How Is Same-Sex Divorce Treated In Indiana

How Is Same-Sex Divorce Treated In The State Of Indiana?   You and your life partner married in Illinois but moved to Indiana in early 2018. Now you have decided to end your marriage.   How does Indiana treat same-sex divorce? Will any complications arise?   A little background   The Indiana legislature recognized same-sex […]

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Parent’s Rights In DCS Investigations

What Are Your Rights As A Parent In DCS Investigations   The Indiana Department of Child Services hotline has seen a 20 percent increase in child abuse and neglect reports since 2012, records show.   This article explains the basics of DCS child abuse cases. It is applicable to both Indiana and Michigan law.   […]

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What are Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights in Indiana

Parental rights can refer to the right of a parent to child visitation, as well as the right to make legal, social, or financial decisions for a child. The Office of Family and Children in Indiana might file a petition to terminate parental rights if it deems this would be in the best interests of […]

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Can a Protective Order Be Expunged In Indiana?

Can a Protective Order Be Expunged In Indiana? Records regarding protective order proceedings under Indiana Code chapter 34-26-5 are eligible for expungement in the same way an arrest, charge, or conviction can be expunged. As long as you are otherwise eligible to have your records expunged, you can petition to have the protective order records […]

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Insuring Your Personal Protective Order Protects You Outside of Michigan

Your Michigan PPO Can Protect You outside of Michigan This articles focuses specifically upon Michigan. However, Protective Orders issued any any state are enforceable in every other state. So most of the below applies to clients living in Indiana, Ohio, and/or Illinois. Your Michigan Personal Protection Order (PPO) can protect you outside of Michigan. There […]

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Child custody in Michigan FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from clients regarding Michigan custody cases. If you think you might have a need for a child custody lawyer, Jim Lockwood specializes in family and custody law. Contact The Lockwood Legal Group today for a free consultation or give Jim a call at his office phone […]

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Divorce in Indiana FAQs

The below questions are some of the most common we receive from clients. They only pertain to divorces filed under Indiana law. We will post an article with Divorce FAQs for a divorce filed in Michigan at a later time. What are the grounds for divorce in Indiana? Although Indiana is a “no-fault” divorce state, […]

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How is child support calculated in Indiana?

The Indiana child support guidelines state that a child’s quality of life should not be affected by a divorce. One tool the courts use to ensure children are able to maintain their lifestyle is child support, which is typically paid by the noncustodial parent. If you’re filing for a divorce with a child involved, you […]

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Is Alimony Allowed In Indiana?

Unlike many states, Indiana does not recognize alimony. Instead Indiana provides for spousal maintenance. Some may call this just another form of alimony. However, receiving maintenance payments are more difficult and not automatic. Spousal Maintenance In Indiana Indiana presumes each spouse will work and support themselves after separation. The exception to this is where one […]

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Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Alimony?

Do you have to pay income taxes on alimony you receive from a divorce? Like most legal questions, the answer is it depends. Alimony is not taxable income unless the former spouse paying alimony takes those payments off as a tax deduction. Alimony payments are an allowable deduction in the federal income tax code. But, […]

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