A CHINS case usually starts on the worst day of somebody’s month. A caseworker at the door, a call from a school, a child already gone to a relative’s house. Then comes a stack of paper full of words like “detention,” “factfinding,” and “predispositional report,” and nobody hands you a map. Here’s the map. CHINS…

Losing your license in Indiana is rarely just a driving problem. It’s a job problem, a daycare-pickup problem, a get-to-your-probation-appointment problem. In a county where the nearest grocery store can be fifteen miles away, “no driving” can unravel everything else in a person’s life. Indiana law recognizes that. Under IC 9-30-16, a court can stay…

A plain-English guide to Indiana protective orders under IC 34-26-5: how a case starts, what an ex parte order is, when the respondent gets a hearing, what an order can require, and what to do if you’ve been served.

Preparation turns uncertainty into a clear path A final divorce hearing in Indiana may be a short approval of an agreement or a full-day trial involving evidence, witnesses, finances, and parenting issues. We help you understand what to expect, prepare carefully, and move through this important step with compassionate and practical guidance. In Indiana, a…

Indiana courts now require greater care from everyone who files a document. The updated Trial Rules 11, 11.1, and 11.2 took effect on August 1, 2026, creating clearer responsibilities for attorneys and people representing themselves: and stronger responses to abusive litigation and fabricated legal citations. For families navigating divorce, custody, parenting time, or support disputes,…

Indiana small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000. What it’s good for, what it can’t hear, the deadlines that kill good claims, and five things that decide these cases.

Local legal guidance for challenging times If you are searching for a Greene County attorney you can trust, we provide compassionate and practical legal support close to home. From Bloomfield and Linton to Worthington, Lyons, Jasonville, and surrounding communities, Sutton Law Office helps individuals and families navigate emotionally and legally complex matters with clear, tailored…

Indiana custody decisions focus on what best protects your child’s well-being. We know custody disputes are emotionally and legally complex, but a clear understanding of the process can help you make informed decisions and move forward with greater stability. At Sutton Law Office, we provide compassionate and practical guidance for parents throughout South Central Indiana.…

Probate has a process: and you do not have to manage it alone. After losing someone you love, we provide compassionate and practical guidance through the Indiana probate process so you can protect the estate, meet important deadlines, and move forward with greater clarity. Probate can feel overwhelming because it combines court filings, property, debts,…

Indiana’s HEA 1036 (effective July 1, 2026) requires DCS to have in-person contact with a child within 30 days before closing an assessment or ending a CHINS case. What it changes for families — and what it doesn’t.