Dixon & Moseley, P.C. Legal Blog

Indiana law now requires judges to explain child custody decisions in writing. As of July 1, 2025, Indiana courts must include written findings of fact and conclusions of law in final custody orders. This means judges can no longer issue unexplained custody rulings. Instead, they must clearly identify the evidence they relied upon and explain how it supports the custody…

Indiana protective orders are civil court orders that can restrict contact, require someone to stay away from you, and impose other safety‑related conditions in situations involving domestic or family violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, or child sex grooming. In Indiana, petitions for protective orders can be filed through the state’s Protection Order E‑Filing Service, and once an order is issued,…

If you’re thinking about an appeal in Indiana, one of the most important — and most misunderstood — questions is what the Indiana Court of Appeals will actually review. Many people assume an appeal is a “do‑over” of the trial. It is not. The Indiana Court of Appeals has a limited role, and understanding that role early can help set…

A criminal conviction in Indiana does not always mark the end of the road. In many cases, defendants have the right to pursue a criminal appeal in Indiana and ask a higher court to review whether legal errors affected the outcome of their case. Understanding how Indiana criminal appeals work, and acting quickly, can be critical to protecting your rights.   What Is a…

Spring break is a highly anticipated time for children—but for divorced or separated parents, it often raises important legal questions. One of the most common questions Indiana family law attorneys hear is: Who gets parenting time during spring break in Indiana? Ultimately, the answer to this question is fact specific. However, generally speaking, the answer can be found in your…

Indiana provides parties involved in legal disputes, whether it be criminal or civil in nature, with the opportunity to appeal the outcome of the case, albeit, with some exceptions. While the right to appeal is a cherished tradition, it can also cause headaches due to the extremely technical nature of the appellate practice. This can leave many with a multitude…

When parents separate or divorce in Indiana, one of the most important and emotional issues to resolve is parenting time. Indiana courts rely on the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines to create fair, consistent schedules that support children’s well-being and maintain strong relationships with both parents. If you’re navigating a custody case, understanding how these Guidelines work can help you make…

Divorce is never easy, and when one spouse is a member of the military, the process involves additional legal layers at both the federal and state level. If you’re a service member (or married to one) considering divorce in Indiana, it’s important to understand how military status affects jurisdiction, benefits, property division, child custody, and more.(Divorce in Indiana) 1. Filing…

Blended families are increasingly common, and for many stepparents in Indiana, adoption is a meaningful way to solidify an already strong parent-child bond. Stepparent adoption provides legal security, emotional stability, and clarity for the entire family—but it also comes with specific legal requirements that must be handled carefully. Below is a clear, practical overview of how stepparent adoption works in…

If you’re a father who isn’t married to your child’s mother at the time of the child’s birth, establishing paternity is one of the most important legal steps you can take. Paternity affects custody, parenting time, child support, inheritance rights, and even access to medical information. A common question we hear is how long do I have to file for…