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Indiana Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Am I able to get a contract drafted, legally binding, where my son's mother has to send pictures and life updates.

My son's mother wants me to sign my rights away, and allow him to be adopted. I've tried for parenting time modifications, however there are multiple complications. She will not budge on her stance. We've met with a guardian ad litem. Her recommendation to the judge was visitation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Is it OK for a 15 year old to be putting their hands on a 4year old and they are leaving marks on them

It's my 15 year old daughter doing it to my son I'm just over her doing that to him she is always mean to him and she does it on purpose

Elizabeth  Milliken
Elizabeth Milliken
answered on Nov 14, 2024

Based on the facts you gave, I would say it is not okay. In fact, if your daughter is intentionally hurting your son, she could be charged with a criminal offense. Additionally, you are obligated by law to protect your son from being harmed by your daughter. This means if DCS were called due to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I Was being abused at the time of my son’s birth. He is now 6 and I want dna pushed to get my ex out of our life.help!

Paternity affidavit was filled out but I was threatened to sign it. How can I get this redone.

Elizabeth  Milliken
Elizabeth Milliken
answered on Nov 14, 2024

I need to know more details about your case to be sure, but, if you have good reason to suspect that your ex is not your son's biological father, then you may have a legal basis for asking the Court to rescind the paternity affidavit.

Ind. Code 16-37-2-2.1(r):

Before a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: What are the statutes in indiana for minors buying lighters with fluid in them from a store
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In Indiana, there are no specific state laws that prohibit the sale of lighters or lighter fluid to minors. However, individual stores and retailers may have their own policies restricting the sale of these items to individuals under a certain age, typically 18.

It's important to note...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law and Probate for Indiana on
Q: Is it a violation of me/mychild rights when a caseworker remove child from one placement to another without court order?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

Removing a child from one placement to another without a court order could potentially be a violation of the child's and the parent's rights, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Child welfare agencies and caseworkers are generally required to follow due process and obtain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Indiana on
Q: Seeking Guidance: Concerns about Juvenile Justice in Johnson County Case, Request for Support

Hello, I'm reaching out because I'm deeply concerned about a situation in Johnson County involving a black teenager charged as an adult in a murder case who has a mental illness.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Indiana, the case you're describing in Johnson County raises important questions about the juvenile justice system and how it handles cases involving minors with mental illness. When a minor is charged as an adult, it brings into focus the balance between public safety, the severity of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Two minors want to move from MS to Indiana by their selves to live. What is law in reference to minors living alone?

At the time they plan to move, one of the young ladies will be 17 and the second will be 1 month away from turning 17. They want to live by themselves with no adults. I need to know what Indiana's law is in this regard please.

Robbin Trowbridge Benko
Robbin Trowbridge Benko
answered on Dec 18, 2023

No. Even if you're a parent, if you are under 18 your parents still have the right to custody of you and the responsibility to support you, until you turn 18 or become legally emancipated.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Education Law, Juvenile Law and Wrongful Death for Indiana on
Q: My 17 yr old son was convinced to move from his residence with his dad and nana in Kentucky to live with his girlfriend

& her family in Indiana. My son's father signed over educational guardianship to the girlfriend's grandma, as it was her property they had moved to. The same school initially told my son the school was his district based on his address. A week later they received records from the... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Dec 4, 2022

Your son's death was a terrible tragedy. That said, there is something wrong with the facts. "There are no buses to your home" CANNOT be reconciled with a bus stop a few houses down. Either way, his custodian (the girlfriend's grandma) is NOT responsible for his death.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I have seen in some states if I’m 17 can I voluntarily runaway or is it illegal in Indiana ?
Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Apr 15, 2021

It is illegal in indiana to run away as a juvenile, however, you may be able to seek emancipation which is saying you are legally an adult.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: My son has missed allot of school, can I eventually get in trouble for him not going??? How can I make him go legally?
Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Apr 13, 2021

Yes, you can be charged with educational neglect. If he is not showing for school, contact the school resource officer.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: How do I know as a minor what kind of protection/restraining order was put on my boyfriend by my parents?

We began dating 7 months ago I was 15 he was 19, he's now 20. My parents knew about our relationship the entire time, but they decided to put a restraining order when they found details of our relationship. I'm just wanting to know if it is a restraining order that will expire, one I can... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Apr 5, 2021

The protective order is likely for 2 years so it will expire before you turn 18, however, your parents may be able to get an extension. Additionally, if you and your boyfriend are sexually active and there is more than 4 years in age difference, he is committing Sexual Misconduct with a Minor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: What laws are broken in the theft of a communication device creating a safety risk?

I live in Indiana, the device was taken from a minor and is used to ensure safety by making sure she can remain in contact with a parent when playing with a group of friends a short distance from home at a playground, about half a block away from home. A teenager has been taking it from her to... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Nov 19, 2020

Have you called the police about this?

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Can a 14 year old girl runaway from home and not get in trouble?

I’m 14 years old That lives in Indiana and I don’t want to live with parents anymore. They mentally abuse me. They control my life and don’t let me express myself. They always shut me down and always threaten me that they will hit me. I’m tired of waking up everyday and hearing they yell at... View More

Joel D. Hand
Joel D. Hand
answered on May 1, 2020

The short answer is “No”. You cannot run away from home without running the risk that you will find yourself in juvenile court for a juvenile delinquency matter. You could be placed on juvenile probation and have many consequences imposed by the judge.

However, you really should reach...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I got a speeding ticket going 77 in 55

I’m 17 and this is my first offense and before I could pay the ticket I have to go to an initial court hearing about it, and just wanting to know what happens in an initial court hearing

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Mar 5, 2020

You should consider speaking with an attorney before going to court. If you go and admit the violation it will add a minimum of 4 points to your record and likely increase your insurance costs considerably for the next three years or so.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I need advice getting out of my grandmas house she’s mentally abusive towards me n I’m at my breaking point

I can’t go back to my moms yet untill an old step parent of mine is gone my boufriend has offered to talk to his mom and let me stay there but I don’t think I can leave with out her calling the cops after a while sayin I’ve run way and I do t wanna be charged for runaway when I wanted to get... View More

Kurt Schnepper
Kurt Schnepper
answered on Feb 25, 2020

It sounds like DCS is involved with your family, or was involved anyway. If my assumption is correct, I'd suggest you reach out to your caseworker and talk to them about your situation. But if you feel you are truly being abused then you should call 911, or contact any attorney who would make... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Is it illegal for an 18 year old girl to date a 15 year old guy in Indiana? The girl's parents keeps saying it is.

The girl has done research and there's such thing as the "Romeo and Juliet law." Would this protect the girl in this situation?

John Mario Acosta Jr.
John Mario Acosta Jr.
answered on Feb 3, 2020

If the person is not more than 4 years older than the victim, the two are dating, and the defendant hasn't committed a sex offense against any other person, “Romeo and Juliet” exception can apply

I.C. 35-42-4

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I’m 15 and the cops are trying to connect me to robberies that took place in the area,what’s gonna happen?
Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jan 29, 2020

You and your parents should contact an attorney to discuss what you can do to protect your interest.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: If my cousin that is 17yrs old runs away can the friend she is staying with get in trouble with the law?
John Mario Acosta Jr.
John Mario Acosta Jr.
answered on Jul 30, 2019

Based on the information provided in your question it is a possibility the friend can get in trouble.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Can a adult ask for a restraining order against a juvenile from being in contact or threating another juvenile?

My 13yr old is being bullied by 7 other juvenile's and a 17yr old highschool juvenile! Not only at school in the State of Indiana but online social networks! This is not a case with mutual combat,my daughter doesn't have any social networks except "musical"so I just need help on... View More

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Feb 24, 2019

You can file a petition for a protective order. Go to the County Clerk's office and fill out the paperwork.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Is it illegal for a 24 year old to date a 16 year old in Indiana
Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Nov 29, 2018

16 is the age of consent, so "dating" is not illegal per se. Contributing to deliquency is an entirely different matter. That, of course, would be illegal.

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