For years, IndyBar attorneys have helped community members living in poverty to safeguard their futures through the Free Wills Clinic, formerly known as the Low Asset Wills Program. Studies routinely show that lower income individuals are less likely to have a will or advance directives. The Free Wills Clinic plays an important role in making end of life decisions for this population clear, especially when it comes to the care of children.

The Indiana Supreme Court hosted a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) symposium to provide information about commercial courts and e-filing. General counsel from Indiana businesses, lawyers, lawyer-legislators, and other business leaders attended the 90-minute learning opportunity.

Marion Superior Court and the Circuit Court of Marion County are on track to begin electronic filing of cases (e-filing) on October 28, 2016.

The unforeseen legal consequences wrought by a second or even third marriage can undo careful estate planning and leave heirs disenfranchised and bitter.

The IRS recently proposed regulations that could adversely affect estate planning for many wealthy clients. Advisers need to understand the broad strokes of what this change is, which clients it might affect and why those clients need to act fast to get planning in place before the end of the year.

The Estate Planning and Administration Section, with the help of Hon. Steven Eichholtz, Marion County Probate Judge, has created a program to train attorneys to act as volunteer guardians ad litem in contested guardianship matters.  

The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (or "UFADAA") will take effect in Indiana on July 1, 2016.  The new law addresses the rights of a fiduciary (such as a personal representative, trustee, attorney-in-fact, or guardian) to access digital property (such as online financial accounts, emails, texts, social media accounts, and online document and picture storage).  UFADAA will replace Indiana's current digital access statute, which applies only to personal representatives.

"Wills gaining popularity in Asia but beware of issues over international assets"

No longer do estates consists of solely material goods. Clients are now handling their loved one's online and virtual accounts. Help your clients by becoming familiar with digital estate planning.

The IndyBar is excited to announce the launch of Listservs for all sections/divisions!