The Law Office of Amie Newlon The Law Office of Amie Newlon 2026-08-14T14:01:17Z https://www.amienewlon.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1104011/2024/09/cropped-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[What happens if a parent repeatedly misses parenting time?]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256279 2026-08-14T14:01:17Z 2026-08-14T14:01:17Z The court may consider the pattern Repeatedly missing parenting time can become relevant if you return to family court over custody or parenting time. Indiana courts base custody decisions on the child’s best interests and consider factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent. This does not mean that missing visits automatically causes a parent to lose custody or parenting time. Instead, the court can consider the broader circumstances when deciding whether an existing arrangement continues to meet your child’s needs.

Your custody schedule may need to change

A repeated pattern can show that your current schedule no longer works well for your family. For example, if a parent regularly cannot exercise weekday parenting time because of a lasting work schedule, you may need to consider whether a different arrangement would better fit your child’s routine. Indiana law generally requires a substantial change in relevant circumstances before a court can modify a custody order, and any change must serve the child’s best interests.

Your child may feel the effects

Repeatedly waiting for a parent who does not show up can leave your child feeling disappointed, confused or disconnected from that parent. Over time, inconsistent contact can make it harder to maintain a stable parent-child relationship. That does not mean you should make negative comments about the other parent or put your child in the middle of the situation. Keeping adult concerns between the adults can help protect your child from additional stress.

Address the pattern before it continues

Repeatedly missed parenting time can be difficult for you and your child, especially when you are trying to maintain a predictable routine. If the pattern continues, reviewing your custody order with an attorney can help you understand whether the current schedule still fits your child’s needs and what options you have for addressing the situation. You can also focus on keeping your child out of adult disagreements and maintaining as much stability as possible. A consistent, supportive routine can help your child feel secure even when parenting time does not go as planned.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Should you open a divorce registry?]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256277 2026-08-07T15:17:28Z 2026-08-07T15:17:28Z Wedding registries have long been a familiar tradition, but in recent years, some people have embraced the idea of establishing divorce registries as well.  Similar to a wedding registry, it allows friends and family to give gifts that can help someone establish a new household after their marriage ends. 

Is opening a divorce registry a good idea?

If you and your spouse are going your separate ways, your personal circumstances and comfort level will likely influence your decision to open a registry or not. Divorce often leaves one or both spouses needing to replace everyday household items. Furniture, cookware, linens and small appliances that were once shared may now need to be purchased separately. A registry can provide loved ones with practical ways to offer support during this major life transition. At the same time, not everyone is comfortable with the idea. Some people prefer to keep their divorce private or worry that a registry may give the impression they are asking for gifts. Family dynamics can also be complicated, particularly if children are involved or the divorce remains contentious. Before creating a registry, consider how it may be perceived by relatives, friends and your former spouse. While their opinions matter less than yours, their feelings may impact how you ultimately feel about your decision to open one or not.  You’ll also want to keep in mind that it is generally better to wait until the legal process is complete before focusing on furnishing a new home. Otherwise, what you purchase or receive may be considered marital property to a degree.  Whether you create a registry or not, thoughtful planning, sound financial decisions and reliable legal guidance will do good things when it comes to positioning you for long-term success. When it comes to this particular decision, it’s hard to go wrong either way. ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Co-parents: Managing your child’s screen time expectations ]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256272 2026-07-22T00:20:43Z 2026-07-22T00:20:43Z Screens are an increasingly commonplace part of childhood, from homework assignments and educational apps to video games, streaming services and social media. Yet, commonplace or not, families differ widely in regard to how they manage screen-related concerns when it comes to their children uniquely.  For co-parents, managing screen time can become a source of conflict if expectations differ between households. Establishing consistent guidelines can help reduce disagreements and provide children with clear, predictable boundaries.

Primary considerations 

The first step is having an honest conversation about each parent's goals. One household may be more restrictive, while the other allows greater flexibility. Although the rules do not have to be identical, dramatic differences can leave children confused or encourage them to play one parent against the other. Finding reasonable middle ground often benefits everyone. Consider discussing topics beyond the number of hours spent on devices. Parents may want to address age-appropriate content, social media use, online gaming, internet safety and whether devices are allowed during meals, before bedtime or while completing homework. Agreeing on healthy, informed expectations in advance can make transitions between homes smoother. Additionally, because as children grow older, their needs and interests naturally evolve, what works for a young elementary school student may not be appropriate for a teenager. Periodically reviewing household expectations allows parents to adjust their approach as children mature and technology continues to change. And, if disagreements over screen time ultimately become part of broader parenting conflicts, seeking legal guidance may be helpful. An experienced legal team can assist you and your co-parent with modifying parenting plans, resolving disputes and developing practical agreements that support healthy routines while promoting consistency across both households.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Reasons not to keep the house in a divorce]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256269 2026-07-09T14:11:57Z 2026-07-09T14:11:57Z Are you going through a divorce and thinking about keeping the house? For many people, this is a top priority. They may think it gives them more stability or simply that it would be difficult to buy a house after divorce, so they want to keep the one they already have. This can work in some situations, but it is also important to think of reasons why you may not actually want to keep the home. By considering both sides, you can make the best possible decision during the divorce.

It may not fit your budget

To start with, your post-divorce budget has to consider all housing-related costs. This includes property taxes, home insurance, utilities, maintenance and upkeep. You have to carefully budget to find out if you can afford all of the costs that come along with homeownership on your own.

You have to refinance the mortgage

If your home still has a mortgage, you may also need to refinance it after the divorce. This takes your ex off the mortgage and removes any financial liability they may have held. But it can be very difficult to qualify for a mortgage on just one income.

You may not get a clean break

Finally, from an emotional perspective, staying in the same house can sometimes be difficult. You may want your divorce to be a clean break, and you want to move on to the next stage of your life. But is continuing to live in the house that you bought with your former spouse actually going to give you that opportunity? These are just a few things to consider, and whether or not it is wise to keep the house differs from one case to the next. Just be sure you know what legal options you have as you go through the divorce process.  ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[What kinds of records can be expunged in Indiana?]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256275 2026-07-25T02:38:57Z 2026-06-25T02:38:42Z Records that may qualify for expungement Indiana offers one of the more comprehensive expungement laws in the country, but different waiting periods and eligibility rules apply depending on the type of case. Records that may qualify include:
  • Arrests that did not result in a conviction under certain circumstances
  • Charges that courts dismissed
  • Misdemeanor convictions
  • Certain Level 6 felony convictions
  • Some higher-level felony convictions, depending on the offense and whether statutory requirements are met
Many offenses require you to complete your sentence, pay all fines and court costs, and remain free of additional criminal convictions during the applicable waiting period before filing a petition.

Not every offense is eligible

Although Indiana law allows people to expunge many records, it does not allow them to seal or expunge certain convictions. Serious violent offenses, certain sex crimes, and other offenses specifically excluded by state law may remain permanently on your record. Even when a conviction appears eligible, the court may review factors such as your criminal history, compliance with sentencing requirements, and whether all statutory conditions have been satisfied. Because eligibility depends on the specific facts of your case, a careful legal review is often necessary.

What does expungement accomplish?

In many cases, an expungement limits public access to your criminal record rather than completely erasing it. Once the court expunges a qualifying record, employers, landlords, and members of the public cannot view it during routine background checks. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement authorities may still have access to expunged records under limited circumstances authorized by law. An expungement can improve opportunities in several areas of life, including:
  • Employment applications
  • Professional licensing
  • Housing opportunities
  • Educational admissions
  • Personal privacy and reputation
While an expungement cannot change the past, it can reduce the long-term consequences of a criminal record.

Why legal guidance can make a difference

Indiana's expungement process involves strict filing requirements, deadlines, and eligibility rules. Filing too early, submitting incomplete paperwork, or requesting relief that is unavailable could delay your case or result in a denial. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate your record, determine which offenses may qualify, prepare the necessary filings, and guide you through the court process.

Explore your options for a fresh start

If you have a criminal record in Indiana, you may have more options than you realize. Whether your case involved an arrest, dismissed charges, or a qualifying conviction, an attorney can help you determine your eligibility and pursue the relief available under Indiana law.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Communication is important when sharing child custody over summer]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256267 2026-06-24T12:19:19Z 2026-06-24T12:19:19Z Sharing child custody over the summer months can be complicated. The children's schedules change significantly, as do the obligations of the parents. During the school year, parents may work while their kids are in school, but having three months off means that things have to shift. At these times, communication between the divorced parents is very important. They may need to alter the child custody schedule, and talking about it in advance can help avoid conflicts.

Planning a vacation

For example, one parent may decide that they want to use the summer break to take a vacation with their children. They may decide to use personal time off from their job so that they can go on a road trip or fly across the country. All of this is possible, but it is wise to communicate with the other co-parent and create a vacation schedule. In some cases, couples may need to modify their custody arrangement entirely, going through the court to do so. In other cases, they may simply need to communicate with one another. Even if a parent has physical custody rights, they may still need to inform the other parent that they are taking the kids out of state.

Addressing other changes

Even when parents try to create a relatively consistent schedule, there may be changes that are different from the school year. Child custody exchanges may take place at different locations or at different times. Parents may need to talk about letting grandparents watch the children, putting them in daycare or hiring a babysitter. In other words, co-parenting over the summer is complicated, but communication can help it go smoothly. When parents have questions about their custody rights, it can help to work with an experienced attorney.  ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Can my ex-wife move my kids out of Indiana without my permission?]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256264 2026-06-23T16:02:22Z 2026-06-23T16:02:22Z Indiana law requires notice before relocating with children Under Indiana family law, a parent planning to relocate with a child must file a formal Notice of Intent to Relocate with the court that issued your custody or parenting time order and serve you with a copy at least 30 days before the move. This requirement applies unless the move decreases the distance between your homes, increases it by less than 20 miles while keeping the children in their current school or is already addressed in a court order. If she relocates without following this process, she could be found in contempt of court.

What happens if you object

Once you receive the notice, you have 20 days to file a response with the court. If you object, the court will schedule a hearing where the relocating parent must prove they are moving in good faith and for a legitimate reason. You then have the opportunity to show that the move is not in your children's best interests. If you do not respond within 20 days, the court may allow the relocation to proceed.

What the court considers

Indiana courts do not automatically approve or deny a relocation request. The judge weighs several factors, including:
  • The distance of the proposed move
  • The hardship and expense of maintaining parenting time from a greater distance
  • The potential impact on your children's quality of life
  • Your children's relationships with both parents
  • Any history of one parent limiting the other's contact with the children
The court's focus is always on what is best for your children, not on punishing either parent.

What you may consider doing right now

If you have not received a formal notice yet but believe the other parent is planning a move, you can take steps now to protect your parenting rights before the other parent files anything. If you have already been served with a notice, your 20-day window to respond is already running. Speaking with a family law attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance of keeping your children close and maintaining the relationship you have worked to build with them.  ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Can job loss lead to a pause in child support obligations?]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256262 2026-06-07T23:34:37Z 2026-06-07T23:34:37Z Parents must pay regardless of employment Generally speaking, parents have a responsibility to their children that persists regardless of their employment status. The state does not take any automatic steps to modify support obligations after one parent loses a job. If the paying parent truly cannot afford support, they may need to petition the courts for a modification. The courts may agree to temporarily reduce how much they owe each month. That can help limit the arrears they accrue. However, the courts do not pause or eliminate child support obligations due to unemployment if a parent is capable of working. Parents concerned about avoiding substantial arrears or enforcing a child support order may need to discuss their circumstances with a professional. An attorney can help those facing complications related to shared child custody, including child support issues, to clarify their rights and options.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[Why some women stay in unhappy marriages longer than they want to]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256260 2026-06-02T02:20:21Z 2026-06-02T02:20:21Z The weight of fear and uncertainty One of the biggest reasons women remain in unhappy marriages is financial concern. Leaving a shared household can raise difficult questions about housing, income and long-term stability, especially for women who may have stepped back from their careers to care for children or support a spouse’s professional goals. In smaller communities, there may also be worries about reputation, judgment from others or how a divorce could affect personal or familial relationships. Children are another major reason many women hesitate to move forward. Mothers often worry about how divorce will affect their children emotionally and whether separating the family may create instability or stress. Some stay because they hope keeping the household together will protect their children, even when the marriage itself has become strained or emotionally distant. There is also the fear of the unknown. Starting over after years of marriage can feel intimidating, particularly when routines, finances and family life have been deeply intertwined for such a long time. Many women are not looking for conflict. Their goal is often to create a clean transition that protects their children, preserves stability where possible and allows everyone to move forward with as little emotional damage as possible.

Positive changes can come from divorce

Although these fears can feel overwhelming, many women discover that life after divorce looks different than they expected. Research from Penn State University found that many women experience significant personal growth after divorce. Once free from an unhappy or unfulfilling marriage, participants often reported greater autonomy, increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of control over their lives. Many divorced mothers also saw positive changes in their careers and social connections, creating new opportunities for personal fulfillment. Overall, the study suggests that, while divorce can be challenging, it can also serve as a catalyst for greater happiness and self-discovery. No one should feel pressured to stay in a situation that no longer brings peace or happiness. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help provide clarity, answer important questions and make the path forward feel more manageable.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon <![CDATA[3 ways to help your child cope with divorce in Indiana]]> https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=256256 2026-05-25T14:29:55Z 2026-05-25T14:29:55Z Provide age-appropriate reassurance and information It might help to tailor your explanations to fit your child’s age. Younger children may need simple explanations and frequent reassurance that you still love them. On the other hand, teenagers might want more details and the opportunity to discuss how the divorce will affect their daily lives. Regardless of age, make it absolutely clear that the divorce is not their fault. Children often blame themselves for their parents' separation. Reassure them repeatedly that this is an adult decision based on adult issues. Letting them know your love for them remains constant and unwavering could spare them from a lot of pressure, anxiety and guilt.

Create stability through predictable schedules

In times of uncertainty, children tend to want stability and predictability. Establishing consistent schedules for parenting time, meals, homework and bedtime helps them feel secure. Even if you are moving between households, maintaining familiar routines provides a sense of normalcy. Try to work collaboratively with your former spouse to ensure that rules and expectations remain similar in both homes when possible. If your child has regular activities like sports practice or music lessons, do your best to continue these commitments. Indiana law generally requires each parent to share information about the child's education, health care and extracurricular activities unless the court orders otherwise. Maintaining open communication about these activities could help provide consistency for your child.

Shield them from parental conflict

If a child is exposed to ongoing conflict, they might feel anxious and pressured into “picking sides”. Indiana courts often consider each parent's willingness to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent when making custody determinations. Proving that you support your child's relationship with both parents supports not only your child's emotional health, but also your legal position. Handle disagreements with your former spouse privately, away from your child. Never use your child as a messenger to communicate with the other parent or ask them to report on what happens in the other household. Try to avoid discussing financial disputes, legal proceedings or adult conflict in front of your child. Keeping them away from conflict could also make it easier for them to maintain a healthy relationship with you.

Protecting your child after separating from your spouse

Divorces often bring about feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for your child. You may need to provide steady support throughout the transition. With honest communication, consistent routines and effort to protect your child from conflict, you may help them adjust to the changes in your family.]]>