Divorce often involves dividing property and assets, that range from houses, retirement accounts, vehicles, business ownership and all kinds of personal belongings. For the tech-forward, another growing segment of property is being found in these cases: cryptocurrency stored in “cold storage.” If you or your spouse hold digital assets offline on a hardware wallet or similar device, it can raise unexpected questions and issues during the divorce process.
When going through a divorce in Indiana, both spouses are generally required to provide a full and honest accounting of their assets. This includes not only obvious items like homes, vehicles, and retirement accounts but also purely digital assets such as cryptocurrency.
Many people who hold crypto in cold storage (on a hardware wallet, paper wallet, or another offline method) worry that disclosure means they must hand over the device, private keys, or full control of their funds. That’s not the case.
Serving as a guardian means stepping into a role of trust and responsibility. You’re tasked with making critical and important decisions for someone who cannot fully manage on their own. At the same time, the law, a court (and basic human dignity) require guardians to preserve as much independence for the ward as possible. Striking that balance isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to conducting an effective guardianship.
When a court appoints you as a guardian, the responsibility doesn’t end with the initial appointment.
In Indiana — and in most states — guardians must file annual or biennial reports that update the court on the ward’s well-being and finances. These reports are essential: they ensure transparency, protect the ward, and demonstrate to the court (and other interested people) that you are fulfilling your duties. Missing deadlines or filing incomplete reports can lead to penalties, potential liability, or even removal as guardian. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your annual reporting obligations.
Being appointed as a guardian is both an honor and a serious responsibility with real-world consequences. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a child, or an adult with disabilities, the court expects you to act in the best interests of your ward. For many new guardians, the learning curve can feel overwhelming.
Here are the five most common mistakes guardians make — and how you can avoid them.
What tools do we have to provide care for those we love?
When someone you love one can no longer make decisions on their own, families often wonder: What’s the right legal tool — guardianship or power of attorney? These terms are often used incorrectly or interchangeably, but they are very different legal tools. Knowing the difference can help you choose the option that best protects your loved one while respecting their independence.
Dividing assets is one of the most complex and contentious aspects of a divorce. Missteps during this process can have lasting financial consequences. We are hired on many cases every year to try and fix issues in finalized divorces which can cost thousands and thousands of dollars to correctHere are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when dividing assets in an Indiana divorce.
Mistake 1: Overlooking Hidden or Less Obvious Assets
Many people focus on major assets like the home or retirement accounts but forget about:
Family law matters—whether it’s a divorce, child custody dispute, or parenting time issue—can feel like an emotional and legal maze. The decisions you make today could shape your family’s future for years to come, which is why finding the right attorney is so critical. If you’re searching for a family law attorney with a free consultation in Indiana, look no further than Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, LLC. We offer free initial consultations to help you understand your options and take the first step toward resolution.
Facing a family law issue can be overwhelming, and the last thing you need is added financial stress before you even hire an attorney. A free consultation gives you the chance to:
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