Southern Indiana Law Blog

Put your children first in all child custody matters

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in family law on Friday, January 11, 2019.

Child custody cases are often hard for the parents to handle because you have to make some very complex decisions. When you are going through this, make sure that you are thinking about what is best for your children. This means that you can't focus on what is easiest for you or how you can make life more difficult for your ex. We know that you might not want to negotiate any points of the matter, but you will have to so that you can make it through the case.

For the most part, people who are handling these types of matters will work together to come up with the terms. This means that you will have to come up with a parenting relationship style, a schedule and some basic ground rules. It might be challenging to work this closely with your ex but if you do it in a respectful manner, you can set a good precedent for the future.

You have 2 years to file a personal injury claim in Indiana

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in personal injury on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Being injured in any accident can lead to serious impacts on your life. When this happens, you are going to have some thinking to do. One of the important points to consider is that you have to decide if you need to seek compensation. We know that this is a big thought, but we are here to help you learn about what this might do for you and what your responsibilities are in the case.

When you are trying to decide what to do about your situation, you have to take an honest look at what's going on. If you suffered a catastrophic injury that required considerable medical care and that forced you to take time off work, you might realize that seeking compensation is in order.

Pedestrian-vehicle accidents: Common causes and safety tips

On behalf of Fifer Law Office on Friday, January 4, 2019.

As a pedestrian, you must always be aware of what's happening around you. As the driver of a motor vehicle, the same holds true.

You're a pedestrian even when you're not thinking about it. This includes when you're walking to and from your office building or jogging around your community.

Indiana Attorney General Hill endorses First Step Act

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in criminal defense on Thursday, December 27, 2018.

One big problem in the criminal justice system in Indiana, as well as around the country, is that there is a primary focus on punishment instead of rehabilitation. On a federal level, the First Step Act was just passed. This is a sweeping prison reform program that has some marked benefits to both offenders and the general public. Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill signed an endorsement of the legislation and noted that this was a bipartisan effort to make a big change.

One of the primary things that the First Step Act does is establishes opportunities for people convicted of crimes to receive opportunities to rehabilitate. The act places a focus on programs that will help to improve character and develop skills that enable the person to become a positive and productive member of society.

Help your children through the transition of your divorce

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in family law on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Children are resilient, but going through their parents' divorce can really shake them. This scary time should be a time when they can count on their parents for support. The problem that sometimes comes up is that their parents might be so involved in the divorce process that they are unable to give the children the attention they deserve.

When you are trying to help your children through this time of transition, remember that everything they've known their whole life is changing. You know what life was like before you got married, but they might not. You should be prepared to discuss what's coming with them.

You have rights and responsibilities after a car wreck

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in personal injury on Friday, November 30, 2018.

As the holiday season ramps up, people are going to head out to go shopping. For people who are on the roads, putting your trust in other drivers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner becomes necessary. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to practice unsafe driving practices, which can put everyone else in harm's way. We know that nobody leaves home in the hope that they will be involved in a car wreck. When this does happen, you need to know that you have specific rights and responsibilities.

If you suffer an injury in a crash, make sure you get medical care right away. You can't delay because you don't know if there is anything that is lurking behind. Sometimes, injuries are hidden for a bit after the crash. These can be very serious.

The right attitude can help you during a divorce

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in family law on Friday, November 16, 2018.

Divorce is never a pleasant prospect when there are children involved, but neither is living in a home where your parents are constantly fighting. If you are facing the prospect of divorce, you need to think carefully about how you will proceed. There are many considerations that you may need to work through to ensure that you are doing what is best for you and your kids.

For most people, the goal of the situation is to end the marriage, but you need to focus on doing this in a healthy way. You can take steps to minimize the chance of going through a contentious divorce.

Beware of OWI season in 2018

On behalf of Fifer Law Office on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

There's a chill and the scent of woodsmoke in the air in southern Indiana. That means that the holidays will soon be upon us.

For most, it's a time to gather with friends and family, to give thanks and celebrate together. Many of those celebrations involve alcohol, and that's where things can start getting dicey.

Mental illness can be challenging during marriage and divorce

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in family law on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Marriage comes with many challenges, but there are times when these become overwhelming and the relationship has to end. A divorce also comes with many complex elements that have to be taken into consideration as you are making decisions about it. One thing that can make some divorces more difficult is the presence of mental illness. This is amplified when the person doesn't have the help they need to address the illness.

It is very difficult to be married to a person with a mental illness, but it is also very difficult for the person who has the illness. This can sometimes lead to the end of the marriage. No matter which side of the situation you are on, it is imperative to remember that addressing these issues head-on can be beneficial to everyone involved.

Pay attention to what's going on after a car wreck

On behalf of Fifer Law Office posted in personal injury on Friday, October 19, 2018.

The days after a car wreck are likely going to be filled with activity, especially if you suffered from serious injuries in the crash. You will probably need extensive medical care and might even need personal care assistance. We know that a situation like this can be devastating because you are having to deal with the physical pain of the injuries, the emotional toll that the unexpected wreck takes on you, and the financial impact of the accident.

One thing that you need to remember these days is that you need to take steps to protect yourself. There is a chance that you might decide to hire a lawyer to help you seek compensation for the damages you have to handle. If you are considering this, you must be sure to choose your words carefully when discussing the accident. Never admit fault. Saying things like "I'm sorry for the crash" can end up preventing you from getting the compensation you need.