A CHINS case in Indiana can turn your life upside down—especially when it’s based on a doctor’s mistake. Imagine the Department of Child Services (DCS) knocking on your door, claiming your child’s safety is at risk, all because a medical report got it wrong. These Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases often lead to kids being removed from their homes, leaving parents heartbroken and fighting to get them back. When the issue stems from a misdiagnosis—Shaken baby syndrome is a prime example. Doctors might see head injuries or bleeding in a baby’s brain and assume abuse, when it’s really a disorder misdiagnosed as abuse—it’s even more devastating.

At Vining Legal, we’ve seen how a DCS substantiation in Indiana can haunt your professional life long after the case closes. In this guide, we’ll uncover how these findings sneak into background checks, the careers they hit hardest, and—most importantly—how to fight back with expungement or appeal. Your livelihood’s on the line—let’s protect it.

A DCS substantiation in Indiana sounds like a family issue—until it costs you your job. Imagine applying for a nursing position, a teaching gig, or a daycare license, only to be turned away because of a past Department of Child Services (DCS) finding. No criminal record, no conviction—just a mark from years ago, quietly killing your career. If you’re in healthcare, education, or childcare, this isn’t a “what if”—it’s a real risk that catches too many professionals off guard.

At Vining Legal, we’ve seen how a DCS substantiation in Indiana can haunt your professional life long after the case closes. In this guide, we’ll uncover how these findings sneak into background checks, the careers they hit hardest, and—most importantly—how to fight back with expungement or appeal. Your livelihood’s on the line—let’s protect it.

A heated argument turns physical, and now you’re facing battery charges in Indiana—can you fight back? Maybe it was a shove to protect yourself, or maybe it didn’t even happen the way they say. Either way, a battery charge doesn’t mean game over. In Indiana, where the law takes these cases seriously, knowing your defenses could mean the difference between a clean record and a conviction.

A failed blood test in an Indiana OWI case could cost you your license—or worse. Picture this: you’re pulled over, the officer suspects you’ve been drinking, and next thing you know, you’re facing a blood draw that says you’re over the limit. Guilty or not, that result can feel like a done deal. But what if it’s wrong? In Indiana, where OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) laws are tough, a flawed test doesn’t have to be the end of your story.

At Vining Legal, we’ve helped Hoosiers challenge Indiana OWI blood tests and win. In this guide, we’ll show you how blood tests work, where they can fail, and the steps to fight back with a defense that holds up. Don’t let a bad result define your future—let’s dive in.

Facing a domestic violence charge in Indiana? The stakes are high—your freedom, reputation, and family could hang in the balance. In a state where these cases are taken seriously under Indiana Code IC 35-42-2, building a strong defense isn’t just smart—it’s essential. But where do you start when emotions run hot and the law feels stacked against you?

At Vining Legal, we’ve defended countless Hoosiers against domestic violence allegations, turning tough situations into solid outcomes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a strong Indiana domestic violence defense, from understanding the charges to crafting strategies that work. Let’s get you on the right path.

Want to protect your assets in Indiana but unsure if a revocable or irrevocable trust is better? You’re not alone. Trusts are powerful tools for managing your estate, avoiding probate, and securing your family’s future—but picking the right one can feel overwhelming. In Indiana, where laws and personal needs shape your options, the choice between revocable and irrevocable trusts could make all the difference.

At Vining Legal, we’ve helped Hoosiers navigate this decision with confidence. In this guide, we’ll break down what trusts in Indiana are, how revocable and irrevocable trusts differ, their pros and cons, and how to choose the one that fits your life. Let’s clear the confusion and find your perfect trust.

Can you write your own will in Indiana, or is a lawyer worth the cost? It’s a decision that could shape your family’s future. With online templates and DIY options at your fingertips, it’s tempting to skip the expense of a lawyer and go it alone. But in Indiana, where the rules for wills are strict and the stakes are high, is that a safe bet? Whether you’re a parent in Bloomington or a retiree in Lafayette, your will is your last say—don’t let it fall apart when it matters most.

Think you can save money with DIY estate planning in Indiana? What if it leaves your kids unprotected? It’s a question more Indiana parents are asking as online tools and templates promise a quick, cheap way to create wills, trusts, and Powers of Attorney. The appeal is clear: skip the lawyer, save a few bucks, and check “estate planning” off your to-do list. But for parents, the stakes are higher than a simple cost-benefit equation.

What would happen to your family if something happened to you tomorrow? In Indiana, the answer lies in estate planning—a process that protects your assets, secures your loved ones’ future, and ensures your wishes are followed. Whether you’re a young parent in Indianapolis or a retiree in Fort Wayne, starting estate planning in Indiana is a critical step to avoid uncertainty and legal headaches.

At Vining Legal, we’ve helped countless Hoosiers take control of their legacies. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to start estate planning in Indiana, avoid common pitfalls, and get expert help when you need it. Let’s secure your peace of mind today.

What happens to your kids if you’re suddenly unable to make decisions? As an Indiana parent, this isn’t just a hypothetical—it’s a reality you need to prepare for. Life can change in an instant, whether it’s a car accident, a medical emergency, or an unexpected trip that leaves you unavailable. Without a plan, your children’s care could be left in limbo. That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) comes in—a simple legal tool that ensures someone you trust can step in when you can’t.

When most people hear "estate planning," they think it’s only for the wealthy or elderly. But if you own anything—or especially if you have children—your estate plan matters more than you think. For Hoosiers, the two most essential tools are wills and trusts. Both serve critical roles, but they do it in different ways. Understanding the difference between them under Indiana law can help you make the best choice for your future and your family’s peace of mind.

Let’s break down how wills and trusts work in Indiana, how they differ, and when you might need one—or both.

Probate. It’s one of those legal words you don’t think about—until you have to. If you’ve just lost a loved one in Indiana and are staring at their will wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for this?”—you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t always black and white.

Let’s break it down: what probate actually is, what Indiana law says about needing an attorney, and when hiring a lawyer is more than just helpful—it’s essential.

If you're a parent in Indiana, this is a question you can’t afford to ignore: What happens to your children if you die without a will? It’s a tough topic, but planning now ensures your kids are protected if the unexpected happens.

At Vining Legal, we help Indiana families make these important decisions every day. In this guide, you’ll learn what Indiana law says about inheritance and guardianship when there's no will—and why making a plan now matters more than ever.

Being charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana isn’t just a legal headache—it’s a serious financial burden that can follow you for years. While most people expect to pay fines and court fees, many are blindsided by the hidden costs that come with an OWI conviction.

Being charged with battery in Indiana is a serious matter with lasting consequences. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a heated argument that got out of hand, or a situation where you were defending yourself, knowing how to respond is crucial. The actions you take immediately after the charge can shape the outcome of your case.

If you’ve been charged with battery in Indiana, here’s what you need to know—and what to do next.

Theft is a serious offense under Indiana law and can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. At its core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

The distinction between misdemeanor theft and felony theft often comes down to one critical factor: the value of the stolen property. In many jurisdictions, including Indiana, theft involving property valued at $750 or more is classified as a felony.

Imagine this: You’re driving home after dinner when you see red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. A police officer pulls you over, asks if you've had anything to drink, and soon you're stepping out of the car to perform roadside field sobriety tests (FSTs).

Field Sobriety Tests are a series of physical and cognitive tasks used by Indiana law enforcement to assess whether a driver may be impaired. These tests are common in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) investigations, but many drivers wonder: Are these tests really accurate?

Losing a loved one is emotionally difficult—and navigating the legal process that follows can be just as overwhelming. Probate, the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, often adds legal, financial, and emotional stress to an already challenging time.

In Indiana, probate ensures that debts are paid, assets are properly distributed, and the decedent’s wishes—if a will exists—are honored. While the process is meant to provide structure, it can quickly become complicated and drawn-out if mistakes are made along the way.

Cocaine-related charges in Indiana are no joke. Whether you're caught with a small amount for personal use or accused of distributing larger quantities, drug offenses involving cocaine carry serious legal and personal consequences.

Under Indiana law, both possession and dealing of cocaine are criminal offenses with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to Level 1 felonies, depending on the amount and circumstances.

This post will walk you through how cocaine is treated under Indiana's drug laws, the penalties you might face, common legal defenses, and why hiring an experienced defense attorney is critical.

It happens more often than you might think—someone grabs an item off a store shelf, walks out without paying, and thinks it’s “no big deal.” Maybe it was a lapse in judgment, peer pressure, or financial desperation. Regardless of the reason, theft—even under $750—can result in criminal charges with lasting consequences.

In Indiana, theft is defined as knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of its value or use. When the value of stolen property is under $750, the charge is typically a misdemeanor—not a felony. But make no mistake: misdemeanor charges are still serious and can impact your future.