Wallace Law FirmFindLaw IM Template2026-09-16T09:13:38Zhttps://www.wallacelawfirm.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1300784/2020/06/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[3 ways to make co-parenting work for teen kids]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491362026-09-16T09:13:38Z2026-09-16T09:13:38ZBy the teenage years, a parenting schedule can start competing with a child’s actual life. A soccer practice may run late. A school event may fall on a parenting night. Friends, jobs and other commitments can make a once-predictable schedule harder to maintain. At the same time, teenagers still need consistent relationships with both parents.
Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines recognize that older children often need more flexibility and independence. Parents should consider a teenager’s academic, extracurricular and social activities while continuing to support meaningful time with each parent. A few practical approaches can help families balance those changing needs.
1. Build the schedule around the teen’s life
A parenting schedule does not have to ignore a teenager’s existing commitments. Indiana’s guidelines encourage parents to accommodate a teenager’s regular academic, extracurricular and social activities.Parents can start by sharing school calendars, practice schedules and important events. They can then discuss transportation and other practical details before conflicts occur. Some flexibility can help a teenager maintain important activities without losing meaningful time with either parent.
2. Keep the other parent out of the conflict
Teenagers should not have to carry messages, report on the other parent or choose sides. Indiana’s guidelines encourage parents to communicate directly with each other about their child and support the child’s relationship with the other parent.That can mean keeping disagreements private and discussing schedule changes directly with the other parent. It also means avoiding negative comments about the other parent around the teenager, even when emotions run high. A teen should not have to manage problems between the adults.
3. Give teens a voice without making them decide
Growing independence does not mean a teenager gets to determine the parenting schedule. Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines apply to adolescents and teenagers, but parents remain responsible for parenting-time decisions.Parents can still listen to a teenager’s concerns and consider how school, activities and social commitments affect the schedule. The goal is to give the teenager an appropriate voice without placing the responsibility for co-parenting decisions on their shoulders.These approaches can help parents handle the everyday changes that come with raising a teenager while keeping both parents involved. But when those adjustments are no longer enough to make the current arrangement work, a more formal change may be worth considering.
When a parenting plan needs to change
Family circumstances can change as a teenager grows, and a parenting arrangement may need to change with them. If parents cannot agree on a schedule or believe an existing order no longer works for their teenager, an Indiana family law attorney can explain the available options and provide guidance based on the family’s situation. ]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree could change your case]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491352026-09-11T17:37:21Z2026-09-11T17:37:21ZIf you are facing criminal charges, the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine is one that you should be aware of. It can sometimes change your case dramatically, specifically by excluding certain evidence the police may hold against you.
This doctrine usually addresses evidence that has been illegally gathered. The act of gathering that evidence is considered to be the “tree,” while the evidence itself is the “fruit.” If the police took an illegal action and violated your rights, they have poisoned the tree and thereby poisoned any of the fruit that it produces. They may have to exclude that evidence from your court case.
Illegally searching your home
There are many ways that this can happen when the police do not follow appropriate procedures, with one example being an illegal home search. Police can typically search a home in an emergency, with the homeowner’s consent or with a search warrant.If the police come to your home to perform a search and it is not an emergency, and you refuse to give them consent, they may violate your rights by carrying out the search without first getting a warrant. Under the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine, even if they do discover evidence that would typically lead to a conviction, they may not be able to use it in court because they illegally obtained that evidence. This can dramatically change the case against you and may lead to the charges being dropped, depending on the circumstances.This is just one potential defense option of many, and it only applies in certain cases, but it is very important to know exactly what legal steps you can take.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What you should know before taking a plea deal in Indiana]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491342026-08-29T20:15:11Z2026-08-29T20:15:11Zlegal professional examine the offer, evidence and possible defenses can help you make an informed decision.
A plea deal requires you to give up important rights
Pleading guilty means surrendering protections you would have at trial. Under Indiana's criminal procedure rules, the court must ensure that you understand the charge and the rights being waived before accepting the plea. Those include:
The right to a speedy and public jury trial
The ability to confront witnesses
The requirement that the state prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
That tradeoff deserves careful consideration. For felony cases, Indiana also requires the plea agreement to be in writing and filed with the court. If the judge accepts the agreement, the court is bound by its terms.
Look beyond the sentence being issued
Being incarcerated is only part of the equation. Depending on the offense, a conviction can affect:
Employment opportunities
Professional licensing
Firearm rights
Immigration status
Driving privileges
Future criminal proceedings
You should also understand whether sentences can run consecutively and how prior convictions may affect the potential punishment. Indiana requires defendants to be informed about minimum and maximum sentencing exposure and possible increases resulting from prior convictions.
A plea agreement can resolve a case quickly, but its consequences may follow you for years. A skilled legal team can review the evidence, explain the terms being offered, identify potential defenses and assess whether the proposed resolution adequately protects your interests.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What is a legal separation in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491332026-08-12T16:16:45Z2026-08-12T16:16:45ZWhat happens when a couple needs a break, but they aren’t yet ready to end their marriage?
A legal separation can provide some much-needed breathing room and a temporary framework for all the important issues that must be addressed while leaving the marriage intact, such as child custody and parenting time, child support and spousal maintenance, possession of the marital home and use of other marital property, as well as who must pay for various household expenses or assume responsibility for certain debts.
Why choose separation instead of divorce?
A legal separation leaves neither spouse free to remarry, and can only be maintained for a year under Indiana law. If either party decides they want to divorce, they may file a petition to do so. If the couple reconciles, they can simply resume their lives together. If the separation period ends without any resolution, the couple will remain married, but the legal orders governing the arrangement expire. So, why take this step instead of just heading straight to divorce? Some couples choose this route because they believe there is still a realistic chance of repairing their marriage. The separation can give them a chance to step back, evaluate the relationship from some distance and consider their options without making any permanent decisions. Other couples choose this route for religious or practical reasons. If their faith generally frowns on divorce, they may want the time to seek permission for the divorce from their religious leaders. If issues involving insurance coverage, taxes, retirement benefits or other financial concerns have to be sorted out, a legal separation can preserve the status quo for a while while still allowing the couple to obtain some space. That can take the pressure off the situation while solutions are explored. Because a legal separation can affect property distribution, financial support issues, child custody and future divorce proceedings, couples need to understand the potential consequences. An Indiana family law attorney can help you determine whether a temporary separation or a divorce better fits your needs.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What happens at an initial hearing in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491322026-08-07T11:46:10Z2026-08-07T11:46:10ZThe court explains your rights
An initial hearing usually takes place soon after an arrest or after a summons requires you to appear in court. During the hearing, the judge explains the criminal charges and reviews your constitutional rights. Under Indiana law, the judge also explains your right to legal counsel, your right to remain silent and other important protections. If you do not have an attorney and qualify for one, the court discusses that process. If appropriate, the court generally enters a preliminary not guilty plea on your behalf unless and until you enter a different plea later in the proceedings.
This hearing prepares the case for the next stage.
The judge addresses the next steps
An initial hearing does not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, the court focuses on the early procedural issues that keep the case moving. During the hearing, the judge may:
Explain the charges you face.
Review pretrial release, bail (where applicable) or other release conditions.
Confirm whether you have legal representation or need appointed counsel.
Schedule future court dates.
Answer basic procedural questions about the court process.
After the judge completes these steps, the case moves into the pretrial phase.
What comes after the hearing?
The prosecution and the defense begin preparing the case after the initial hearing. The parties may exchange discoverable evidence, file legal motions, discuss plea negotiations or prepare for trial. The court also expects you to follow every release condition and appear at every scheduled hearing. Under Indiana law, failing to appear in court can lead to additional legal consequences and may affect your release status.
Knowing what to expect at this stage can make the rest of the criminal process easier to follow, from bail conditions to future court dates. Knowing what happens in court and what comes next can help you make informed decisions as your case moves forward. Consider reaching out to a legal professional for advice.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What should you know about property division in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491312026-07-21T14:06:00Z2026-07-21T14:06:00ZWhy does conflict occur?
Conflict during property division is the result of various things. In some cases, it might be because of the value of an asset, but it’s also possible that the emotional tie to the item is what’s causing a dispute. Even sentimental items like family pictures or keepsakes can lead to contention during the property division process.
Disputes about the source of an asset are also possible. If there isn’t a clear purchase history or if there’s a disagreement about whether marital funds were used to maintain the asset, it can be challenging to determine if it’s a marital asset that needs to be part of the property division process.
What happens to marital debts?
When you’re going through property division, you have to divide more than just assets. You also have to divide marital debts, which can be just as challenging as asset division. One challenge to consider is that creditors aren’t bound by the division, so they can still hold both parties accountable for the debts. This could lead to negative marks on your credit report if your ex doesn’t pay.
The property division process requires careful thought, which may be difficult to do during the divorce. Working with a legal professional familiar with your circumstances may be beneficial, given all that is at stake in this complex process.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[Can you covertly end a risky guardianship?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491232026-07-06T12:05:39Z2026-07-06T12:05:12ZIf you notice exploitation in a guardianship, your first instinct may be to act quietly. That reaction makes sense, especially when the protected person is scared, dependent or unsure whom to trust.
However, guardianship is a court-created responsibility, meaning you cannot secretly revoke it on your own. The safer path is to document what you see and, when possible, reduce harm. Then, you may ask the court to review the guardian’s conduct.
When can silence protect the person?
Moving carefully matters if the guardian controls money, housing, care or communication. This is because direct confrontation may make things worse. You may need to avoid alerting the guardian before records are preserved. Watch for warning signs such as:
Missing money or withdrawals
Sudden changes to deeds or benefits
Isolation from family or friends
Poor care despite resources
Fearful behavior near the guardian
Keep copies of records, messages, photos, medical notes and any other important evidence. Clear proof can help the court understand why action is needed.
The court has the final say
To remove or replace a guardian, you need to file a petition with the court that created the guardianship. The court may:
Order an investigation
Freeze certain actions
Appoint a temporary guardian
Hold a hearing
If the danger is immediate, emergency relief may be available. That can include asking for limits on the guardian’s authority while the court reviews the facts. You do not need an answer to all the what-ifs before you speak up. All you need is a serious concern that the protected person is being harmed, used or neglected. Exploitation in a guardianship should not be ignored, but it should not be handled in a way that creates more risk. Thorough preparation, well-documented records and legal guidance can help you protect someone who is unable to protect themselves. ]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What should you do if police ask to search your property?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491222026-06-25T15:45:37Z2026-06-25T15:45:37ZWhen the police ask to search your home, phone, vehicle or other property, it can feel like saying no will make you look guilty or create more problems. However, the decisions you make during those first few minutes can have a significant impact on your rights and any charges you may face.
When officers ask for permission to search your property, you have every right to refuse. Understanding the difference between a request and a legal requirement can help you protect your rights.
Stay calm and find out whether the search is voluntary
If police ask to search your property, remain respectful and avoid arguing. Instead, ask a simple question: “Do you have a warrant?” If officers have a valid warrant, physically interfering with the search can create additional legal issues. It’s worth noting that a warrant is not a blank check for the police to do as they please. Warrants are generally limited in scope, meaning officers must stay within the areas and objectives authorized by the court. Should officers ask to search beyond what a warrant authorizes, only your voluntary consent can make the search legal, and you’re allowed to say no. A clear, polite ‘I don’t consent to this search’ is enough.Don’t resist or interfere if the police choose to continue with the search. It may lead to unnecessary complications. Additionally, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
Protect your interests
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches, and exercising your rights is not an admission of guilt. Prosecutors cannot use your refusal to consent to a search as substantive evidence that you committed a crime. If your property has been searched or you are facing criminal charges following a search, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is critical. A careful review of the facts may uncover constitutional violations that could affect what evidence can be used against you.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[Why must we wait to divorce in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491212026-06-19T15:00:36Z2026-06-19T15:00:36ZWhat is the waiting period?
Under Indiana's state requirements, there is a waiting time of 60 days from the date a petition is filed before a judge can finalize the split. This cooling-off period applies even if both parties agree on every detail. The state designed this rule to ensure that divorce is not a hasty decision made in a moment of high stress. It provides a necessary window for emotions to settle so that both individuals can make conscientious choices about their future.
Maintaining stability with temporary orders
Waiting two months can feel like a long time when you are trying to manage a household and care for children. Fortunately, the law allows for provisional orders to keep life running smoothly during this gap. For instance, a judge can issue temporary rules regarding:
Which spouse will remain in the family home
How parents will share time with their children
Who is responsible for paying specific monthly bills
How to handle the use of shared vehicles and property
These temporary measures provide structure and reduce conflict during the mandatory waiting period.
Using the time for meaningful progress
Despite the name, you do not need to sit and just wait during the waiting period. You can use the time for gathering information and negotiating the details of a divorce settlement. Attorneys typically use these 60 days to exchange financial documents and value marital assets like retirement accounts or real estate. You may need to consult with financial professionals, counselors or child custody specialists, which you can do during this time, as well.
By the time the 60 days conclude, many couples find they are better prepared to sign a final agreement. This preparation can turn a potential courtroom battle into a much simpler process. Taking these steps ensures that you move forward with a clear plan for your financial and personal well-being.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[The third-party doctrine for cellphone-based evidence]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491192026-06-10T16:50:15Z2026-06-10T16:50:15ZIn many criminal cases, cellphones can provide a wealth of potential evidence. Police officers may want to search someone's phone and look at their pictures and videos, text messages, internet search history or location data, just to name a few examples.
Generally speaking, officers either need to get consent from the owner of the cellphone, who will then unlock it for them, or they need to get a search warrant. Without a warrant, they are prohibited from forcing the owner to unlock the device.However, the third-party doctrine means that they may also be able to get evidence from other sources.
Shared information
The thing to remember is that a lot of information on a cellphone is voluntarily shared with other parties. Location data may be provided to certain apps. Social media companies may have a record of direct messages or posts. Cloud service companies may back up important pictures and videos.When this information is voluntarily shared with a third party, it can reduce the expectation of privacy. Investigators can often then approach these companies to get the evidence they seek. For instance, even if the owner of a cellphone will not unlock the device and show their direct messages, a social media company may turn over a record of those messages to law enforcement.
Criminal defense options
In the internet age, evidence can be very complex, as can the procedures surrounding the collection of that evidence and the building of a case. Those who are facing charges need to be well aware of their rights and their criminal defense options as they move forward.
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