Indiana Court Decisions – Sept. 23-Oct. 6, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Dible: New, flexible methods available for signing Indiana wills
House Enrolled Act 1255 (P.L. 185-2021) added new signing methods for wills, effective April 29, with no “sunset” date and no dependence on any current or future public health emergency.
ABA issues guidance to lawyers regarding clients with language differences
The American Bar Association has released a set of guidelines attorneys can follow when they don’t speak the same language as their clients.
Justices set to hear arguments in Medicaid reimbursement, child victim testimony cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has set schedules to hear several oral arguments next week.
Justices reverse, rule for sister in siblings’ ‘restraint on marriage’ trust dispute
Indiana Supreme Court justices reversed Friday in a dispute between two siblings over a provision in their late mother’s trust regarding her son, holding the provision was not an unlawful restraint on marriage.
‘Restraint on marriage’ trust dispute granted transfer by justices
Indiana Supreme Court justices have granted transfer in a case involving a sibling dispute over their late mother’s trust.
Muncie attorney suspended after failure to communicate with client
A Muncie attorney who failed to communicate with an incarcerated client for years before withdrawing representation from the inmate’s case has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 120 days with automatic reinstatement.
Indiana Supreme Court amends professional conduct, bar admittance and attorney discipline rules
The Indiana Supreme Court has announced several amendments to the rules of professional conduct and rules for admission to the bar and discipline of attorneys, including a new rule and references to the Indiana Office of Admissions and Continuing Education.
Justices reverse denial of claim against hospital in case tied to killing
The Indiana Supreme Court has reversed the denial of a woman’s claim against a hospital that discharged her grandson just before he murdered her husband, remanding for reconsideration of her motion to amend under Indiana Trial Rule 15(C).
Indiana justices amend state parenting time guidelines
The Indiana Supreme Court has issued a 28-page order detailing changes made to Indiana’s parenting time guidelines, which will take effect New Year’s Day.
Reversal: Justices split, reinstate murder conviction for teen after toddler’s shooting death
In a 3-2 split, the Indiana Supreme Court has reinstated a murder conviction against a northern Indiana teen convicted in relation to the shooting death of a South Bend toddler. The dissent, however, would have granted post-conviction relief based on deficient counsel performance.
Supreme Court requests feedback on proposed amendments to public access, appellate rules
The Indiana Supreme Court is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the state’s rules for access to court records and appellate procedures.
Justices reinstate Noblesville attorney after satisfaction of unpaid costs
A Noblesville attorney who was set to begin serving a suspension for failing to pay costs in a discipline action has been reinstated to the Indiana bar.
Vaccine mandates still contested issue inside law offices, courts as president prepares requirements
Whether by choice or force, COVID-19 vaccine mandates are changing operations in law offices and courtrooms across the country.
Indiana Court Decisions – Sept. 9-22, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Denied counsel of choice, CHINS asks Supreme Court for help
Upon being retained by D.S. as counsel in his CHINS proceedings, Indianapolis attorney Rachel Roman-Lagunas visited him regularly, spoke with his family, arranged an in-person visit between him and his mother and assisted in getting him therapy. However, in an unusual turn, her advocacy has been interrupted by the trial court blocking her participation in the case.
Justices will hear arguments in breach of insurance contract, murder-for-hire cases
Indiana Supreme Court justices are set to hear oral argument in two cases next week, including a dispute that split an appellate panel earlier this year over a breached insurance contract and a Scott County murder-for-hire.
Justices suspend lawyers for failure to pay Disciplinary Commission
The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended two attorneys from the practice of law in Indiana after neither paid fees they owed to the court’s Disciplinary Commission for the costs of prosecuting them.
Justices affirm convictions, LWOP sentence for man convicted in toddler’s death
An Anderson man convicted of torturing a toddler before killing her and seriously injuring the child’s brother has failed in his direct appeal of his convictions and life without parole sentence.
Zionsville attorney suspended after second OWI
The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended a Zionsville lawyer following his conviction of felony operating a vehicle while intoxicated, his second OWI conviction.