways, snowfall stats and other helpful information.

“You know, we’ll be ready for winter,” said Howard County Highway Department Supervisor Ted Cain.
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Seven people, including an infant, were killed in a recent Indiana car accident. It all happened when a semi-truck slammed into the back of a family’s minivan. Ten people were in that van and were all believed to have been related, according to FOX News.According to state police Sgt. Trent Smith, none of the occupants of the van were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The crash happened just 10 miles east of South Bend on the Indiana Toll Road between Bristol and Middlebury.

Our Highland car accident attorneys understand the dangers of traffic accidents that involve a semi-truck or other large vehicle. The weight and size of these vehicles can produce serious and deadly results on those who are in passenger vehicles. Investigators believe that this accident happened as the van either slowed or stopped because of an unrelated accident. When the family slowed or stopped the van, the semi slammed into them at nearly 70 miles per hour. Investigators are still looking to the exact cause.

This is another unfortunate example as to why we continuously urge motorists to be extremely cautious when driving on roadways with semis, especially during the holiday season, when traffic is expected to increase.

Officers report that not even the infant was buckled in at the time of the accident.

Investigators report that the minivan had license plates from Illinois. Family members from the Chicago area are coming to the area to help to identify the victims.

The preliminary investigation concluded that the driver of the semi had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident. He was not seriously injured.

In the accident, the infant, the infant’s mother, an 8-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, his father, and 8-year-old girl and her mother were killed. All were pronounced dead at the scene. Two who were injured were taken with the semi driver to the Elkhart General Hospital.

The accident ended up blocking the toll road for several hours.

Motorists should be extra careful for large trucks when traveling along interstate roadways.

Motorist tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

-Never cut in front of a semi. Large vehicles take longer to stop than our passenger vehicles.

-Always wear a seat belt. These may be your best defense against injury or death in the event of a serious accident.

-Stay out of a truck’s blind spots. These are areas around the truck that a driver cannot see by using its mirrors. Remember that if you can’t see a truck driver, then they can’t see you.

-Never turn in between a semi and a curb. These trucks take wide turn and can squeeze you into these areas.

-Never follow too closely.

-Always drive defensively. Nearly 70 percent of all fatal accidents are caused by aggressive driving behaviors.
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Managing money after divorce is often challenging for both spouses, but women may have a tougher time and be at higher risk for financial problems, according to Reuters News.

Munster divorce lawyers can help minimize those risks. We can assist clients with avoiding common pitfalls. And we can fight to ensure that an Indiana divorce settlement — including property division, child support and alimony — is in a client’s best interest.Often both parties to a divorce underestimate the financial impact of reducing household income by 50 percent while doubling expenses, including the expense of running two residences.

An experienced Indiana family law attorney will understand the challenges and can often assist with solutions. An experienced divorce lawyer is money well spent and can be vital when it comes to ensuring a fair and equitable separation. Parties who treat legal fees as an expense to be minimized may find themselves far worse off than had they invested in capable legal counsel.

Reuters reports a new study by the University of Virginia’s National Marriage Project found that divorce rates are again on the rise as the economy recovers. Rates had fallen as much as 57 percent in 2009 in response to the economic downturn as couples stayed together to weather the financial storm.

Meanwhile, divorce settlements have become much more complex since 2008 — largely due to couples dealing with bad real estate debt. In many cases, relocation has also impacted child custody cases.

“Three of the top five causes for divorce are often financial: job loss, housing problems and credit card debt,” says Chris Bixby, a senior financial planner and vice president with Key Private Bank. Credit card debt is often a risk divorcing women fall prey to, according to the experts.

Nine out of 10 women will become responsible for their own finances at some point — typically due to death or divorce. Far too many are not prepared with the financial knowledge that can help protect their future. In some cases, they may fall prey to outright scams. In other cases, financial illiteracy may otherwise threaten their future financial well-being.

Seeking the advice of a Munster family law attorney with extensive experience in financial planning can help protect your rights, your future and your family. Without proper planning, a spouse can be left without the resources necessary to build a brighter future. And that’s something all the financial planning in the world may not correct.

Historically, a house has been a couple’s biggest asset. Not so since the collapse of the real estate market. Whether the marital home is an asset or liability depends on many factors, including the property’s current market value. Retirement funds are another critical piece of any divorce settlement.
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“A pension plan for the less successful spouse,” is what the Huffington Post called alimony payments in Indiana.

Alimony in Indiana can be a critical component of any divorce settlement. Together with child support and property division, alimony can determine the future quality of life for both parties for years to come. One of the impacts of the recession is a renewed effort to limit alimony payments, particularly once a spouse reaches the age of retirement.William Quigley, who describes himself as venture capitalist, views the perceived inequity from a largely male perspective. A mother and wife may well have raised children while forgoing a career or advanced degree. She may have worked while the husband earned an advanced degree with more earning power. Make no mistake about it: Divorce is a major destroyer of wealth and one of the primary risks for poverty — particularly among older women.

Alimony can be a lifeline. Typically awarded for up to half the length of marriages lasting less than 10 years, alimony may be awarded indefinitely upon the termination of long-term marriages. For a former husband, unreasonable alimony can have a dramatically negative impact on his future quality of life. As in any divorce, an experienced Munster divorce lawyer must be called in to deal with the specific issues that come up in spousal splits, including alimony.

Quigley’s perspective aside, he goes on to suggest a marriage disclosure statement that sheds light on the legal burden each spouse inherits when tying the knot:

-You are entering into a legally binding contract.

-You are agreeing to assume debts acquired by your spouse during the marriage.

-You may be required to pay money to your spouse in the form of alimony in the event of divorce.

-You may face garnishment of wages or other state enforcement action to collect monies owed.

-Spousal support may be ordered for life, even if your spouse chooses divorce. Such payment could exceed 50 percent of your income and could increase if you remarry.

-Legal obligations of spousal support are not negated by spousal conduct, including infidelity.

Certainly, a premarital agreement may address some of these issues. And the letter of the law does not take into consideration how an experienced Northwest Indiana divorce attorney can improve your legal standing. But this look at the obligations you assume as part of a marriage should at least provide pause for those who are facing divorce without an experienced legal advocate at their side.

Make no mistake about it: Futures are routinely decided via property division and child support and alimony awards. Knowing the advantages, disadvantages and tax implications of each is vital to understanding what’s in the best interest of your client.
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Halloween is right around the corner and kids across the state are gearing up for some serious trick-or-treating. Haunted houses are spooking neighborhoods, witches are flying though treetops and jack-o-lanterns are lighting up the late-night sky. During this time of year, your child faces some of the most haunting risks for child injury in Highland and elsewhere throughout the state.Our Indiana personal injury attorneys ask that all ghosts and goblins be extra careful on the 31st, whether trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, attending a Halloween party or venturing through a haunted house. Dangers lurk around everyone corner and serious injury could result if we’re not careful. To help keep little monsters and rock stars safe this Halloween, we’d like to share a few simple safety tips that can help to keep everyone safe.

Southern Indiana Pediatrics offers these safety tips for safe Halloween fun:

Costumes

-Consider face paint instead of a mask for your child’s costume. Masks can obstruct your child’s vision and can present serious danger when trick-or-treating.

-Make sure your child’s costume is flame-resistant and the face makeup is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

-Suit your little goblins up in comfortable shoes. Also make sure that their costumes fit appropriately so they’re not prone to trip and fall.

-Be sure that all children who trick-or-treat after the sun sets have reflective tape on their costumes or are carrying a flashlight.

Pumpkin Carving

-Never let a small child carve a pumpkin. Let your child draw on a customized pumpkin-face design with a permanent marker. Children ages 5 to 10 should be allowed to carve pumpkins only if they have special pumpkin cutters that come equipped with safety bars.

-When you can’t use artificial light, it’s best to use a votive candle in a pumpkin.

-Make sure that all lighted pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface. They shouldn’t be set near curtains or other flammable objects.

-Never leave a candle-lit pumpkin unattended.

Sweet Treats

-Consider handing out healthy treats or other non-food items like spider rings, pencils, stickers or bubbles.

-Never allow your child to snack on candy while trick-or-treating. Make sure they’re fed before they head out hunting for treats.

-Parents should examine all candy before handing any over to children. Remove any items that have been opened or tampered with.

-Remove all choking hazards from your child’s treat bag. This includes peanuts, gum, small toys and hard candies.

Halloween at Home

-Make sure that your house is kid-proof for trick-or-treaters. Remove all trip hazards from your driveway, sidewalk and front door.

-Make sure that all exterior lights are working.

-Make sure that walking surfaces are dry and are clear of leaves and other yard debris.

For information on Halloween events in Indiana, visit the Muncie Free Press website.

Halloween is for every one of all ages. Remember to keep these safety tips in mind to help prevent injuries. Maybe it you’re nice to your little trick-or-treater, he or she will share some of the sweets with you. Happy Halloween!
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Phone: 219-836-2200
Fax: 219-836-9388

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