A criminal background check that complies with Ind. Code §31-9-2-22.5 is necessary to the adoption process; its absence renders an adoption petition fatally deficient. Also, the adoption court should consolidate the paternity action before issuing its adoption decree.
Appeals
Etter v. State, No. 49A02-1508-CR-1263, __N.E.3d__(Ind. Ct. App., June 16, 2016).
Although the trial court was frustrated with defense counsel and made inappropriate comments, they were not so damaging as to necessitate a mistrial.
In re J.B., No. 20A05-1510-JC-1612, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind. Ct. App., June 8, 2016).
The juvenile court did not have jurisdiction to modify the custody agreement made by the paternity court after the CHINS case was terminated.
Lehman v. State, No. 20A03-1511-CR-1963, ___N.E.3d____ (Ind. Ct. App., May 31, 2016).
Suspended attorney was guilty of practicing law as a non-attorney for providing various legal services during his suspension.
Barber v. Henry, No. 87A01-1510-JP-1639, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind. Ct. App., May 31, 2016).
Parent who chose to become unemployed to help her children with special developmental needs is not unemployed without just cause for purposes of determining child support.