In the digital age, social media platforms are a large part of many individuals’ daily lives, providing avenues for communication and self-expression. However, while it provides many advantages, what people post on social media can have negative effects. This applies to child custody cases as well. Public display of parenting behavior Social media platforms offer a public stage where individuals can share snapshots of their lives. Judges in child custody cases may consider these when evaluating a parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment. Positive interactions with the chi ..read more

In the state of Indiana, the law distinguishes between standard crimes and aggravated crimes, imposing harsher penalties for the latter. Aggravated crimes are offenses that involve certain aggravating factors, making them more serious in the eyes of the law. 1. Use of a deadly weapon The use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime is a significant factor that can elevate it to an aggravated crime. Indiana law defines a deadly weapon as any firearm or object that is readily capable of causing serious bodily injury or death. 2. Serious bodily injury Another factor that can lead to an agg ..read more

Drug possession charges can be a confusing and concerning legal issue. One question that often arises is whether a passenger in a vehicle can receive a drug possession charge. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are several factors to consider when determining whether a passenger can receive a drug possession charge. Physical possession When it comes to drug possession charges, the key factor that determines culpability is physical possession. In simple terms, if the drugs are on your person, you are like to receive a drug possession charge. However, passengers may f ..read more

A divorce can be emotionally and financially complicated. One of the most significant assets involved is often the family home. If you are keen on retaining the house after you split from your spouse, there are several considerations to bear in mind. Property ownership and equity The primary determinants are the property’s ownership arrangement and the accumulated equity. The individuals on the property title matter, alongside their respective contributions to the property’s equity. Refinancing options If your name is on the mortgage, refinancing the loan might be inevitable. Lenders are likel ..read more

Going through a divorce in Fort Wayne is often emotional, especially when it involves dividing assets and property. Unfortunately, in some cases, one spouse may attempt to hide assets to gain an unfair advantage. Unexplained financial changes Financial stress may play a significant role in just 10% of divorces, but some spouses try to hide assets to help them financially after divorce. If your spouse suddenly exhibits unexplained fluctuations in financial behavior, it could be a red flag. Watch for unusual withdrawals, transfers or expenditures that seem out of the ordinary. Overly complex fin ..read more

Encountering a traffic stop can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it is important to remain calm and follow a set of guidelines to ensure a respectful interaction with law enforcement. Your attitude can greatly affect how a traffic stop plays out. Considering there are 286 million vehicles on the road as of the first quarter of 2023, according to Statista, it is logical that dealing with a traffic stop is a rather common occurrence. Learning about how you should react when this incident happens can help you keep your peace of mind while interacting with authorities. Pull over safely When you ..read more

When parents separate or divorce, determining the custodial parent is a decision that influences the child’s upbringing and well-being. Here are the key elements that courts take into account when making this significant determination. The child’s best interests According to the National Library of Medicine, 72% of divorces occur within the first 14 years of marriage which means many parents with young children face custodial decisions. Courts prioritize creating an environment that fosters the child’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Factors such as the child’s age, health an ..read more

Custody agreements govern the custodial time for each parent in situations when the parents are no longer together. The goal of an established custody agreement is fair quality time for the child with each parent. Unfortunately, sometimes parents disrupt the process. Understanding custodial interference helps you identify concerning situations with your custody agreement. What is custodial interference? Custodial interference occurs when one parent disrupts the court-ordered custody and visitation schedule. Preventing the scheduled exchange of custody interferes with the relationship between t ..read more

Driving under the influence can have severe consequences for individuals in Indiana. The legal penalties, alone, affect many areas of one’s life. There are also many potential social and personal ramifications involved with a DUI conviction. Legal implications According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were more than 35,000 arrests due to driving under the influence in 2020. These are due to both alcohol and drug-related offenses. Offenders face license suspension or revocation, potential jail time and fines. Repeat offenders face even more severe penalties. Other consequences ..read more

Becoming a parent through adoption is a life-changing experience that brings immense joy. In Indiana, the Department of Child Services provides various pathways to adoption, one of them being the Indiana Adoption Program. This program provides a bridge between foster care and adoption, aiming to minimize disruption for the child. It allows a child to experience a stable home and can create a unique bonding opportunity before the adoption becomes official. The Indiana Adoption Program In the Indiana Adoption program, you begin by fostering a child whose parents are losing their parental rights ..read more