Bumb Law Office, LLC Bumb Law 2026-07-15T00:26:53Z https://www.bumblaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1103827/2020/06/cropped-favicon-01-32x32.png On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[When a business is at risk during an Indiana divorce]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47705 2026-07-15T00:26:53Z 2026-07-15T00:26:53Z Indiana doesn't recognize separate property In most states, there are certain assets that people can protect as separate property during a divorce. Assets owned before marriage and inherited property are often separate assets during divorce proceedings. Indiana does not recognize separate property during the asset division process of a divorce. Instead, the state takes a unique, whole-pot approach to resources. Everything owned by the spouses is part of the marital estate, regardless of when they acquired the property, how they paid for it and whether they used marital income to maintain that asset. A business’s value may play an important role in the overall property division process, but spouses can often protect their businesses and professional practices. Especially in cases where they negotiate settlements outside of court, they may be able to avoid sharing business authority with a spouse and can potentially avoid selling the business, liquidating assets or leveraging the company as part of the property division process. Working with a lawyer familiar with high-asset divorces can be helpful for business owners. The right legal guidance can make it easier to preserve key resources.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[2 important people to notify when you divorce]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47703 2026-07-08T03:48:17Z 2026-07-08T03:48:17Z 1. Your employer You don’t have to tell your employer that you are divorcing, but doing so can be better for you and them. Many employers are very supportive of staff going through a divorce -- perhaps more so than the employee might expect. It’s in their best interests to be so. If they can make your life a little easier, you are more likely to continue to do well at work as you go through your divorce. Employers can sometimes make accommodations including reducing workloads, allowing employees to take a day or a few hours off to attend divorce-related meetings and allowing them to work from home on days when the emotion of it all leaves them likely to break down in tears -- which they might not want to do in front of colleagues.

2. Your child’s teacher

Letting your child’s teacher know is especially important if your child is young. As they get older, they will be better able to process their emotions and tell others what is going on themselves (should they wish to). Younger children, however, may only be able to express their feelings through things such as throwing a toy across the nursery, bursting into tears or sitting quietly in the corner. It can be hard for teachers to understand why children behave in a certain way, so keeping them informed of major changes such as this can help. Even if you prefer not to mention the divorce personally to anyone at the school, you should at least ensure they have up-to-date contact details for you and your co-parent in case they need to get in touch in an emergency. Learning more about how divorce works and the things you will need to address can make for a better future for you and your children.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[What Grandparents Need to Know About Visitation Rights in Indiana]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47701 2026-07-07T23:01:44Z 2026-07-07T23:01:44Z Losing contact with a grandchild can feel like losing part of your family. You may wonder whether Indiana law gives you any path back into that child's life. In some situations it does, though the rules are narrow and courts favor parents.

When grandparents can petition for visitation

Indiana does not grant grandparents automatic visitation rights. Under Indiana Code § 31-17-5-1, part of Indiana's grandparent visitation law, you may petition a court only in limited circumstances:
  • Death of a parent: One of the child's parents has died.
  • Divorce in Indiana: The parents' marriage was dissolved in an Indiana court.
  • Child born out of wedlock: Paternal grandparents may petition only if the father established paternity.
If none of these apply, a court cannot order visitation over the objection of fit parents. The law presumes that parents act in their child's best interests. That presumption carries significant weight in every case.

How courts evaluate your request

Satisfying the eligibility criteria does not assure a favorable outcome. The court must conclude that visitation advances the child's best interests. The petitioning grandparent bears the evidentiary burden on that determination. The court may consider whether you had meaningful contact with your grandchild. It may also weigh your attempts at contact if the parents blocked you. A judge can interview the child privately to learn the child's wishes.   Documentary evidence carries weight in these proceedings. Correspondence, photographs and visitation records may substantiate the relationship's value. Proof of rebuffed contact attempts may likewise bolster the petition.

Preserving your relationship with your grandchild

Indiana law opens a narrow door for grandparents after a parent's death, a divorce or a birth outside marriage. Courts start from the parents' side, so you must show that time with you benefits the child.  Knowing these limits helps you decide whether a petition is realistic before you invest time and emotion. If your situation involves contested paternity, adoption or strong parental opposition, a family law attorney's input may help.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[What do you need to disclose in your financial declaration?]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47698 2026-06-21T10:13:49Z 2026-06-21T10:13:49Z Divorcing spouses must exchange a Financial Declaration Form within 60 days of the initial filing. This sworn document discloses one’s income, expenses, assets and debts to ensure transparency during property division. In turn, it allows marital property to be divided fairly and child support and spousal maintenance to be calculated correctly.  Here is what to disclose in your financial declaration:

Income

You must disclose your gross weekly income from all sources before taxes and deductions. This includes:
  • Salary, wages, overtime, bonuses and commissions
  • Business/self-employment income
  • Pensions, retirement, social security, disability benefits, unemployment and workers’ compensation
  • Child support, alimony and maintenance received from prior marriages 
  • Interest and dividends
  • Capital gains
  • Royalties
  • Rental income
  • Trust income
Examples of supporting documents to attach are your recent pay stubs, tax returns, account statements and proof of other income.

Expenses

List all your monthly expenses and deductions from your income. These include housing, utilities, food and household supplies, transportation, insurance, personal expenses, medical/dental expenses, children’s expenses, school expenses, automobile costs, entertainment, charitable contributions, child support for prior children, alimony for prior spouses, taxes and debt payments. 

Assets

Indiana law requires spouses going through a divorce to disclose all assets held individually and jointly. Assets held by dependent children funded by marital money should also be included.  So, include your real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, retirement and investment accounts, business interests, life insurance and personal assets, such as household furnishings and jewelry.

Debts

All outstanding debts should be listed in your financial declaration form, including mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, student loans, medical bills and personal debts. You must complete your financial disclosure form accurately. Confirm that all details are correct before exchanging it with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. An in-depth understanding of what to disclose can protect you from allegations of hiding assets. ]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[3 financial records that can help spouses to prepare for divorce]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47696 2026-06-04T17:12:13Z 2026-06-04T17:12:13Z collecting key financial records. All three of the documents below can help to better ensure a fair outcome during high-asset divorce proceedings.

1. Credit card statements

Monthly statements outlining the charges made help establish a marital standard of living. They can also be crucial for a forensic analysis of marital finances. Especially if one spouse suspects dissipation, reviewing spending history is an important step to take.

2. Bank records

The deposits each spouse made into checking and savings accounts, as well as withdrawal habits, can influence property division and support decisions. Professionals with access to bank records can track income and look for habits that may indicate attempts to hide or dissipate marital property.

3. Tax returns

Income tax returns can validate how much people actually earned. The figures included on an income tax return may not align with the amounts deposited into joint checking accounts during the marriage. Income tax returns can provide insight into offshore assets and income that one spouse may have hidden from the other but still needed to disclose to tax authorities. Gathering documents in advance can provide a better foundation for financial proceedings during divorce. Especially in a high-asset divorce scenario, taking time to collect records before filing for divorce or discussing the idea with a spouse can help people to better ensure a fair outcome.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[Why would wealthy couples have higher divorce odds?]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47694 2026-05-27T16:03:39Z 2026-05-27T16:03:39Z In some ways, a high level of wealth can create economic stability. This can, in turn, give a marriage more stability, potentially decreasing the odds of divorce. However, some reports note that periods of economic growth often lead to an increase in divorce cases. This suggests that increased wealth could actually make divorce more likely. What are some of the reasons this may be true?

High-demand jobs

One issue is that high earners often have very demanding careers. These jobs may require long hours at the office or frequent travel. For example, a business executive may spend weeks overseas handling company operations or meeting with international clients. Even though these couples may enjoy financial stability, they sacrifice time spent together. Over time, this can strain the relationship. The couple may begin to drift apart.

Long commutes

Another report supporting this idea found that couples with commutes longer than 45 minutes have roughly 40% higher odds of divorce. Again, one of the key issues is simply less time spent together. Couples with short commutes—or no commute at all—generally have more opportunities to spend time with one another, and with their children. Couples with long commutes naturally spend more time apart. While those demanding schedules may contribute to their overall financial success, they can also create stress within the marriage.

Navigating a high-asset divorce

If you and your spouse are going through a high-asset divorce, the process can become very complicated when dividing significant assets, investments and property. It is important to understand what legal steps may be necessary to protect your interests moving forward.  ]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[Why social media can harm a divorce case]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47692 2026-05-17T23:40:47Z 2026-05-17T23:40:47Z When a marriage begins to unravel, it's natural for many people to turn to social media for comfort, distraction or a sense of normalcy. A quick photo upload or status update may seem harmless in the moment, especially during an emotionally difficult time. In some divorces, however, online activity often receives far more attention than people expect. Posts, photos and even comments can become part of the legal process and may influence how a case unfolds.

How online activity can complicate a high-asset divorce

One common issue involves posts that appear to contradict financial claims made during the divorce. For example, someone claiming financial hardship while posting photos of expensive shopping trips, designer purchases or lavish vacations may unintentionally raise questions about hidden assets or spending habits. Even casual posts can create an impression that may become difficult to explain later in court. Social media can also affect issues involving relationships and family dynamics. Photos with a new romantic partner and comments made out of frustration or public arguments online may increase tension between spouses and complicate negotiations. In some situations, posts involving children, partying or late-night outings may even be used to question judgment, parenting decisions or lifestyle choices during custody discussions. Another important detail to consider is that online activity is often far less private than people assume. Mutual friends, tagged photos and shared connections may allow an estranged spouse to view content that was intended to stay limited to a smaller audience. Even posts made by friends or family members can create complications if they reveal information connected to the divorce. In addition, social media platforms may retain or share data in ways users do not fully realize, making it important to think carefully before posting during an ongoing divorce case. Divorce is already emotionally exhausting without the added stress of worrying about how online activity may be interpreted. Speaking with a legal professional early on in the process can help you better understand what to avoid, how to protect your privacy and how to move forward with greater confidence.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[3 parties who usually must consent to an Indiana stepparent adoption]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47690 2026-04-30T09:47:52Z 2026-04-30T09:47:52Z 1. The stepparent’s spouse The spouse of the stepparent must agree that the adoption is appropriate and beneficial. Verifying that the adoption is appropriate and beneficial by discussing it with a spouse and getting their consent is key to success.

2. The child subject to adoption

Young children generally don't have much influence over court proceedings. However, once a child reaches 14 years of age, they have to consent in writing to a stepparent adoption. Discussing the adoption with the stepchild if they are 14 or close to 14 is important, because the process can take months to complete.

3. The other surviving parent

Stepparent adoptions often occur in scenarios where the other parent of the stepchild does not pay support or spend time with the child. Their absence or lack of financial support does not automatically eliminate their parental rights. Stepparents typically need to secure the consent of the other parents of their stepchild. They must voluntarily rescind their parental rights to allow the stepparent adoption. Knowing what a stepparent adoption requires can help families navigate family court effectively. The guidance of the lawyer can make it easier for families to handle the paperwork and effectively present their case in family court.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[How to protect your savings and investments during a divorce]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47687 2026-03-31T16:17:06Z 2026-03-31T16:17:06Z Untangling assets from the marital pot Indiana law uses a "one-pot" theory for all property during a divorce, meaning the court starts by viewing everything you or your spouse owns, regardless of when you bought it, as part of the total estate. While the law presumes a 50/50 split, you can argue for a different outcome. Focusing on these key areas can build a case for an unequal division in your favor:
  • Records of bank accounts or property you owned before the wedding date
  • Detailed documentation of inheritances received by only one spouse
  • Proof of specific gifts given to you by third parties rather than the couple
  • Clear trails of funds used to purchase investments from nonmarital sources
Gathering these financial records early prevents confusion during the discovery phase. Detailed paperwork serves as your best tool to persuade a judge that certain assets should stay with you.

Tactics to shield your portfolio

Protecting your investments requires more than just a list of accounts. You must understand the tax implications and long-term value of every asset you negotiate during the settlement. Working with financial professionals helps you see the true value of a potential deal. Use these strategies to maintain your post-divorce lifestyle:
  • Request a professional valuation of all stock options and restricted stock units
  • Compare the immediate liquidity of real estate against cash accounts
  • Account for future tax hits on traditional retirement distributions
  • Review the cost basis of every investment before you agree to a split
Strategic negotiation prevents you from accepting a deal that looks good today but fails tomorrow. A balanced approach ensures your post-divorce budget remains sustainable for years to come.

Avoid mistakes that drain wealth

Emotional decisions often lead to expensive financial errors during a divorce. Many people rush to liquidate accounts for quick cash without considering the long-term penalties. While the IRS usually charges a 10% penalty for early 401(k) withdrawals, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) can waive this fee during a divorce. You must still plan for standard income taxes on any distributions you receive. Managing the division of high-value assets requires a deep understanding of Indiana statutes and financial rules. Skilled legal guidance ensures the court hears your side of the story and protects your rights. An experienced property division lawyer helps you avoid common traps while securing your financial legacy.]]> On Behalf of Bumb Law Office, LLC <![CDATA[3 warning signs a spouse has hidden assets]]> https://www.bumblaw.com/?p=47685 2026-03-28T15:45:48Z 2026-03-28T15:45:48Z 1. Income discrepancies If the amount routinely deposited into a joint checking account does not align with the income reported on a tax return, one spouse may have diverted funds to a separate account for their personal use. Some people begin intercepting marital income as they prepare for divorce, while others engage in this misconduct for the entirety of a marriage.

2. Indicators of digital transactions

Bank account statements showing withdrawals or charges related to digital brokerages can be a warning sign of attempts to hide resources through digital investments. Cryptocurrency holdings, for example, can be very difficult to track without the details about the investor’s digital wallet.

3. Unreasonably low values

Sometimes, spouses make thorough disclosures, but they intentionally misrepresent the value of their resources. They might claim that a company worth seven figures is insolvent and therefore without any significant marital value, for example. When the estimated values disclosed for key marital resources clearly differ from the fair market value for those assets, a more thorough financial review may be necessary. Recognizing attempts to hide assets can help spouses protect themselves and push for fair property division settlements. Those preparing for high-asset divorces are at increased risk of financial misconduct and may need guidance to ensure they secure fair property division terms, and that’s okay.]]>