But one area many parents delay is estate planning.

The truth is that every parent with young children should have a basic estate plan in place, even if they are early in their careers or still building their savings. Estate planning is not just about money—it’s about making sure your children are cared for by the people you trust and that their financial future is protected.

The post The Basic Estate Plan Every Parent of Young Children Should Have appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

 What Is Discovery in a Divorce? 

Discovery is the formal pre-trial phase where both spouses exchange relevant information, documents, and evidence. Its purpose is to promote transparency, prevent surprises in court, and help both sides reach informed settlements or prepare for trial. 

The post Understanding Discovery in Divorce Proceedings: A Guide to Preparation  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

What Is a Preliminary Hearing in an Indiana Divorce? 

In Indiana, a preliminary hearing—also known as a provisional hearing—is typically one of the first court appearances in a divorce case. Its purpose is to establish temporary arrangements that remain in place while the divorce is pending. These temporary orders may address: 

The post What to Expect at Your First Preliminary Hearing for a Divorce in Indiana  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

Fairness Starts With Preparation

The public often sees only the few moments that play out in front of a judge or jury. But fairness begins long before anyone steps into the courtroom. It’s in the hours spent reviewing discovery, researching case law, preparing witnesses, and studying how a particular court tends to rule.

The post What Fairness Looks Like in the Courtroom — and Why We Fight for It appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

1. Cost-Effective Resolution

Divorce litigation can be expensive, with attorney fees, court costs, and lengthy proceedings adding up quickly. Mediation, by contrast, is typically far less costly. Sessions are scheduled at the couple’s convenience, and resolutions can often be reached in a few meetings, saving thousands compared to drawn-out court battles. In Indiana, where courts may require mediation in contested custody cases, this cost efficiency helps couples preserve financial resources for their post-divorce lives, such as supporting children or rebuilding independently. 

The post The Benefits of Mediation in a Divorce  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

More Than Legal Representation

When someone contacts us about a potential guardianship, they’re often anxious and uncertain. They’re worried about doing the right thing, about family conflict, about time running out. From the first conversation, our role is to bring calm and clarity.

The post Guardianship Done the Right Way: Compassion, Clarity, and Care appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

When Does TPR Happen? TPR occurs when a court determines it’s in the child’s best interest as it prioritizes their safety and stability. It’s typically a last resort after attempts at reunification—through counseling, parenting classes, or rehabilitation—have failed. 

Grounds for Involuntary TPR: Courts may terminate rights without parental consent due to: 

The post Termination of Parental Rights: When and Why It Happens  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

Planning So Care Comes Naturally

When families call us after a medical emergency or unexpected loss, they’re often in panic mode — trying to manage care, finances, and court procedures all at once. Estate planning is the opposite of that chaos. It’s calm, thoughtful, and proactive.

The post The Quiet Side of Estate Planning: Protecting Families Before There’s a Crisis appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

Uncontested Divorce 

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including: 

The post Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: What’s the Difference?  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

The Court’s Focus: Best Interests of the Child 

Indiana courts (under Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8) decide custody based on what serves the child’s well-being, considering factors like: 

The post Can Children Choose Which Parent to Live With in Indiana?  appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.