When most people hear "estate planning," they think it’s only for the wealthy or elderly. But if you own anything—or especially if you have children—your estate plan matters more than you think. For Hoosiers, the two most essential tools are wills and trusts. Both serve critical roles, but they do it in different ways. Understanding the difference between them under Indiana law can help you make the best choice for your future and your family’s peace of mind.

Let’s break down how wills and trusts work in Indiana, how they differ, and when you might need one—or both.

Probate. It’s one of those legal words you don’t think about—until you have to. If you’ve just lost a loved one in Indiana and are staring at their will wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for this?”—you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t always black and white.

Let’s break it down: what probate actually is, what Indiana law says about needing an attorney, and when hiring a lawyer is more than just helpful—it’s essential.

If you're a parent in Indiana, this is a question you can’t afford to ignore: What happens to your children if you die without a will? It’s a tough topic, but planning now ensures your kids are protected if the unexpected happens.

At Vining Legal, we help Indiana families make these important decisions every day. In this guide, you’ll learn what Indiana law says about inheritance and guardianship when there's no will—and why making a plan now matters more than ever.

Being charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana isn’t just a legal headache—it’s a serious financial burden that can follow you for years. While most people expect to pay fines and court fees, many are blindsided by the hidden costs that come with an OWI conviction.

Being charged with battery in Indiana is a serious matter with lasting consequences. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a heated argument that got out of hand, or a situation where you were defending yourself, knowing how to respond is crucial. The actions you take immediately after the charge can shape the outcome of your case.

If you’ve been charged with battery in Indiana, here’s what you need to know—and what to do next.

Theft is a serious offense under Indiana law and can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. At its core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

The distinction between misdemeanor theft and felony theft often comes down to one critical factor: the value of the stolen property. In many jurisdictions, including Indiana, theft involving property valued at $750 or more is classified as a felony.

Imagine this: You’re driving home after dinner when you see red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. A police officer pulls you over, asks if you've had anything to drink, and soon you're stepping out of the car to perform roadside field sobriety tests (FSTs).

Field Sobriety Tests are a series of physical and cognitive tasks used by Indiana law enforcement to assess whether a driver may be impaired. These tests are common in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) investigations, but many drivers wonder: Are these tests really accurate?

Losing a loved one is emotionally difficult—and navigating the legal process that follows can be just as overwhelming. Probate, the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, often adds legal, financial, and emotional stress to an already challenging time.

In Indiana, probate ensures that debts are paid, assets are properly distributed, and the decedent’s wishes—if a will exists—are honored. While the process is meant to provide structure, it can quickly become complicated and drawn-out if mistakes are made along the way.

Cocaine-related charges in Indiana are no joke. Whether you're caught with a small amount for personal use or accused of distributing larger quantities, drug offenses involving cocaine carry serious legal and personal consequences.

Under Indiana law, both possession and dealing of cocaine are criminal offenses with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to Level 1 felonies, depending on the amount and circumstances.

This post will walk you through how cocaine is treated under Indiana's drug laws, the penalties you might face, common legal defenses, and why hiring an experienced defense attorney is critical.

It happens more often than you might think—someone grabs an item off a store shelf, walks out without paying, and thinks it’s “no big deal.” Maybe it was a lapse in judgment, peer pressure, or financial desperation. Regardless of the reason, theft—even under $750—can result in criminal charges with lasting consequences.

In Indiana, theft is defined as knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of its value or use. When the value of stolen property is under $750, the charge is typically a misdemeanor—not a felony. But make no mistake: misdemeanor charges are still serious and can impact your future.

A protective order, also known as a restraining order, is a legal tool designed to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats. In Indiana, a protective order can provide immediate safety by legally prohibiting an abuser from contacting or approaching the victim.

However, obtaining a protective order isn't automatic—you must show the court that there's a real and present danger. That means providing specific evidence to support your request. This article breaks down the types of evidence that are helpful and how to present them effectively in court.

Raising young kids comes with a never-ending to-do list: school drop-offs, diaper changes, career demands. One thing that rarely makes the list? Estate planning. It feels distant—something for retirees or the wealthy. But if you’re a parent in Indiana, there’s no greater act of protection than creating a plan for your family’s future.

Pulled over. Lights flashing. Breathalyzer in hand. It happens fast—and one mistake by law enforcement can flip your entire case. Every year, thousands of Hoosiers face Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges in Indiana. But here’s what many don’t realize: if the police violated your rights during the stop, arrest, or testing, you may be able to get critical evidence thrown out of court.

In Indiana, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge is more than just a traffic offense—it’s a serious legal matter that can affect your freedom, license, finances, and reputation. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat allegation, the consequences can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

An OWI arrest in Indiana can turn your life upside down—fast. One minute you're behind the wheel, the next you’re cuffed, booked, and facing criminal charges. It’s overwhelming, embarrassing, and scary. But what you do in the hours and days after your arrest can make a massive difference in how your case plays out.

Your first mistake doesn’t have to define your future—but what you do next might. I’m Nathan Vining, criminal defense attorney at Vining Legal, and I’ve helped Hoosiers statewide recover from Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges. If you’ve been arrested for OWI, the shock hits hard—but it’s what happens next that can make or break your outcome. These are the five biggest mistakes I see clients make after a drunk driving arrest in Indiana. Avoid them, and you protect your rights, your record, and your future.

False accusations of domestic violence are life-altering. They damage your reputation, jeopardize your freedom, and turn your world upside down—even if you're completely innocent. At Vining Legal, we've seen it firsthand. I'm Nathan Vining, a criminal defense attorney based in Indiana, and I help people facing false allegations fight back with strategy—not emotion. If you've been accused, the worst thing you can do is make the wrong move.

Caught in a traffic stop and asked to take a breathalyzer test? You're not alone in wondering what your rights are—and what could happen if you refuse. Breathalyzer tests are a major tool for Indiana law enforcement in OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) cases, but the legal consequences of saying "no" are serious. This guide breaks down Indiana's implied consent laws, the penalties for refusal, and your legal options if you're facing a breathalyzer-related charge

Car accidents are overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. In the aftermath, you're vulnerable. Insurance companies know this. And in Indiana, they may use that vulnerability to minimize your claim and pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

You don’t have to accept it. This guide walks you through your rights under Indiana law, how the insurance game works, and how to protect yourself after a car accident injury.

If something happened to you today, who would care for your child tomorrow? It’s a tough question—but one every Indiana parent needs to answer. Naming a legal guardian for your child isn’t just smart estate planning—it’s peace of mind. Without a plan in place, the court decides who takes over, and that person may not be who you’d choose. You know what’s best for your child—this guide helps you make it official under Indiana law.