Indiana Recent Legal Answers from Lawyers

What do you mean by allowed?  Of course, lawyers have the same first amendment rights as anyone else to have tattoos without government interference, and of course a lawyer's private employer may forbid them, again like anyone else's private employer.  Given the prevalence of tattoos these days, I think it unlikely that anyone would care.... Read More

The Will or, if there is no Will, the question of heirship, must be admitted to probate by a court.  Once the court has appointed an executor or, if there is no Will, an administrator, it is that person's duty to gather the assets, pay the debts and distribute the rest to the beneficiaries under the Will or to the heirs.  If this is not done within a certain period, that person can be replaced.  In this instance, you may sue for partition, forcing a sale and getting your share of the net proceeds.  Consult a local probate attorney.... Read More

If there are two Durable [Financial] Powers of Attorney, the latest one governs.  All Powers of Attorney expire on the death of the person who granted them. The court-appointed executor of the Will or, if there is no Will, the court-appointed administrator of the estate must determine whether the estate is owed money by one of the beneficiaries or heirs.... Read More

You must probate your mother's estate in order to cash the check.  Most states have a less expensive procedure for small estates.  That may still cost more than $1,000.  If so, you can let the check go to unclaimed property and in four to six years (depending on the state) apply to the state comptroller.... Read More

  The restriction against studying while waiting for a change a status to F-1 student only applies to the B-1 and B-2 categories. In my recollection, there is nothing that prevents an individual changing status from J-2 to H-4 from studying during the pendency of the application. There are also no restrictions on H-4 individuals studying full-time. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.... Read More

  In being the i-864 financial supporter for your husband's case, U.S.C.I.S. or consular officers (if your spouse is interviewing for permanent residence overseas) must be convinced that there is sufficient financial support to meet the public charge requirement. Your obtaining a form of Medicaid along with your son will not be the financial determinative factor in whether your spouse can immigrate. Other factors such as income, assets, closeness of cosponsor, financial state of cosponsor, etc. would all weigh in the balance. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.... Read More

Know that an employer has no obligation to extend FMLA benefits beyond your end date. Return to work if possible. If not, do you have any short term disability benefits? Also, if you can do your job but need an accommodation (a midday break to take medications for instance) ask your employer if they can accommodate. But, you MUST be able to do your job. ... Read More

He may be willing, but is he able?  If he has the legal capacity to contract, he can sign a Durable Power of Attorney.  But if he needs you to direct his assets, he probably no longer has this capacity.  You must then become the conservator of his estate.  Contact the local probate court for a list of guardianship attorneys or find an elder lawyer near you using the website of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.org).... Read More