Opinions August 18, 2025

Indiana Court of Appeals
Kurt Williams v. Karin Kirch
25A-SC-196
Small claims. Affirms the Marion County Small Claims Court’s judgment in favor of Karin Kirch. Finds the small claims court did not err in concluding that Kurt Williams’s claims were frivolous, unreasonable, and groundless. Also finds the court did not abuse its discretion in ordering Williams to pay $650 in attorney’s fees—a fraction of the $3,611.28 Kirch incurred defending against this action. Pro se appellant: Kurt Williams. Attorney for appellee: Jeremy Fetty.

In the Matter of P.R., E.R., and R.R. (Minor Children), (Children in Need of Services), and T.R. (Father) v. Indiana Department of Child Services
25A-JC-825
Juvenile CHINS. Reverses Hamilton Superior Court Magistrate Valorie Hahn’s dispositional order finding P.R, E.R. and R.R. to be children in need of services. Finds that the magistrate should not have presided at the review hearing and the fact-finding hearing after T.R.’s motion for change of judge was granted. Remands with instructions to vacate all orders issued after Nov. 4, 2024. Attorney for appellant: Lisa Manning. Attorneys for appellees: Attorney General Todd Rokita, John Oosterhoff.

In the Matter of J.N. (Minor Child), Child in Need of Services and L.W. (Mother) v. Indiana Department of Child Services and Kids’ Voice of Indiana
25A-JC-657
Juvenile CHINS. Affirms the Marion Superior Court order adjudicating J.N. a child in need of services. Finds the trial court found good cause for the 13-day delay, and the mother has not persuaded the appellate court that her due process rights were violated or that counsel’s failure to object to the delay or to file a motion to dismiss the CHINS petition undermines confidence in the trial court’s order adjudicating J.N. a CHINS. Attorney for appellant: Peter Laramore. Attorneys for appellees: Attorney General Todd Rokita, Abigail Recker.