Frangos Legal, LLC Frangos Legal, LLC2026-07-13T16:50:48Zhttps://www.frangos-legal.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404788/2022/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[Are you responsible for a deceased parent’s debts?]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2552452026-07-13T16:50:48Z2026-07-13T16:50:48ZLosing your father unexpectedly leaves you grieving and facing questions no one prepared you for. If he passed away near Indianapolis with a modest home, a few retirement accounts and debts you are only now discovering, here is what Indiana law says about your responsibilities.
You are not personally liable for his debts
Since this is the question that keeps most adult children up at night, let's answer it first. In nearly every case, you do not have to pay your father’s debts from your own pocket. The debts belong to his estate, and creditors can seek payment only from the assets he left behind. If the estate cannot pay every bill, the remaining balances generally go unpaid. Federal guidance on debts after death explains that you may still owe a debt if you co-signed a loan, shared an account or otherwise accepted legal responsibility.Be careful when creditors call. Tell them the estate’s personal representative is handling the matter and direct future contact to that person. Do not promise to pay or use your own money to settle your father’s accounts.
Smaller estates may use an affidavit
Indiana offers a simpler option for some estates. Under its small estate rules, heirs may use an affidavit when the probate estate, after subtracting liens, other secured debts and reasonable funeral expenses, totals $100,000 or less. You must wait at least 45 days after the death. This affidavit can help collect personal property, including money in bank accounts.You cannot use the standard 45-day affidavit to transfer real estate. Instead, you must wait seven months before starting a separate devolution or passage-of-title affidavit process. If the home needs formal court administration or the estate exceeds the limit, the estate administration process may take six months to a year or longer.
Valid claims come before inheritance
The personal representative identifies estate property, publishes notice to creditors and evaluates each claim. The estate pays valid debts, taxes and administration costs before beneficiaries receive property. If the estate lacks enough money, the remaining unsecured debt usually does not transfer to the children.This order matters. Dividing cash or property too soon can leave the representative without enough estate funds to meet valid obligations.
Asset titles control how property passes
Retirement accounts and life insurance with named beneficiaries pass directly to those people, outside probate. How your father titled the home determines how it passes. If your father owned it jointly with rights of survivorship or recorded a transfer-on-death deed, it passes automatically. Otherwise, the personal representative transfers title through probate.
Caregiving does not rewrite the will
Your sibling’s extra help may deserve recognition, but it does not automatically increase their inheritance. If the will divides the probate estate equally, those shares usually control after debts and expenses. A written agreement or documented claim for repayment could require separate review. Discuss the issue before anyone removes property or demands a larger share.
Your experience can guide your own plan
The confusion you are working through is exactly what a current plan prevents. A simple will, updated beneficiary designations and possibly a transfer-on-death deed or living trust can spare your own children this experience. An Indianapolis estate and probate attorney can confirm which process fits, help you honor your father's wishes and keep your family intact along the way.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[Can you adopt a child in Indiana if you have a criminal record?]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2552332026-06-25T11:27:15Z2026-06-25T11:27:15ZHow does Indiana evaluate criminal backgrounds?
Indiana law requires all adoptive parents to complete background checks. These checks review state and federal criminal records and child abuse and neglect registries. Officials review all criminal history to help protect children.
Not all criminal records matter the same way. Indiana separates offenses by type and reviews the crime, when it happened and whether the person has improved. Older minor offenses often get less attention than recent or serious ones.
Which offenses can prevent adoption?
Crimes against children, such as abuse, neglect or exploitation, always disqualify an applicant under Indiana law. Violent felonies, sexual offenses and domestic violence crimes can also permanently block adoption.
Drug-related offenses also warrant careful examination. Under Indiana law, any felony conviction relating to controlled substances within the past five years is considered a nonwaivable offense and results in mandatory disqualification.
What steps can you take if you have a criminal record?
If you have a criminal record and want to adopt in Indiana, take several steps to prepare. First, get copies of your criminal record so you know what shows up in a background check. This helps you explain your history and gather documents.
Show your rehabilitation. Provide proof of counseling, community service, steady work or other positive changes. Ask employers, community leaders or counselors to write character references.
You can also look into expungement. Indiana allows expungement for some offenses, but the process has strict rules and timelines.
Taking the next steps to build your family
A criminal record does not always prevent you from adopting a child in Indiana. By understanding the state's requirements, addressing concerns about your past and demonstrating positive changes in your life, you can strengthen your application and prove your ability to provide a safe and stable home for a child.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[3 common mistakes to avoid during the divorce process in Indiana]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2552302026-06-02T07:49:10Z2026-06-02T07:49:10ZHiding assets or income
During the divorce, you might feel tempted to conceal your assets or underreport your income to receive a larger share. However, this might backfire. Indiana courts generally require full financial disclosure from you and your ex-spouse. Dishonesty could have serious consequences.
If the court discovers that you are hiding assets or providing false financial information, you could face penalties and lose credibility. Judges often view dishonesty unfavorably when making decisions about property division, spousal support and other important matters.
Consider gathering all financial documents early in the process and being transparent about your financial situation. This honesty can help move the proceedings forward more smoothly and establish trust with the court.
Allowing your emotions to affect your decision-making
Strong emotions can make divorce harder. Angry emails, harsh text messages, or arguments with your spouse can increase conflict and slow negotiations. In some cases, your messages may be used as evidence in court.
Social media can also create problems. Complaints about your spouse or posts about spending, travel, or new relationships may be viewed negatively. Keep communication focused on important issues and remain respectful. If you are upset, take time before responding to avoid saying something you may regret.
Making major financial decisions too quickly
Major financial decisions during a divorce can have lasting effects. Taking on new debt, making large purchases, or making major lifestyle changes may affect property division or support decisions. Draining joint accounts or increasing credit card debt can also hurt your case. Courts often expect both spouses to maintain normal financial habits while the divorce is pending.
Protecting your interests after a divorce
Divorce often involves difficult decisions, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you protect your interests and move through the process more effectively. By staying honest, communicating thoughtfully and making careful financial choices, you can reduce unnecessary complications and position yourself for a more stable future as you begin the next chapter of your life.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[3 ways to help your child cope with your divorce in Indiana]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551992026-05-05T12:22:30Z2026-05-05T12:22:30ZMaintain open and honest communication
In a divorce, it might help your child if they understand what is happening in a way that is appropriate for their age. Consider having calm conversations where you explain that the divorce is not their fault and that you still love them.
It is also important to avoid sharing adult details or speaking poorly about the divorce in front of your child. In Indiana, parents are generally prohibited by court guidelines from speaking negatively about the other parent or sharing litigation details in front of the child. Violating this could be seen as your failure to act in your child’s best interests.
If children feel confused or uninformed, they may draw their own conclusions and assume they are to blame for your separation. Encouraging your child to express their feelings and concerns can help them process their emotions healthily.
Keep routines as consistent as possible
Children often find comfort in predictability, especially during times of change. Try to maintain familiar schedules for meals, bedtime, school activities and time with friends. When routines remain stable, your child has a sense of security even as other aspects of their life are shifting.
If changes to their routine are necessary, explain them to your child and the other parent in advance. Indiana law generally requires you to provide specific notice to your co-parent when routines change or if you cannot exercise parenting time as scheduled.
Consistency between both households may also be beneficial. Consider coordinating with your former spouse on basic rules and schedules when possible.
Consider professional support when needed
Sometimes children need additional help processing their feelings about divorce. A counselor or therapist who specializes in working with children could provide a safe space for your child to express difficult emotions. This may be especially helpful if they struggle to open up to you or your co-parent about their feelings.
Support groups designed for children of divorced parents might also help them realize they are not alone in their experience. Pay attention to changes in your child's behavior, academic performance or social interactions that might indicate they are struggling.
Keep in mind that seeking professional guidance is not a sign of failure. Instead, it might be more helpful to view it as a proactive step that could support your child's emotional well-being.
Putting your child's needs first during transition
The choices you make during your divorce can shape your child's ability to heal and move forward. How you communicate lifestyle changes, the stability you maintain in their daily routines and your willingness to seek professional support could affect your child’s growth. By keeping their emotional well-being in mind, you can help them mature and develop as your family enters a new chapter in their lives.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[4 FAQs about child support and custody in Indiana]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551972026-04-01T06:54:59Z2026-04-01T06:54:59ZSeparation or divorce can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a family faces. When children are involved, parents often carry the weight of difficult questions: How will this change affect my child’s daily life? Will they feel secure and loved? How do I make decisions that protect their well-being while balancing my own responsibilities? In Indiana, understanding how custody and child support work can help parents make informed choices that prioritize their children’s stability and long-term happiness. Here are four common questions parents often have about child support and custody.
1. How is child custody determined in Indiana?
Indiana courts focus on the best interests of the child, as outlined in Indiana Code § 31-17-2-8. Judges consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. The court also considers if a de facto custodian, like a grandparent or long-term guardian, has been caring for the child. When the child is at least 14 years old, their wishes are given more weight.
2. What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody lets parents share decisions on major aspects of the child’s life, including education, healthcare and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives day to day. Even if one parent has primary physical custody, Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines generally grant the other parent structured parenting time. This ensures children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.
3. How is child support calculated?
Indiana uses the Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs. The court applies the Indiana Child Support Obligation Worksheet and considers the number of overnights the non-custodial parent has. More overnights result in a parenting time credit that can reduce support. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, calculating support based on what they could reasonably earn.
4. Can custody or support orders change?
Yes. Orders can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances that makes current terms unreasonable. Indiana generally allows changes only if the new support amount differs by at least 20 percent and the order has been in place for at least 12 months. This ensures modifications are based on significant changes rather than minor fluctuations.
Finding peace of mind during life transitions
Big family changes can be stressful for everyone, especially for children. Understanding Indiana’s custody and child support rules and having the right guidance can help you make informed choices that reduce uncertainty and support your child’s well-being. Every family’s situation is unique, so consulting an experienced Indiana family law attorney can provide personalized advice, help protect your children’s best interests and give you peace of mind as you move forward.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[Struggles and solutions: 3 blended family estate planning issues]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551952026-02-26T08:31:32Z2026-02-26T08:31:32ZMixed households and complex family dynamics can feel like a handful at times. Still, most blended families share the same goal: protecting the life they have built together. Estate planning can feel especially sensitive when a family includes a second marriage, children from prior relationships or shared property with different expectations attached.
Below are three estate planning issues Indiana blended families should understand, along with practical ways to address them.
1. Indiana’s default inheritance rules can override your wishes
If you die without a will, Indiana law limits a childless second spouse to 25% of real estate, leaving the remaining 75% to children from a prior marriage. While this rule aims to protect your kids, it often creates forced co-ownership, leaving your spouse and children sharing the family home even if their needs or expectations differ. Conflicts over selling the property or covering maintenance are common in these situations.The law treats cash and personal property differently. A surviving spouse automatically receives 50% outright, with no legal requirement to save any of it for your children. This can leave children with less than you intended. A life estate or a trust can provide a cleaner solution. These tools let your spouse live in the home for life while securing the property’s long-term ownership for your children. This approach protects housing for the spouse and inheritance for your children without forcing them into shared ownership or disputes.
2. Joint ownership can unintentionally disinherit children
Jointly owning a home or bank account feels simple, but it can accidentally disinherit your children. In Indiana, property held as "Joint Tenants" or "Tenants by the Entireties" passes automatically to the survivor, regardless of what your will says.Review your property titles and beneficiary designations to ensure they match your will. Coordination is key, because if your titles and your will disagree, the titles usually win.
3. Uneven distributions often lead to disputes
Blended families sometimes plan unequal inheritances based on prior support, caregiving or shared history. These choices may make sense, but they often cause tension if left unexplained.Clear documentation matters. Written intent, trust planning and clear instructions reduce confusion and limit challenges. Indiana courts rely on documents, not family context, so clarity protects both your plan and your loved ones.These issues show why blended families need more than a basic estate plan. They need coordination and foresight.
Clear planning for complex situations
Estate planning for blended families in Indiana requires care and precision. A strong plan protects relationships as much as assets and reduces uncertainty during difficult times. Because these situations involve higher stakes, working with an experienced Indiana estate planning attorney can help you create a plan that reflects your goals and supports your family’s future.
]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding the stepparent adoption process]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551882026-01-20T13:51:39Z2026-02-06T13:50:40ZYou may have cared for a child for years and already feel like family. Now you want to take the step to formally adopt after years of parenting together so your relationship matches what your hearts already know. Stepparent adoption fills legal gaps and gives you and the child clear protection under the law.
What stepparent adoption legally means
Under Indiana law, a final adoption decree permanently changes a child's legal status. The state will issue a new birth certificate listing the stepparent as a legal parent,and the child gains full inheritance rights just like a biological child. The court ends the other biological parent's legal rights and duties, including the duty to pay child support.
Summary of adoption process
Stepparent adoption goes through several court steps, and missing paperwork or unanswered consent issues at any step can delay or stop the case. Below are the common steps most families must complete:
File the petition for adoption in the county where you live.
Serve formal notice to the noncustodial parent, even if you think their consent may be unnecessary.
Provide evidence such as the child’s medical records and background-check results.
Attend the final hearing where the judge decides if the adoption serves the child’s best interests.
If you want to make sure you do not miss any steps, it may be helpful to consider legal guidance. A family law attorney can assist from start to finish and keep the adoption process on track.
Mandatory requirements and background checks
Indiana courts always put the child's safety first, even in stepparent adoptions. As of 2026, Indianapolis courts require the following:
Complete a fingerprint-based criminal check for the adopting stepparent and any other adult (18+) living in the home.
Complete a Child Protective Services (CPS) check covering every state where the petitioner lived in the past five years.
Complete any court-ordered supervisory period (some judges may still waive the full six-month agency home study for stepparents).
Complying with the steps prevents delays and ensures the process goes smoothly.
Why legal guidance matters
Stepparent adoption involves strict rules, detailed paperwork and tight deadlines. An experienced lawyer can help ensure applicants file the right forms and meet court requirements. Their assistance lets you focus on your family while they secure the child's legal status and your parental rights.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[Legal planning to protect stepchildren]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551842026-01-08T13:34:52Z2026-01-08T13:34:52ZWhere Indiana law can leave stepchildren unprotected
Indiana law treats biological, adoptive and step relationships differently. For step relationships, this means that families face the following legal barriers:
Medical decisions excludes stepparents: Health care providers usually contact legal guardians or legally identified next of kin. Without written authority, a stepparent may have no say.
Custody and parenting time rights are limited: Marriage alone does not give custody or visitation rights under Indiana family law.
Access to schools and agencies can be limited: Missing paperwork may block contact with schools or government offices.
The law focuses strictly on legal status. It does not measure how long a family has lived together or how close relationships feel. Since closeness does not grant legal power, families must take steps to protect their daily lives.
Legal planning tools that may help protect stepchildren
Since the law focuses on legal status, families can use planning tools to address these limits. Some examples include:
Wills that let a stepparent leave property directly to a stepchild instead of using default inheritance rules.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies that can pass assets directly, often without court involvement.
Health care powers of attorney that can give a stepparent authority to make medical decisions if a parent cannot do so.
Financial powers of attorney that can allow a stepparent to manage bills, accounts and other money matters during incapacity.
Trusts that can hold assets for younger stepchildren, control when distributions occur and reduce the risk of disputes.
In some blended families, formal adoption may makes sense. This step can help when a stepparent and stepchild want full legal recognition for a relationship that has existed for many years. It often fits situations where a biological parent has remained absent or uninvolved for many years.
Legal concerns often guide these choices. Adoption can place at child on the same legal status as a biological child for inheritance purposes. It may also establish next-of-kin status, which can matter for medical decisions when other planning documents are missing or outdated. Adoption is not required for effective planning. However, it does resolve many issues regarding medical decisions when other documents are missing.
Planning that reflects how your family actually works
Blended families rely on shared care, trust and long-term commitment. Indiana law, however, depends on formal legal status. Careful planning now can help protect stepchildren, reduce uncertainty and limit disputes during illness or loss. A family law attorney can explain how Indiana law applies to your situation and help create a plan that reflects how your family truly works.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[5 important realities of child custody and visitation]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551812025-12-15T08:45:10Z2025-12-04T14:57:37ZDivorce is always challenging, but child custody disputes carry even more emotional weight. Parents often approach these conversations believing there is a clear “winner” and “loser,” yet custody decisions rarely work that way in practice. Courts focus on stability, cooperation and a child’s full well-being, not just parental wishes. Understanding the less visible factors that shape custody and visitation can help parents move forward with clearer expectations and fewer surprises. Here are five factors to consider when going through child custody.
1. Consistency matters more than perfection
Courts look closely at which parent provides steady daily care. This includes school routines, medical appointments, meals and bedtime habits. A parent does not need to be perfect, but judges value reliability. When a child experiences predictability at home, courts often view that stability as a strong foundation for custody decisions.
2. Cooperation carries real legal weight
Judges favor parents who show a willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Blocking visitation, speaking poorly about the other parent or rigidly controlling schedules often works against a parent’s goals. Courts see cooperation as a key sign that a parent places the child’s emotional health first.
3. Children’s voices inform but do not decide outcomes
Older children may share their preferences with the court. Still, no child makes the final decision. Courts weigh a child’s views alongside safety, stability and long-term interests rather than treating those preferences as determinative.
4. Visitation schedules must adapt to real life
Work demands, school calendars and a child’s changing needs all affect visitation plans. Many parents expect schedules to remain fixed, yet courts recognize that family life evolves. A plan that works today may require revision as circumstances shift.
5. Custody orders can change when life changes
Custody and visitation orders are not permanent simply because a judge signed them. A move, job change, illness or new educational need may justify a modification. Courts allow changes when parents show that updates reflect the child’s best interests rather than personal convenience.
Finding steady footing during a difficult process
Child custody disputes test even the most steady parents. When emotions run high, decision-making can feel uncertain and overwhelming. The court system aims to protect children first, but the process still demands careful planning and informed choices.Every custody case carries its own facts, family dynamics and risks. Parents place themselves in a stronger position when they understand their rights and obligations early. A qualified family law attorney can offer guidance tailored to your situation and help you pursue outcomes that support both your child’s stability and your parental role.]]>On Behalf of Frangos Legal, LLC<![CDATA[4 FAQs about wills in Indiana]]>https://www.frangos-legal.com/?p=2551642025-11-05T13:17:15Z2025-11-05T13:07:04ZWhat are the basic requirements for making a will?
In Indiana, any person who is at least 18 years old and of a sound mind can create a will. By being of sound mind, the will’s owner (testator) can guarantee that they understand their own actions and the extent of their property and assets.
Keep in mind that your will must be written or typewritten on paper. Although the state also recognizes oral wills, they can only be valid if you are on an “imminent peril of death” and you do die from that peril.
Do I need a lawyer to draft my will?
No, you do not need a lawyer to draft a will in Indiana. However, their added guidance can help ensure that your document is not missing any key information. They can also review it and inform you whether it meets all the state’s legal requirements or not.
Additionally, if you own complex property and assets, an estate planning lawyer can create a tailored strategy that can help optimize your asset transfer and minimize your estate taxes.
How can I make sure that my will is valid?
For your will to be legally binding and valid, you must sign it in the presence of two non-blood witnesses. After this process, they must also sign your document. Keep in mind that your witnesses must not be beneficiaries of your will, as this can result in the invalidity of their future inheritance.
Can I cancel my will?
Yes, you can if you wish to. To formally cancel your will, you must create a new will with a clear statement that revokes your previous will. You also need to ensure that any existing copy of your old will is physically destroyed.
A will is an essential estate planning tool
Every person deserves to leave the world with peace in their mind. With the right guidance, you can create your final will and testament with accuracy and finesse. This step not only empowers you to be in control of your estate’s future but also helps your loved ones honor your final wishes.]]>