Fifer Law OfficeNew Albany Criminal Defense & Family Law | Personal Injury2026-07-16T07:05:08Zhttps://www.fiferlawoffice.net/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[Can grandparents seek visitation rights in Indiana?]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=483032026-07-16T07:05:08Z2026-07-16T07:05:08ZWhen can grandparents request visitation?
In Indiana, unlike parents, grandparents do not have the same automatic right to parenting time. When a grandparent is legally eligible to request visitation, the court may consider the grandparent’s relationship with the child and whether visitation would serve the child’s best interests. The court might consider whether the grandparent had a meaningful connection and contact with their grandchild. A request for visitation is different from a request for custody and follows different legal standards. Under the Indiana Grandparent Visitation Act, a grandparent generally may petition for visitation only under certain circumstances:
The child’s parents are divorced
One of the child’s parents is deceased
The child was born out of wedlock
If the child’s parents are still alive, remain married to each other and mutually decide to cut off contact with the grandparents, the court cannot intervene. Even if the grandparents meet the criteria to file a lawsuit, the United States Supreme Court protects a parent's right to raise their child as they see fit. Indiana courts generally give special weight to a fit parent’s decision to limit or deny grandparent visitation.
To obtain court-ordered visitation, an eligible grandparent must show that visitation would serve the child’s best interests. The court must also give special weight to the fit parent’s decision and consider the amount of visitation the parent already allows.
Eligibility doesn’t guarantee visitation
It is devastating for many grandparents to lose contact with their grandchildren. However, family dynamics can be complicated and a single mistake could ruin your chances of visiting your grandchildren permanently. Seeking the guidance of an experienced legal professional could help you review your options and protect your rights.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[When a car accident leads to PTSD]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=483022026-07-10T15:17:58Z2026-07-10T15:17:58ZPost-traumatic stress disorder is something that can happen after many unexpected and potentially dangerous events. Soldiers often return home from a tour of duty and suffer from PTSD, for example, because of the traumatic nature of serving in combat.
For the average American, it is unlikely that they will ever find themselves in that type of situation, but other traumatic events can still trigger PTSD. Some studies find that there is an increased risk of PTSD for those involved in serious motor vehicle accidents. If someone is involved in a crash where they suffer major injuries or a loved one passes away, for example, they could find themselves dealing with PTSD for months or even years after the accident.
How will this affect your life?
PTSD does manifest a bit differently from one case to the next. But it is very common for people to experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares and other such episodes.Someone who used to be a relaxed and comfortable driver may suddenly find it very difficult to get in the car. They may practice avoidance behaviors. Even if they can still drive, they may find themselves avoiding the specific intersection where the accident took place, for instance.This can certainly have a long-term impact on someone's happiness and enjoyment of life. It could even affect their employment. This is especially true for those with long commutes or those who have to drive as part of their duties as an employee.As such, PTSD can create many costs as people seek medical attention, talk to therapists and even see a reduction in their wages or their earning capacity. If you find yourself in this position after an accident caused by another negligent driver, be sure you know what legal steps to take.
]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[Two ways to establish paternity as an Indiana father]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=483012026-07-10T13:08:47Z2026-07-10T13:08:47ZWhen you are not married to your child’s mother, being involved from the start does not automatically make you the child’s legal father. Without legal paternity, it can be harder to settle questions about parenting time, major decisions and support. If you live in New Albany or elsewhere in southern Indiana, you generally have two ways to establish paternity.
Signing a paternity affidavit
A paternity affidavit lets you and the child’s mother state under oath that you are the biological father. Both parents may sign it at the hospital within 72 hours after the birth. You may also complete the form later at the local health department before the child’s nineteenth birthday.A valid affidavit establishes legal paternity without a court order. Your name can then appear on the birth certificate, and you take on the rights and duties of fatherhood. Because the form has lasting effects, do not sign it if you have real doubts about biological paternity. The rules for canceling an affidavit are strict and often involve short deadlines.
Filing a paternity case in court
You may need to file a paternity case when the mother will not sign an affidavit, either parent disputes paternity or you need formal orders for the child. The court can review evidence and may order genetic testing before deciding whether you are the legal father.The case can also cover custody, child support, medical costs and parenting time. This option can be useful when you and the mother cannot agree on your role or need clear rules for the future.
Creating a workable parenting schedule
Establishing paternity is important, but it may not give you a clear schedule for seeing your child. Even after an affidavit confirms your legal status, conflicts may arise over weekends, holidays, travel or phone calls.A parenting time order can reduce uncertainty. It can state when exchanges happen and how both parents will handle common problems. Indiana courts generally consider the child’s best interests and the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. The right schedule will depend on the child’s age, daily routine and relationship with each parent.
Choosing the right path early
Before you choose an affidavit or court case, think about what you need beyond legal recognition. If you and the mother agree, an affidavit may settle paternity quickly. If your access to the child is uncertain, a court case may give you firmer rules. Acting early can help you move from informal promises to a dependable parenting arrangement that supports your child.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[Is it possible to “sober up fast” after drinking alcohol?]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=483002026-06-30T02:57:34Z2026-06-30T02:57:34ZDrinking coffee, taking a cold shower, vomiting and exercising after drinking alcohol are tricks that generally can make someone more alert and appear more sober. However, they don’t cause the liver to metabolize alcohol faster or reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Unfortunately, someone can end up facing an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge if they drive during the temporary alert period they achieve. Here’s why:
The body needs time to get rid of alcohol
The body metabolizes most drugs at a speed proportional to how much is in the system. This does not happen with alcohol. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant, fixed rate, regardless of its concentration in the body. This is called zero-order kinetics.On average, the liver processes about one standard drink per hour, which is equivalent to:
12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol
5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (liquor or distilled spirits with 40% alcohol)
One standard drink can raise the BAC by approximately 0.02% to 0.04%. Individual factors determine how the BAC increases, and the exact time it can take for the liver to clear alcohol. These include biological sex, body weight, speed of consumption, and whether someone ate before drinking. For instance, males typically have a higher percentage of body water and less fat. Thus, they dilute alcohol more effectively. If a female and a male of the same weight consume the exact amount of alcohol, the female will have a higher BAC. Accordingly, they may metabolize alcohol more slowly.People constantly get into trouble for using tricks for sobering up quickly or applying the one standard drink per hour timeline without considering personal factors. If this is your case, legal guidance can help you understand your defense options. ]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[Taking vacations with kids after divorce]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482982026-06-16T16:07:10Z2026-06-16T16:07:10ZIf you are fresh out of a divorce (or even in the midst), chances are good that you might need a little break. And what could be better than a vacation and bonding with your children?
That can definitely be a good plan. But before you start packing your bags, it’s wise to learn more about your custody situation here in Indiana.
Why this could matter
In a contested divorce where parents have yet to agree on custody matters, you could potentially face obstacles to taking the kids with you on your trip. In hotly contested divorces where feelings run high on one or both sides, the court may have imposed some custody restrictions.That doesn’t mean that the short trip or family reunion is off the table, however. It just means that you must remain compliant with any temporary orders put in place by the courts.
Restrictions you might face
It’s always best to hammer out all vacation arrangements with your co-parent before purchasing expensive or nonrefundable plane tickets and reservations. You could be barred from taking your child out of the country or even Indiana. Below are additional travel conditions and restrictions that you may need to include:
Prearrange to share your itinerary with your co-parent
Provide ways for your child to communicate with their other parent on the trip
Length of the vacation
Give proper notice to the other parent before leaving on your trip
It’s easier to plan a summer vacation with your child if you have a civil relationship with their other parent. Keep that in mind going forward.
Can parents dictate who goes on the trip?
This can become important if one parent wants to include their current paramour in their vacation plans. Can you object to the presence of your ex’s love interest? Possibly, if their lack of sobriety or poor choices puts the kids at risk.To learn more, work closely with your trusted legal adviser to determine the best path forward.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[What if your teen is injured as a passenger in a friend’s car?]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482972026-06-04T20:22:41Z2026-06-04T20:22:41Zgoes up over the summer.
It is important for adult drivers to understand this risk because they also have to share the road with teens. However, it is also important to remember that injury victims can include passengers in someone else’s vehicle when they cause an accident.
For instance, if your teen is riding with their friends and their friend makes a mistake that causes a serious crash, you may be able to pursue financial compensation on their behalf. They could experience pain and suffering, find themselves facing high medical bills for emergency treatment and much more.
Teen passengers increase crash risks
The reason that you specifically want to look out for this as a parent is that driving with passengers makes teens more likely to get into accidents. It can be distracting, or they may intentionally engage in risky driving behaviors in an effort to impress their peers.
Riding with friends is also very common. For many teens, one person will have a driver’s license, but the rest of the friend group will not. When they want to socialize over summer break, that person ends up driving around with multiple teens in the vehicle. This can be very dangerous for all involved, as the odds of a serious accident increase.
Note that in Indiana, as in other states, there are restrictions on driving with passengers for novice drivers. Under Indiana law, these restrictions apply during the first 180 days of driving with a probationary license.
If your child has suffered injuries, it can help to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to seek full compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering and long-term issues like disability or disfigurement.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[An empty-nest divorce can still be complicated]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482962026-05-21T10:01:25Z2026-05-21T09:57:36ZChild custody issues are not typically part of an empty-nest divorce. After all, this is a trend where couples get divorced after their children move out of the house. The youngest child graduates from high school and goes off to college, for instance, and the parents file for divorce that fall.
In some ways, this can certainly make a divorce easier. Some parents deliberately wait to become empty nesters before filing, thinking that it will simplify the process because there are no minor children or physical and legal custody concerns. But it is important to remember that there can still be complications, often revolving around finances.
Dividing marital assets
For instance, divorce means a couple has to split up marital assets. Young couples who have been married for just a few years may not have that many joint assets, but older couples who have been raising children for decades may jointly own nearly everything in their lives. This starts with simple things like bank accounts and home furnishings, but it can also extend to more complicated assets, such as homes, real estate, small businesses, shared investment portfolios and much more.
Addressing retirement concerns
Additionally, because of their age, empty nesters are getting closer to retirement. Many couples save for retirement together, or they plan to jointly use the retirement benefits that one of them is earning through employment. Getting a divorce means they have to determine how to split up these retirement assets and protect their future.As you can see, even without child custody challenges, it is very important to understand all of the legal options you have while navigating an empty-nest divorce.
]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[How do you tell your adult children you are getting a divorce?]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482952026-05-20T08:10:19Z2026-05-20T08:10:19ZChoose the right time and place
Timing matters when sharing life-changing news. Consider having this conversation in a private, comfortable setting where everyone can speak openly without interruptions. You may want to avoid sharing the news during holidays, special celebrations or other significant family events. You may also want to give your adult children the space to process their emotions without the added pressure of maintaining appearances at a family gathering.
If possible, tell all your adult children at the same time to prevent anyone from feeling left out or hearing the news secondhand. However, if your children live in different locations, individual conversations may be necessary. In that case, try to have these discussions within a short time to maintain consistency in your message.
Be honest but respectful
When explaining your decision, you might need to focus on being straightforward without oversharing intimate details. Your adult children deserve honesty, but they also do not need to hear every grievance or personal issue that led to the divorce. It might help to keep the conversation focused on the decision itself rather than assigning blame to either parent.
Remember that even though your children are adults, they may still struggle with feelings of sadness, confusion or even guilt. It might be beneficial to reassure them that both parents will continue to love and support them.
Prepare for various reactions
Adult children may respond in unexpected ways. Some might be supportive and understanding, while others may feel angry or betrayed. Some may have suspected problems in your marriage, while others might be completely blindsided. It might help to give them permission to express their feelings and ask questions.
You may also need to be patient if they need time to process the information. They may want to discuss it further after the initial conversation, or they might need space before they are ready to talk again.
This conversation marks a significant transition for your family, but approaching it with care and consideration can help everyone move forward.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[What happens during personal injury settlement negotiations?]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482942026-05-11T00:30:45Z2026-05-11T00:30:45ZAfter a car accident, truck accident or some other kind of personal injury, most people assume that the liable party’s insurance company will quickly “step up” and make a fair settlement offer.
In reality, personal injury settlement negotiations are often lengthy. Understanding how settlement negotiations typically work can help reduce uncertainty during the claims process. While every case is different, most personal injury negotiations follow a series of common steps before a settlement is reached or a lawsuit proceeds toward trial.
It starts with an investigation and demand phase
Before serious settlement discussions begin, both sides usually investigate the accident and review the available evidence. This stage may involve gathering:
Medical records
Accident reports
Witness statements
Photographs and video evidence
Employment and wage information
Insurance policy details
As an injury victim’s medical condition stabilizes, their personal injury attorney will likely send a formal demand letter to the insurance company. The demand generally outlines the facts of the case, the injuries they’ve suffered, their medical expenses, lost income and the amount they are requesting to settle the claim.
The insurance company usually responds with a minimal offer
The demand letter usually produces little in the way of results. Insurers typically respond with initial settlement offers that are frequently much lower than what was requested. Insurance adjusters usually argue that:
The injuries aren’t as serious as claimed
Some of the medical treatments were unnecessary
A preexisting condition actually caused many symptoms
The injury victim was partially at fault for their own losses
Because Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, allegations that an injured person contributed to the accident can significantly affect the negotiations. If a person is found more than 50% responsible for their own losses, they are barred from recovering damages altogether.
The negotiations may continue for months
Once the initial demand and offer have been exchanged, negotiations begin in earnest. Multiple offers and counteroffers may be traded while additional evidence in the form of medical reports and expert weigh-ins, surveillance video, depositions and more. The court may order formal mediation sessions and then a trial date may be scheduled.Ultimately, the vast majority of claims will be settled before trial, with each step bringing a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s position. If the parties do agree to settle, that will end the case. If they don’t, the case will proceed to trial before a judge or jury.Because insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts, dispute liability or challenge the extent of a person’s injuries, it is wise to involve a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.]]>On Behalf of Fifer Law Office<![CDATA[How to communicate during divorce]]>https://www.fiferlawoffice.net/?p=482862026-04-22T15:42:28Z2026-04-22T15:42:28ZMaintaining healthy communication during divorce is highly recommended. It increases the chances of a smooth process, and when children are involved, it can be more manageable to make co-parenting decisions. Nonetheless, the chances of conflicts can be high.
For this reason, soon-to-be ex-spouses need to have a few tips to guide their communication. Here are three of them:
Use the BIFF method
The BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly and Firm) method is a communication strategy that offers significant benefits during divorce. With this technique, your conversations should be short (ideally two to five sentences), strictly focus on facts, maintain a courteous tone and set clear boundaries.For example, when asking your spouse to send money for a shared expense, such as a child-related expense, you can say, “Hello [Spouse’s name],[Child’s name] has a dental appointment on [Date] for [Procedure] costing $300. I am requesting your 50% share of $150 by [Date] via [Payment method]. I have attached the invoice. Thank you."This message is short, focuses on the necessary information, provides a deadline and has a friendly tone. The BIFF method also works when responding to an angry message from your spouse. It can de-escalate the conflict and protect you from responding in a way that could negatively affect your interests.
Set boundaries
You and your spouse should set boundaries concerning communication. Agree on the topics to discuss and what to avoid, choose a communication method and pick a time when you can contact each other.
Take time before you respond
Unless it’s an emergency, it can help to always take time before responding. Let your spouse know you have received their message and will respond later. This allows you to send thoughtful responses.These three tips can help you have a smoother divorce. Get more information about other steps to take to help you transition into your new life without difficulties.
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