Pending dissolution settlement not enforceable upon a party’s death
A property-settlement document is not an enforceable contract if one of the parties dies before the dissolution action is finalized, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled today.
Family Law
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COA rules on military benefits to former spouses
Ruling on the issue for the first time, the Indiana Court of Appeals has held that a military spouse may not, by a post-decree waiver of retirement pay in favor of disability benefits or combat-related special compensation, unilaterally and voluntarily reduce the benefits awarded to the former spouse in a dissolution decree.
Justices criticize attorney’s decision making on publication
State statutes about adoption and grandparent visitation may be important for Indiana trial courts when considering custody issues, but courts have long held that foundational due process rights still apply and can’t be sacrificed.
Appellate courts address estate tax, trust division regarding adoptions
As adoptions have become more common and more accepted for expanding the family tree, courts have had to address some legal matters clarifying those familial ties.
Adult guardianship programs continue to operate with little funding
Courts around Indiana have started their own guardianship programs based on the Lake County model program in Allen, Elkhart,
Lawrence, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, and Vanderburgh counties.
Guardians program fulfills need
To help address the need for guardians for patients of a northwest Indiana hospital, Lake County Judge Diane Kavadias-Schneider – with others in the court and with permission from Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard – worked on a guardianship program that involved temporary volunteer guardians.
High court privately reprimands attorney
The Indiana Supreme Court has privately reprimanded an attorney for improperly revealing information about a former client
when socializing with friends.
COA concerned about some details in termination case
In affirming the involuntary termination of a mother’s parental rights, the Indiana Court of Appeals noted some troubling
details involving the case.
Attorney waits for plea agreement decision
Anderson attorney Samuel Hasler is still waiting to see if his plea agreement regarding child pornography charges will be
accepted.
Prominent family law attorney dies
A well-known and longtime family law attorney in Indianapolis died July 7 at the age of 80.
Court affirms felony nonsupport of a dependent conviction
A man claiming he proved he was unable to pay child support because of his numerous incarcerations did not convince the Indiana
Court of Appeals. In its ruling today, the court relied on Becker v. Becker to affirm the man’s conviction
of Class C felony nonsupport of a dependent child.
COA balances free speech vs. minor’s privacy rights
The Indiana Court of Appeals was faced with competing constitutional rights today: a mother’s right to free political
speech versus her daughter’s right to privacy as to whether her father allegedly sexually abused her.
Judges: no private cause allowed for not reporting abuse, neglect
Standing behind a decision made by appellate judges about 20 years ago, the Indiana Court of Appeals has again declined to
interpret state statute in a way that allows for a private right of action for failing to report child abuse or neglect.
Justices asked to revisit Indian family law
At least one Indiana Court of Appeals judge believes the state’s highest court should revisit how it applies a three-decade
old statute to tribal Indian family adoption issues inside Indiana.
Family law attorney to receive national award
For doing pro bono work and for promoting pro bono work among others in the legal community, an Indianapolis attorney has
learned she will receive a national award at the ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco in August.
Economy adjusts child support
It used to be fairly easy to prove someone wouldn’t pay child support because they didn’t want to. But it hasn’t gone unnoticed
that there are more people who want to pay child support but simply can’t.
Courts study changing surrogacy law
Surrogacy law in Indiana is at a crossroads because of scientific and technological advances that give people more options
to start a family.
Judge, others honored around Law Day
The Evansville Bar Association recognized a judge and others in the legal profession during two annual events that take place
near Law Day.
IBA: Legislative Committee takes action on grandparents rights
The Indiana General Assembly grappled with some hefty family law issues during the recent legislative session and the IBA was up to the challenge.
Family courts for pro se parents
While family courts have been around in Indiana for the last decade, the counties that have them continue to make changes to improve access to justice to all litigants who are in the system.