Farrow & Thompson, P.C.

Recently, while reviewing the Seymour City Code, I discovered that in Seymour, Indiana it is “unlawful for any person to pursue, throw at, or shoot at any squirrels or birds or to interfere with their nesting places or to climb any trees” in the City parks.   Hmmm…..should we be concerned about the bunnies, chipmunks and other critters living in our parks and that are not protected by this law?

 Another ordinance adopted in 1899 by the Seymour City Council and still on the books prohibits the “cutting of live limbs from shade trees.”   Oddly enough,  the same ordinance requires that the tops and limbs of all shade trees in the City be trimmed so that they will not interfere with the light from the street lights.  Trimming is required, but cutting is prohibited…..?  That seems a bit contradictory to me, but lawmakers had some unusual ideas in the ninteenth century.

“Parenting time” is the relatively new “politically correct” term in the family law arena.  The old term, “visitation” is now out of favor.  Hoosiers that have issues concerning custody of children pending in Indiana courts need to be aware of the existence and implications of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines.  The Guidelines were implemented by the Indiana Supreme Court in 2001.   The preamble to the Guidelines states: “The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines are based on the premise that it is usually in a child’s best interest to have frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with each parent.  It is assumed that both parents nurture their child in important ways, significant to the development and well being of the child.” The words “parenting time” are used in the Indiana Guidelines instead of the word “visitation” so as to emphasize the importance of the time a parent spends with a child.  The Indiana Supreme Court reasons that the concept that a non-custodial parent “visits” with a child does not convey the reality of the continuing parent-child relationship. Generally the Guidleines are applicable to all child custody situations, including divorces and paternity cases.  Read the Guidelines here. Many issues can arise concerning the application of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines and knowledgeable legal advice should be sought.  The attorneys at Farrow & Thompson, P.C. (Rodney E. Farrow and Travis J. Thompson) are available to advise clinets in this important family law area. Several other states including Arizona, New Jersey, Colorado and Michigan also have “parenting time” guidelines.  

Effective September 1, 2007, a new state law will permit any Indiana resident to place a “security freeze” on their individual accounts with the three major credit reporting agencies. Placing a ”security freeze” will prevent certain creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. There is no fee charged for establishing the “security freeze” but a written request must be sent by certified mail to each of the three credit bureaus at these specific addresses.