Blogs

The latest legal tips and information

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

In some family law cases there is a person appointed to represent the best interest of the child. The guardian ad litem, or  “GAL,” is appointed by the court to represent the best interest of the child pursuant to Indiana Code 31-9-2-50. Indiana law states that...

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Adult Adoptions

In Indiana, an adult can adopt another adult. Any person over the age of 18 is considered an “adult” for adoption purposes. Adoption of an adult creates the same legal relationship with the adoptive parents as an adoption of a minor child. The individual’s birth...

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The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Beginning June 27, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees are required to provide reasonable accommodation to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause an undue...

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File your claim or face the consequences

In In the Matter of Rafael Antonio Ramirez Flores, Debtor filed a petition for relief under Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Secured creditor, Gaeta Auto Sales (“GAS”), failed to file a proof of claim or object despite receiving notice of Flores’ bankruptcy. The debtor’s plan...

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Words Matter!

On March 21, 2023, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled on an issue that could have a lasting impact on Indiana financial institutions and businesses that change terms of contracts upon notice to their customers.  In this case, the plaintiffs, Cliff and Wendy Decker,...

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Custody of the Family Pet

The Indiana Court of Appeals recently heard a custody dispute over a family’s dog, in a case decided on March 15, 2023. As part of a Mother and Father’s divorce trial, ownership of the family’s pet dog was in dispute. Evidence regarding who should be awarded ownership...

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Could Non-Competes in Employment Be Banned?

This Memorandum relates to a recently proposed rule from the Federal Trade Commission that would ban almost all non-compete clauses nationwide. Below is a summary of the background of the Proposed Rule, its text and effect on businesses, and potential challenges to...

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COVID Stimulus Payments Received During a Divorce

New COVID stimulus checks are starting to hit bank accounts today. For couples who are legally separated or who initiated a divorce action since filing their 2019 income tax returns, how and who receives these payments can be a contested issue.   The stimulus...

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Is there a traditional Thanksgiving following divorce?

Thanksgiving is difficult for parents following divorce because your dining room table certainly seems empty without your children if your current agreement or current co-parenting relationship doesn't allow room to share the holiday in some way. If you're...

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Workplace COVID-19 vaccination programs

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:  With growing availability of vaccines, many employers are considering whether and how to ensure that their workforce remains safe in anticipation of getting their operations back to normal. To meet this need, employers can adopt either a...

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New Real Estate Notary Requirements

Real Estate Law Update: New Notary Requirements   by Pat Hess REAL ESTATE LAW UPDATE:  EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020, there are immediate changes to the legal requirements for witnessing and signing documents associated with the sale of real estate.  If...

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COVID-19 and Employer Health Plans: How to handle COBRA

As we continue to deal with our new COVID-19 reality, employers need to consider how employee lay-offs and terminations affect health plan eligibility. PART II     We previously addressed what employers needed to do immediately. This article addresses the...

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