If you’ve been through a custody or divorce trial and walked away feeling the judge got it wrong, you’re not alone. Many people feel disheartened after a final order in family court. In some cases, the law gives you an opportunity to challenge that outcome through a family law appeal.

But appealing a family law decision in Indiana is not easy. Most people don’t realize how narrow the path to a successful appeal really is. The appellate courts won’t hear new evidence, and they won’t re-try your case. So how do you win—and when is an appeal even worth pursuing?

If the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has contacted you, you may feel pressure to cooperate—especially when they ask you to take a drug test. But agreeing to a drug screen without legal advice is one of the most dangerous decisions you can make during a DCS investigation.

This article explains why you have the right to refuse a drug screen, how DCS uses screening results against parents, what constitutional protections apply, and why you should never agree to a screen without speaking to an attorney first.

If you’re a parent who’s just experienced domestic violence and now find yourself under investigation by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), you may be shocked when things take a turn: instead of helping you, DCS removes your children. This happens more often than you think—and it’s not just unfair, it can be deeply traumatic to both you and your children.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) contacts you, it’s tempting to believe that cooperating will make them go away faster. They may tell you that they just want to “check things out,” “make sure the children are safe,” or that “you don’t need a lawyer.”

Losing in family court can feel devastating. Whether it's an unfavorable custody ruling, a divorce judgment you believe is unfair, or a child support order that doesn't reflect your reality, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. The good news is: you have options.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) shows up at your door, your first instinct may be to let them in. After all, they say they're just "checking in" or "making sure everything is okay." But before you invite a government investigator into your home, you need to know this: you have the right to say no.

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and the last thing most families want to worry about is a confusing court process like probate—especially when they're unsure about the legal costs involved. For many people, one of the first questions is, "How much does a probate lawyer cost in Indiana?

Have you recently received a final divorce decree or child custody order in Indiana and feel that the outcome simply isn't right? You're not alone. Many people walk away from court feeling disappointed, confused, or even outraged by the judge’s decision. Fortunately, Indiana law does offer a way to challenge certain decisions through an appeal—when specific legal or factual errors are present.

The loss of a loved one brings immense grief, and navigating the legal complexities of probate can feel like an added burden during an already emotionally challenging time. If you've been appointed as the executor or administrator of an estate in Indiana, securing the right legal guidance is paramount to ensuring the process is handled accurately and efficiently. Discovering the best probate lawyer in Indiana tailored to your unique situation is a critical step towards a smoother estate administration.

Dealing with family court can be an emotional and pivotal experience. Whether it involves divorce, child custody, support, or adoption, the decisions made by the court significantly impact your life and your family's future. Understandably, if you disagree with a ruling, you might wonder: Can I appeal this family court decision in Indiana?

Facing a cocaine possession charge in Indiana for the first time can feel like your world is collapsing. You might be wondering: What happens next? Will this ruin my future? At Vining Legal, we’ve seen the fear and uncertainty that come with a first-time cocaine possession Indiana charge. Indiana law treats cocaine possession seriously, even for first-time offenders, but you’re not without options. This guide walks you through what to expect after your arrest, the potential penalties, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and move toward a better outcome. A single mistake doesn’t have to define your life—keep reading to understand your next steps.

The issuance of a protective order against you can be a profoundly disruptive event, imposing immediate legal restrictions and obligations under Indiana law. With a court hearing on the horizon and potential consequences looming, swift and informed action is essential. Our Indiana law firm has extensive experience assisting clients in these challenging circumstances, and we are prepared to guide you. Below, we outline the critical steps to take immediately if a protective order is filed against you to safeguard your rights and position yourself effectively.

Imagine this: You’re driving home after a dinner where you had a single glass of wine. A police officer pulls you over, suspects you’ve been drinking, and asks you to blow into a breathalyzer. Minutes later, you’re facing a DUI charge based on a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading. That little number—say, 0.08%—could change your life. But how reliable is it? BAC testing is a cornerstone of DUI enforcement in Indiana and beyond, rooted in science yet far from perfect. Understanding how BAC tests work and where they can fail might just be your key to fighting back.

Protective orders are serious legal tools in Indiana, often issued to shield someone from harm in domestic violence cases. But what happens when you’re falsely accused of domestic violence and slapped with a protective order (PO) you don’t deserve? It’s a stressful, life-altering situation. The good news? Not every protective order sticks. In fact, there are several reasons a protective order might get dismissed in Indiana, giving the falsely accused a chance to fight back and clear their name.

Facing criminal charges as a nurse can feel like your career is on the line. Whether it’s a felony, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), or a drug-related offense, the risks to your nursing license are real. The Indiana State Board of Nursing prioritizes public safety, and any criminal charge can trigger intense scrutiny—potentially leading to suspension, revocation, or probation. But there’s hope: hiring a nurse attorney in Indiana can turn the tide. Legal counsel can mitigate penalties, argue for leniency, and navigate the board’s process, often ensuring you can keep practicing while the state reviews your case further.

Ready to clear your record in Indiana? If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor, expungement might be the second chance you’ve been waiting for. A criminal record—even for a minor offense—can follow you for life, impacting your ability to get a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.

Facing life with a felony on your record in Indiana can feel like you’re carrying a weight you can’t put down. It affects your job opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and even your ability to carry a firearm. But here’s the good news: Indiana law offers a second chance through felony expungement—if you meet the right conditions.

In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll break down the rules, timelines, and options for felony expungement in Indiana so you can take the first step toward a clean slate.

If you and your spouse agree on everything, you might be thinking: Do I really need a lawyer to get divorced in Indiana? The short answer: maybe not—but it depends on your comfort level with the process, the complexity of your situation, and whether you're okay taking the risk of doing it alone.

One of the most important early steps is your initial hearing—the first time you'll face a judge and begin navigating the court system. This hearing sets the tone for your entire case. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference in protecting your rights and driving privileges.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Indiana OWI initial hearings work, what decisions might be made, and what steps you should take now to set yourself up for the best outcome.

False accusations can turn your life upside down—especially when they lead to a protective order (PO) hearing. In Indiana, a PO can limit your freedom, remove you from your home, and damage your reputation—even before criminal charges are filed. If you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence or harassment, your best move is to fight smart—and fast.