Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC

Addressing support concerns when college-bound teens graduate

2026-04-29T22:00:15Z

Parents who receive or pay child support may worry about the implications of a young adult turning 18 and graduating from high school. The newfound legal independence that comes with lawful adulthood can immediately end shared custody and parenting time orders. Teens may begin refusing to spend time with one of their parents, and an enforcement action against the other parent is likely not an option. Additionally, teenagers who recently became adults may only be eligible for child support until their 19th birthdays in most cases. Despite the state treating 19 as the age of financial emancipation, young adults often rely on their parents for financial assistance well into their 20s. Parents who know that their teens are college-bound can take steps before a child's 19th birthday to ensure they have the financial support they need to pursue their academic ambitions without taking on a life-altering amount of student loan debt.

How college support works

Either parent can petition the courts to review a child’s educational plans and help with post-secondary educational expenses. The courts can agree to issue a Post-Secondary Educational Support Order that addresses college tuition, room and board expenses and other costs incurred by children enrolled in post-secondary education. Parents can agree to a specific division of financial responsibility with one another, or the courts can impose a financial responsibility on both parents. Normally the child is responsible for a portion of the costs as well. A Post-Secondary Educational Support Order can help address the staggering costs generated by college enrollments. However, it is important to note that post-secondary support is not the same as traditional child support for a minor child under Indiana law. The state's ability to enforce an order related to college expenses is not comparable to the enforcement actions available for the support orders in place for minors. Parents concerned about the implications of a child's 18th birthday or impending high school graduation should discuss their legal options with an experienced child custody and support attorney. The right legal guidance can help parents do what is best for their children and minimize co-parenting conflict related to a child's educational ambitions.

Thinking of moving? What Indiana co-parents should consider before deciding to move

2026-04-06T17:34:56Z

Moving across town or across the country is a major life transition that involves more than just packing boxes, especially when a co-parenting agreement is in place. If you are weighing the possibility of a move, there are several logistical and legal factors to keep in mind to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible for both you and your child.

Key factors to consider before relocating

When evaluating a change of residence, it is helpful to look at the move from several different angles:

The scope of the move: Are you considering a move to a different neighborhood within the same city, or a transition to an entirely different state? The distance involved often dictates which legal requirements apply.
School districts: How will the move affect your child’s education? Consider whether the move involves staying within the same school district or if a transfer will be necessary, and how that might impact your child’s social and academic stability.
Timing: The "when" is often as important as the "where." You may want to consider how the move aligns with the school calendar, holiday schedules, and the specific notice deadlines required by Indiana law.
Available options: It is worth exploring all paths, such as whether a move within the current county achieves your goals or if a long-distance relocation is the only viable solution for your career or family needs.
The impact: Every move changes the dynamic of parenting time. Consider how a change in location might necessitate updates to transportation arrangements, child support, or the parenting time schedule, including transportation to and from parenting time.

Understanding the procedural landscape

In Indiana, relocation is governed by specific statutes that apply to any parent with custody or parenting time rights. If a move is on the horizon, consider the following procedural elements:

Notice requirements: There are strict timelines for filing a "Notice of Intent to Relocate" with the court. Understanding these deadlines is essential for staying in compliance with your current court orders.
The response process: If a co-parent receives a notice of relocation, they have a specific window of time to agree to the move, suggest modifications to the current schedule, or file an objection.
The best interests standard: If the move is contested, the court typically looks at whether the move is made in good faith and how the change will impact the child’s overall well-being.

Navigating the intersection of family life and relocation law can be complex. Because every family dynamic is unique, it is best to talk to a lawyer about your specific situation to ensure your rights and your child's interests are protected. The earlier you can become informed on any possible move and its legal and practical ramifications for your family, the better equipped you will be to make a well informed decision.

Indiana’s unique approach to property division during divorce

2026-02-02T21:51:21Z

If Indiana courts must settle property division disputes, the goal is to establish a fair or equitable settlement. However, the assets that are subject to division can be substantially different if the divorce occurs in Indiana as opposed to other jurisdictions. Spouses preparing for an Indiana divorce generally need to learn about Indiana's “whole pot” rule in order to advocate for their interests effectively.

Indiana doesn't recognize separate property

Resources acquired prior to marriage become part of the marital estate or the pot of marital property once spouses marry. In other words, neither spouse has the privilege of excluding specific resources from division in a divorce just because they owned them prior to the marriage. Spouses do not need to combine their premarital assets with marital property or add their spouses to ownership records to put their resources at risk of division when they divorce. It is sometimes still possible for spouses to protect certain resources by negotiating marital agreements with one another. However, without a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, any assets owned by the spouses and any income they earned is at risk of division during the divorce. Learning more about Indiana's approach to marital property division can be beneficial for those concerned about preserving resources to rebuild with after a divorce. Yet, especially in cases where spouses cannot agree on what is fair and are likely to litigate, those preparing for divorce may need support and guidance when navigating the law, and that’s okay.

Addressing marital debts during divorce negotiations

2026-02-02T21:16:33Z

Property division is often the largest practical challenge that spouses face during divorce negotiations. Spouses in Indiana may disagree about what arrangements are fair and appropriate. Frequently, spouses focus primarily on property that they own during property division negotiations. However, they also need to address the debts that they owe. Credit cards, car loans, student loans and other financial obligations can have a profound impact on the financial circumstances of spouses after they divorce. Addressing financial obligations appropriately is important for people’s financial stability after they divorce. What typically happens to debts during divorce proceedings?

Spouses share responsibility

The name on an account does not determine which spouse is responsible for that debt in the event of a divorce. All debts are part of the marital estate unless there is a premarital or postmarital agreement addressing those debts. Spouses generally need to split responsibility for their joint debts when they divorce. The most effective means of doing so differs from one case to the next. Some people intentionally seek to avoid direct responsibility for debts and may push their spouses to accept more debts, possibly in exchange for more marital property. While that approach may feel like a fresh start or a clean break, there are risks involved. If the spouse who agrees to assume the debt defaults on it or files for bankruptcy after divorce, the other spouse may ultimately end up responsible for paying those debts. If they fail to do so, they could face collection activity, credit report blemishes and possibly litigation. Some spouses agree to liquidate marital assets during a high-asset divorce as a means of effectively resolving any lingering marital debts. While this arrangement might diminish the resources that they have in the future, the spouses may prefer to avoid the risk of a future default. Assessing both overall resources and financial obligations can help people establish clear priorities and ensure their financial protection during property division proceedings. Debts of both spouses regardless of when they were accrued can be as important to address effectively as valuable marital property.

Why you need a divorce attorney

2025-12-11T20:24:01Z

Divorce in Indiana may place your future in the hands of the court, and every decision in that setting carries long-term consequences. You cannot treat it as just paperwork or procedure because the outcome determines the structure of your property, obligations and family life after the case ends. A divorce attorney makes sure you enter that process prepared, and here are the ways they do it.

They help you meet Indiana divorce requirements

Every divorce requires you to file the correct documents, meet deadlines and follow court procedures. If you leave paperwork incomplete or miss deadlines, your case stalls or even ends. An attorney keeps the process on track. They make filings accurate, schedule hearings properly and meet requirements under Indiana law.

They protect your financial interests in divorce

Indiana follows equitable distribution. That means the court divides property fairly but not always equally. In practice, you must disclose every asset and provide accurate valuations. If you own multiple real estate holdings, business interests or retirement accounts, full documentation should be disclosed. An attorney works with appraisers, accountants and financial experts. They confirm asset values, disclose liabilities and structure settlement proposals that protect your long-term financial position.

They resolve custody and support matters

When children are involved, the court considers statewide guidelines to determine custody, parenting time and financial support. These rules leave room for interpretation and arguments, especially when parents live in different school districts, work demanding schedules or earn incomes that don’t fit standard calculations. An attorney presents the information clearly. They propose workable arrangements and resolve disputes before they turn into drawn-out conflicts in court.

They represent your case in court

When disagreements remain unresolved, the court decides the outcome. Those decisions depend on how you present your evidence. If you need to show the value of a business, explain disputed parenting time or clarify financial records, an attorney prepares that information in the way judges expect. This preparation strengthens your position and prevents critical issues from staying open to interpretation.

They give you a clear path forward

Divorce reshapes your finances and family life. You gain the most when you resolve it with precision the first time. By working with an attorney, you complete the process correctly under Indiana law and avoid problems that surface later. Legal guidance allows you to close one chapter and move forward with stability and confidence.

Thinking about divorce after the holidays?

2026-01-09T21:41:28Z

Many people delay filing for divorce until the holidays. They may be trying to protect kids, keep family peace or avoid awkward gatherings. Others delay because money feels tight or they need time to think. Whatever the reasons might be, if you are thinking of filing for divorce after the holiday, it is crucial to start planning now so you make smarter decisions later.

What to do in the weeks before you file

There are many things you can do now to prepare yourself and your life before you file for divorce. Take steady steps now so you stand stronger once you file. Start with these key actions:

Gather financial papers including recent pay stubs, last two years of tax returns, bank and credit card statements, mortgages or deeds, retirement and investment info.
Consider your priorities regarding divorce-related matters like child custody, property division and approaches to divorce (i.e., peaceful and cooperative versus complex or aggressive)
Keep a dated journal of everyday life and your time with your child, noting daily routines, school and medical appointments, extracurriculars, who was present and important conversations with the other parent. Save supporting documents like school reports, doctor notes, photos, and relevant texts or emails.
Talk to a family lawyer for an initial consult about your legal options and filing requirements in Indiana.
If you fear abuse, contact local police or the Indiana courts about protective orders and emergency help. Keep copies of everything in one safe folder.

These steps help you move with clarity and fewer surprises.

Missteps to avoid before you file

A lot can happen between now and when you file, so be sure to avoid missteps that could make things more difficult. For instance:

Do not post about your case on social media or send angry texts.
Do not hide or move money, change beneficiaries or make large purchases without legal advice.
Avoid deleting messages or destroying records.
Don’t threaten or harass anyone.
Don’t close accounts or leave home abruptly without a plan; these acts can affect temporary orders and custody talks.

If you feel that divorce is in your post-holiday future, getting prepared and avoiding mistakes can lower stress and lead to better outcomes.

What happens if we forget to disclose an asset during our divorce?

2025-05-05T18:07:41Z

The division of assets during divorce is often one of the most complex and frustrating portions of the divorce proceeding. Parties must list and value all assets before beginning negotiations to determine who gets what. Although an intentional attempt to hide an asset is a serious offense that can result in repercussions for the offending party, there are also instances when both parties simply forget an asset. But what happens after the parties finalize the divorce and realize they failed to account for an asset? This was the question asked in a recent case.

The case of forgotten cryptocurrency

In 2016, a couple in Indiana finalized their divorce with a property settlement agreement. The agreement awarded the husband all assets of their business, except for a few specific items given to the wife. A year later, the husband discovered that the business owned cryptocurrency, which both parties had forgotten during the divorce proceedings. The wife petitioned the court to split the value of the cryptocurrencies. Upon review, the trial court initially ruled that the asset was omitted and divided its value. However, the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, stating the agreement’s use of the language “all” of the company’s assets to the husband except for specific, named items transferred to the wife applied to the forgotten cryptocurrency. The Indiana Supreme Court upheld this decision.

Courts can make post-decree modifications in some circumstances

Although the court in the case above did not allow for the division of the cryptocurrency after the parties finalized the divorce, there are circumstances when it will allow for a post-divorce transfer of assets. This can include situations where the following is present:

An agreement between the parties authorizes the court to make the modification;
A post-decree agreement to make the modification; or
Instances where the agreement is tainted by fraud.

Although it is best to disclose all assets during divorce negotiations, it is possible to hold the other party accountable if the situation satisfies one of the above exceptions.

Steps to ensure full asset disclosure

It is important to conduct a thorough inventory to mitigate the risk of this type of issue. List all assets, including those that may not be immediately obvious, such as digital currencies or intellectual property. This can help to better ensure a comprehensive and fair asset division.

When a divorced parent relocates: A failure to follow protocol can cause problems with child custody

2025-05-05T18:02:51Z

Divorced parents likely know that any legal matter involving the children hinges on one key legal concept: the best interests of the child. Although this concept is key to navigating child custody issues, there are times when procedural technicalities can overshadow this fundamental tenet, as illustrated in a recent case involving a relocation dispute.

What happened in this case?

The case begins with a divorce finalized in 2023. The parents resided in Syracuse, Indiana. Early in 2024, Mother sought to relocate with two minor children to Crown Point. Father, representing himself, filed an objection to this relocation. At the hearing, Mother contended that Father’s objection did not comply with the relocation statute, which requires that objections also request a temporary or permanent order to prevent relocation and suggest modifications arising from the move. Despite the fact that this error did not impact the best interest of the children (and the move itself potentially could), the trial court granted Mother’s relocation based solely on Father’s technical noncompliance. Father appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the children's best interests over procedural technicalities.

How do technicalities impact these types of child custody disputes?

Technicalities can affect the progression and outcome of legal cases, particularly in family law. Noncompliance with procedural requirements can lead to delays, as courts may focus on technical errors rather than substantive issues. However, while technical compliance is important in any legal dispute, it should not overshadow the primary concern in child custody matters: the best interests of the child.

What is the role of the best interest of the child standard?

In child custody and relocation cases, the best interests of the child should always be the focal point. To help achieve this goal, parents who are considering relocation should keep the following in mind:

Child’s well-being: Decisions should prioritize the emotional, educational, and social needs of the child.
Stable environment: Courts should consider the impact of relocation on the child’s stability and continuity of care.

The Court of Appeals’ decision underscores the necessity of evaluating the best interests of the child, even when procedural missteps occur. This serves as a reminder that while procedural compliance is important, it is not more important than the fundamental principle of prioritizing the best interests of the child in custody and relocation matters. Legal practitioners and courts must balance technical requirements with the overarching goal of ensuring the well-being of children involved in such disputes. By doing so, they uphold the integrity of family law and protect the most vulnerable parties in these cases.

Recognized Leaders in Indiana Family Law

2025-03-04T20:38:12Z

We are pleased to announce that the following attorneys at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] have been selected to the 2025 Indiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Nancy L. Cross
Beth A. Barnes
Mark A. Glazier
Lana Lennington Pendoski
Natalie Marie Snyder
Kathryn Hillebrands Burroughs
Amy E. Higdon
Michael R. Kohlhaas
James A. Reed
Jane Daet (Rising Star)
Drew J. Kirages (Rising Star)

To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice 10 years or less. No more than 2.5% of attorneys are selected annually to the Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers. No more than 5% of attorneys are selected annually to the Super Lawyers list. Selections use a patented multiphase process that includes:

Peer nominations
Independent research by Super Lawyers
Evaluations from a highly credentialed panel of attorneys

The objective of Super Lawyers is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys to be used as a resource for referring attorneys, consumers and business professionals seeking legal counsel. The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are seen nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines including digital editions, and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Please join us in congratulating all the attorneys at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] on their selections. For more information about Super Lawyers, go to SuperLawyers.com

What is the role of consent in adoption cases in Indiana?

2025-02-25T17:21:01Z

Adoption is a significant legal process that affects the rights and responsibilities of all parties. Consent is an important part of this process. In Indiana, the consent of a biological parent is generally required for an adoption to proceed. There are some exceptions. Consent may not be necessary if the parent does not maintain significant communication or financial support with the child for a period of one year leading up to the adoption petition. This exception aims to balance the rights of the biological parent with the best interests of the child.

How do courts analyze the issue of consent in adoption cases?

If biological parents are present, the state generally requires their consent before it will allow an adoption process to move forward. As noted above, this can change if the parent does not have significant contact with the child. Another exception is the knowing failure to provide care and support. These may seem like relatively straightforward exceptions, but reality is rarely as clear-cut. A recent case highlights the complexities that come with navigating this issue. A brief overview of the case is as follows:

Background: Children were removed from their father's care due to his and the mother's involvement in drugs and criminal activities. The mother later died from an overdose, and the father was incarcerated for a time.
Adoption Petition: In March 2020, the foster parents filed a petition to adopt the children. The father objected, emphasizing his ongoing communication with the children.
Court Decisions: The trial court initially ruled that the father’s weekly, supervised visits were not significant enough to require his consent for the adoption. However, this decision was appealed.

On appeal, the court found the father's visits were regular — weekly for one or two hours — and he attended most of them. Despite some missed visits, the court of appeals considered these efforts significant. As such, the appeals court reversed the initial decision, pointing out that the foster parents did not provide clear and convincing evidence that the father's communication was insufficiently significant.

What constitutes significant communication?

Determining what counts as significant communication can be complex and depends on the specifics of each case. As shown above, with the trial and appellate courts disagreeing on the definition, there is no simple mathematical equation. Instead, the court will consider many factors, including the frequency and duration of visits, the emotional quality and nature of interactions, and efforts made by the parent to maintain a relationship with the child despite challenging circumstances. This case underscores the importance of examining both the quantity and quality of interactions between a biological parent and their child. It highlights that while legal standards are in place to determine when consent is required, each case must be evaluated on its own merits, considering all aspects of the parent-child relationship.

What can others in similar situations learn from this case?

Legal practitioners and parties involved in adoption must pay close attention to the evidence presented regarding parental communication. It is not just the frequency of visits that matters but also the quality of those interactions and the intent behind them. It is important to maintain clear records of visits, including dates, durations, and notes on what occurred during the interactions. This can serve as valuable evidence in court proceedings. Courts also consider the efforts a parent makes to stay involved in their child's life, despite obstacles such as incarceration or personal issues. The role of consent in adoption is complex, especially when it involves the potential termination of parental rights. Indiana's legal framework requires a nuanced examination of each case, emphasizing the importance of both the quantity and quality of parental communication. This recent case serves as a reminder of the need for thorough evaluation and evidence to help better ensure fair and just outcomes in the adoption process.