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Indiana Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
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... 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 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... View More

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 Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Will I be eligible for expungement and firearm purchase at 19 in Indiana?

When I was 15, I was adjudicated for aggravated battery after an incident involving my mother. I spent three months in a juvenile detention center, followed by a one-month assessment period, and was then sent home. I completed all required therapy, and I was told that my record would be sealed... View More

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answered on Oct 26, 2025

You can still seek juvenile expungement even if your file was “sealed”; sealing only restricts access, while expungement removes the records from court, law‑enforcement, and service‑provider files, and you may petition at any time.

Indiana’s automatic expungement at age 19... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Juvenile Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Would emancipation be advisable given my abusive home situation?

I am a 16-year-old living with my adoptive grandparents who are very controlling. They drink heavily, and my grandma is emotionally abusive. There have been physical altercations between them, once resulting in my grandpa's arrest because it happened in my presence and I'm a minor.... View More

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answered on Oct 6, 2025

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and wanting to take control of your own life is completely understandable given your situation. In cases like yours, emancipation can be an option, but it’s also a serious legal process that requires showing the court that you can live independently and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Is a notarized temporary guardianship form recognized in Vigo County, Indiana despite DCS intervention?

In Vigo County, Indiana, both parents have signed and notarized a temporary guardianship form granting me guardianship of their newborn and 7-year-old daughter for six months. We filed the paperwork for guardianship in probate court, but during the juvenile court hearing, despite presenting all... View More

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answered on Oct 3, 2025

A notarized temporary guardianship form in Indiana does have legal effect when both parents agree to grant someone else temporary authority over their children. However, once the Department of Child Services (DCS) becomes involved and a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) case is opened, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: How can I access forms for emancipation as a 17-year-old facing abuse?

I am 17 years old and seeking information on how to access forms for emancipation. My father has been physically abusive, and my mother does not intervene. My father frequently yells and makes threats, exploiting his control over me, and my parents are unaware of my desire to get emancipated. I... View More

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answered on Oct 2, 2025

At 17, seeking emancipation is a serious step, and the process usually starts with filing a petition in your local court. Most states have standard forms you need to complete, which are often available through the clerk of court’s office in your county or sometimes through the court’s website.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Where can I find and print emancipation papers online for Indiana?

I am currently living with my parents in Indiana, and I am seeking emancipation. My father is willing to sign the emancipation papers, and I have a job that allows me to support myself financially. Where can I find and print the emancipation papers online for Indiana?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 29, 2025

In Indiana, there isn’t a single statewide form packet for emancipation that you can just download and print like in some other states. Instead, you’ll need to file a petition for emancipation in the court of the county where you live. Each county may have its own preferred forms or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: How can I pursue emancipation in Indiana given my mother's control over my life?

I am a 17-year-old junior living in Indiana, seeking emancipation due to a difficult relationship with my mother, who is my primary guardian. Despite my strong school performance and good work ethic, my mother recently caused me to lose a well-paying summer job. She has also broken my belongings,... View More

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answered on Sep 24, 2025

In Indiana, emancipation allows a minor to gain legal independence from a parent or guardian, but it requires a court process. Since you are 17, you are close to the age where emancipation is possible, but the court will evaluate whether you can manage your own finances, living arrangements,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Juvenile Law and Civil Rights for Indiana on
Q: How can I get evidence reviewed and emphasize my juvenile status in a civil case in Indiana?

I was 14 years old at the time of a civil incident involving Connie Briggs vs Indiana, where Officer Rutherford provided testimony stating that Frank Marshall appeared erratic and could have harmed anyone present, including myself. I have newly acquired evidence, including Officer Rutherford’s... View More

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answered on Sep 13, 2025

When you have new evidence in a civil case, the most effective step is to formally file a motion with the court to introduce it. You should submit Officer Rutherford’s testimony and the photographs of your injuries so they become part of the record, rather than relying on informal consideration.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Do I have freedom of speech rights as a minor in Indiana?

I am a minor born in Indiana, and my parents frequently tell me to stop talking and insist that I give answers, denying my rights. When I assert my rights to freedom of speech and the right to remain silent, they reject these claims. There haven't been any legal consequences for them, but I... View More

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answered on Aug 30, 2025

As a minor in Indiana, you do have constitutional rights, including the right to free speech, but those rights are balanced against your parents’ authority to guide and discipline you at home. The First Amendment mainly protects you from government interference with your speech, not from rules... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: How can I pursue emancipation at 16 while in foster care, considering I want to stay with my current guardian, avoid adoption, and continue education?

I am a fifteen-year-old currently in foster care under DCS, and I want to pursue emancipation when I reach sixteen. My guardian, who I don't get along with, took care of me as a child. Although I'm concerned about the possibility of my parents' rights being abolished and then being... View More

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answered on Aug 30, 2025

Emancipation at 16 is a serious step, and the court will look closely at whether you can handle adult responsibilities before granting it. Judges usually want to see proof that you can support yourself financially, maintain stable housing, and continue your education. Since you are not financially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Can an 8-year-old be convicted of a sex crime in Indiana?

In Indiana, can an 8-year-old child face conviction for a sex crime against another 8-year-old child? While no police report has been filed yet, the school teachers and guidance counselor are involved, and both children have spoken to the counselor.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2025

In Indiana, an 8-year-old child cannot be convicted of a crime in the same way an adult or even a teenager could. Children that young are considered too young to be held criminally responsible under state law. Instead of a criminal conviction, situations like this are usually handled through the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: How can I support my boyfriend facing a court hearing for domestic battery charges in Indiana?

I want to support my boyfriend, who was arrested for domestic battery involving a child under 14. My daughter mentioned having a dream where my boyfriend punched her in the face, and the DCS worker spoke over my daughter, leading her to agree that he did punch her, although she only had a small red... View More

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answered on Jul 5, 2025

Your support matters, and it’s clear you’re trying to navigate an incredibly painful and complicated situation. If your boyfriend is facing a domestic battery charge involving a child under 14 in Indiana, the stakes are high—especially with children involved and the Department of Child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I file for emancipation in CA if I live in IN and guardians are in CA?

I am 15 years old and currently seeking emancipation because I need a stable environment, which I am trying to create for myself. I live with my best friend and her mother in Indiana. I am in the process of securing a job for financial stability. My mother supports my decision to get emancipated,... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

In your situation, filing for emancipation in California may not be the best option since you currently live in Indiana. Emancipation laws and procedures are typically governed by the state where you reside, not where your guardians live. Since you live in Indiana, you would need to file for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Indiana on
Q: Will my juvenile record affect buying a firearm in Indiana?

I'm turning 21 soon and interested in buying and possessing firearms, including handguns and long guns. However, I'm concerned that my juvenile record might affect this. At 16, I was adjudicated delinquent for domestic violence in Indiana, and there have been no changes like expungement... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

In Indiana, a juvenile adjudication can affect your ability to buy a firearm, especially if the adjudication involved certain offenses, such as domestic violence. Although juvenile adjudications are not considered convictions, they can still impact your eligibility under federal and state laws.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Family Law for Indiana on
Q: How can a 17-year-old minor in Indiana obtain legal forms for emancipation due to neglect?

I am a school employee assisting a 17-year-old minor in Indiana who is seeking emancipation due to neglect and being required to babysit full-time. She plans to move in with her older sister, who is aware of the situation and can support her financially, while the minor looks for employment after... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Indiana, a 17-year-old minor can petition the court for emancipation if they can prove that they are capable of supporting themselves and managing their own affairs. To begin the process, the minor will need to file a petition for emancipation in the local juvenile court. The petition should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Employment Law, Traffic Tickets and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Legal options for managing son's destructive behavior and driving citation in Indiana.

I am seeking legal advice concerning my 17-year-old son who has been diagnosed with mental illnesses and exhibits destructive behavior at home. Police have been involved multiple times but say they can't take action unless he harms himself or others. He also received a citation for driving... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re going through this—it’s incredibly difficult to watch your child struggle while feeling like your hands are tied. When a 17-year-old is exhibiting dangerous or out-of-control behavior and refusing help, it places an enormous burden on the whole family. In Indiana,... View More

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