The Law Office of Amie NewlonThe Law Office of Amie Newlon2026-09-21T07:27:27Zhttps://www.amienewlon.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104011/2024/09/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon<![CDATA[How should you handle an OWI checkpoint in Indiana?]]>https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=2562932026-09-21T07:27:27Z2026-09-21T07:27:27ZSeeing an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) checkpoint up ahead is a stressful experience for any Indiana driver. However, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you navigate the situation more effectively. Whether you believe you have impairments or not, how you handle the situation can significantly impact your future driving privileges. The goal is to be calm, compliant with lawful orders and careful about what you say.Additionally, law enforcement agencies in Indiana can provide advance publicity or media notice regarding the operation of a checkpoint. Being aware of the date and time can give you ample preparation, even if you do not know the exact location. Police set them up most frequently around holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
Remain calm and follow directions
If you see an OWI checkpoint in Indiana, do not panic. Refrain from making an illegal U-turn or abrupt maneuver to avoid it. This may give officers reasonable suspicion to pull you over regardless of the checkpoint. Slow down, follow traffic signals and stop when directed. Always keep your hands clearly on the steering wheel.Officers are more vigilant during nighttime stops. Keeping calm can prevent the situation from escalating.
Understand field sobriety tests (FSTs)
An officer may ask you to perform a roadside test such as the “walk-and-turn” and “one-leg stand.” These tests are not perfect—fatigue, medical conditions and anxiety can affect your performance. In many situations, these tests are optional, but participating can have consequences. You have the legal right to refuse FSTs. If you decline, do so calmly and respectfully. However, refusing a certified chemical test can carry immediate legal penalties.
Always keep documents ready
A police officer may request that you provide documentation at a checkpoint. Keeping those documents easily accessible prevents unnecessary fumbling, which officers might interpret as a sign of impairment.If prompted, you will need to provide a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If you need to reach for items, tell the officer where they are before moving. This will help minimize delays and ensure they know you are cooperating.
In the aftermath
The safest approach is to ensure that you always drive with your proper legal documents. Keep an eye on local updates on OWI checkpoints and make necessary preparations when possible. Remember, calm cooperation is your best bet when communicating with law enforcement.If you believe you may face OWI charges, evaluate your legal options. Consider consulting with an experienced Indiana legal professional. They can identify legal strategies that work for you and protect your interests.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon<![CDATA[Enforcing property division after an Indiana divorce decree]]>https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=2562902026-09-17T21:21:53Z2026-09-17T21:21:53ZWhen enforcement may be necessary
Legal enforcement is often needed when one party fails to complete court-ordered tasks. Indiana courts expect compliance with all property terms and will intervene when a party refuses to act.
Frequent noncompliance issues include:
Failure to sign documents
Delays in transferring real estate or vehicles
Nonpayment of court-ordered funds
Refusal to remove a name from joint accounts
Since these problems can introduce financial risk, courts often act quickly to help prevent additional complications.
Potential enforcement options in Indiana
State courts can use multiple methods to compel compliance depending on the specific issue and the language of the decree. Common enforcement options include:
Contempt findings
Orders compelling signatures
Deadlines for completing transfers
Monetary judgments for unpaid amounts
The court may also award legal fees when one party’s refusal to comply leads to unnecessary litigation. Their goal is often to help ensure that the original division is honored.
How legal support can help
Legal guidance can be invaluable facing post-decree challenges. Your representative can help determine which enforcement tool best fits your unique situation. They can also prepare accurate documentation and present the issue to the court in a way that aligns with Indiana's equitable distribution requirements. With sound counsel, your original property settlement can be carried out to protect your financial position as you move forward.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon<![CDATA[Does your parenting plan need a messenger provision?]]>https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=2562872026-08-31T03:25:57Z2026-08-31T03:25:57Z“Tell your mom I’m picking you up at six.” “Ask your dad if he paid the activity fee.” These requests may seem harmless, particularly when communication between co-parents is strained. Over time, however, repeatedly treating children as messengers can place them directly in the middle of adult disagreements. Thankfully, a parenting plan with a clear “messenger” provision may help co-parents to establish healthier boundaries.
What is a messenger provision, and why might it be helpful?
A messenger provision within a parenting plan can state that parents must communicate directly with each other about parenting matters rather than asking their children to relay information. Depending on a family's needs, the plan might specify communication through text, email or a co-parenting application. It can also establish expectations for sharing information about schedule changes, school activities, medical appointments and other important matters.Why might crafting an enforceable messenger provision matter? Children can experience unnecessary pressure when they become responsible for delivering messages between households. A child may worry that the receiving parent will become angry or may feel responsible when a request is denied. Children can also misunderstand, forget or unintentionally change information, creating additional conflict.Children should not be asked to collect child support, question a parent about expenses, negotiate parenting-time changes or deliver criticism. Likewise, parents should avoid asking children to report extensively on what happens in the other household. These behaviors can create loyalty conflicts and make children feel as though they must choose sides.Inclusion of a messenger provision in a parenting plan draft or modification does not mean that children can never share ordinary information. A teenager mentioning an upcoming practice is very different from being responsible for negotiating transportation arrangements. The goal is to keep responsibility for co-parenting where it belongs: with the adults.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon<![CDATA[Crafting a workable co-parenting budget ]]>https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=2562832026-08-18T17:31:54Z2026-08-18T17:31:54ZRaising children across two households involves expenses that do not always fit neatly into a consistent monthly calculation. School supplies, sports equipment, activity fees, clothing, field trips and countless smaller purchases can add up quickly, and unevenly. To that end, creating a thoughtful co-parenting budget can help parents anticipate these costs, clarify expectations and reduce the risk of future disagreements about money.
Before preparing a budget, it is important to note that a co-parenting budget is distinct from any court-ordered child support arrangement to which a family may be subject. Parents should continue following their child support obligations exactly as required. A separate budget can provide a practical framework for handling expenses that arise during everyday co-parenting outside of formal child support arrangements, particularly costs that parents have agreed to share in addition to their child support arrangements.
Thoughtful budgeting can benefit all family members
To craft a solid co-parenting budget with your ex, begin by identifying predictable expenses. Childcare, extracurricular activities, school costs, technology, transportation and recurring medical expenses are potentially useful categories to consider. You can then determine which costs will be handled individually and which will be shared. A 50-50 division may work for some families, while others may choose percentages that better reflect their respective incomes and circumstances.Your budget should also distinguish necessary expenses from optional ones. One parent should not necessarily expect reimbursement after independently enrolling a child in an expensive activity or purchasing nonessential items. Establishing a spending threshold that requires advance approval can help to prevent these kinds of surprises.Consider creating procedures for reimbursements as well. You might agree to submit receipts through a co-parenting app or another shared system within a certain number of days, with reimbursement due within an established timeframe. Consistent documentation can make financial discussions more objective and less emotional.Money can become a significant source of co-parenting conflict, and ambiguity often makes matters worse. A clear budget can help both households to benefit from a shared understanding of how everyday expenses will be managed. Working with a skilled legal team can help you to formalize your budget so that it can be enforced by the court, if necessary. ]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Amie Newlon<![CDATA[What happens if a parent repeatedly misses parenting time?]]>https://www.amienewlon.com/?p=2562792026-08-14T14:01:17Z2026-08-14T14:01:17ZThe 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=2562772026-08-07T15:17:28Z2026-08-07T15:17:28ZWedding 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=2562722026-07-22T00:20:43Z2026-07-22T00:20:43ZScreens 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=2562692026-07-09T14:11:57Z2026-07-09T14:11:57ZAre 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=2562752026-07-25T02:38:57Z2026-06-25T02:38:42ZRecords 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=2562672026-06-24T12:19:19Z2026-06-24T12:19:19ZSharing 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.
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