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For a consultation with a lawyer at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., call 317.580.9295 or contact us online. Our firm represents clients in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana area.
At Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., we listen carefully to your problems, your concerns, and your hopes for the future. We know that every family law problem is unique to the individuals involved. That’s why every solution must also be unique. Our firm believes that every client deserves plain talk and a straightforward explanation of their legal options. Our attorneys will explore these legal options with you. Working together, we will outline a legal strategy designed to achieve your goals and protect your rights.
For a consultation with a lawyer at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., call 317.580.9295 or contact us online. Our firm represents clients in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana area.
Divorce and Family Lawyers, Child Custody Lawyers, Divorce Lawyers serving Carmel, and the Indianapolis Northside.
The attorneys of Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. devote their practice to divorce and other family law matters. This concentration enables our clients to move forward in their lives in an efficient and positive manner.
A divorce settlement resolves important child custody, property division, and other matters in ways that reflect the circumstances of the parties at the time of the divorce. But over time these circumstances change. When this occurs, it may require modifications to previously settled matters.
The list of post-divorce issues that can arise is long. For example:
• A payer of child support may experience a long period of unemployment or a disability that greatly affects his or
her income.
• A parent’s work schedule may change and require a modification in parenting time.
• A child’s desire to go to college may require the parents to revisit their financial arrangements.
• A child may require life insurance coverage or long-term medical care.
• A child may seek to marry or enter the service, requiring his or her emancipation.
• A change in custody arrangements may affect the ability to claim a child as a dependent for tax purposes.
For a consultation with a lawyer at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., call 317.580.9295 or contact us online. Our firm represents clients in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana area.
Divorce and Family Lawyers, Child Custody Lawyers, Divorce Lawyers serving Carmel, and the Indianapolis Northside.
Indianapolis Family Law Firm
Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping our clients overcome family law problems and move forward in life in a positive manner.
Our attorneys possess sterling academic credentials, strong community ties, and a deep commitment to your success. They speak plain English and demonstrate the strictest personal and professional ethics. Above all, they are passionately committed to the needs of our clients.
Taxes: they’ve been all over the news lately. Specifically, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Regardless of how you feel about the Act, you’re probably wondering how it will affect you in the future—particularly if you are in the midst of a divorce or are considering one. The attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer, while not tax advisors, want you to be aware of some major provisions in the Act that may affect you for the 2018 tax year and beyond:
Alimony will no longer be deductible: While Indiana law does not formally recognize the concept of alimony, alimony payments can be negotiated in certain circumstances. For alimony payments required under divorce or separation instruments executed after Dec. 31, 2018, the Act eliminates the deduction for alimony payments. This means alimony will no longer be taxable income to those who receive it or tax deductible for those who pay it. This change won’t apply to existing divorces and separations, and special rules will apply to modifications of existing divorces and separations.
Increase to the Child Tax Credit: Through 2025, the Act increases the maximum child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per qualifying child, and the refundable portion of the credit increases from $1,000 to $1,400. The higher child tax credit will remain available for qualifying children under age 17.
New Credit for Non-Child Dependents: The Act has created a new $500 non-refundable credit for dependents who do not qualify for the child tax credit. Think children who are too old for the child tax credit and other non-child dependents.
Expansion of 529 College Savings Accounts: The Act expands 529 college savings accounts to allow parents to save for K-12 expenses. Now, educational expenses at all levels qualify for tax-free distributions, with certain annual limits.
More often than not, taxes come up in family-law matters. Make sure you’re aware of how some provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could affect you. Call the attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., at (317) 580-9295; your future is our concern.
Thinking about calling a family-law attorney? Start here.
If you’re thinking about contacting an attorney to discuss your legal matter, you probably have questions. Who do I call? When should I call? What should I ask? To give you a head start, the attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer have compiled some of the questions we often hear from first-time callers.
Who should I call? What do you need help with? A divorce? An adoption? A criminal matter? A tax issue? The answer to this question will help you determine who you should call. If you have a family law matter, you should try to make contact with an attorney who specializes in family law, like the attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer. When you make your first telephone contact with an attorney’s office, be prepared to give a brief explanation of your legal matter so that whomever you’re talking to can make sure the attorneys at that office can assist you with that matter. If they cannot, they may be able to make a referral to another attorney.
How do I know if the attorney I’m calling is the right fit to help me? This goes hand-in-hand with the first question of “who should I call?” Now is the time to do a little research. Use the internet to research attorneys in your area. Many attorneys have websites where they share information about their background, experience, professional accomplishments, and preferred practice area. They may also share limited personal information about themselves which can help you determine whether they might be a good fit for you.
When should I call? During business hours. This increases the likelihood of someone answering your call. Also, when thinking about timing, if you receive legal paperwork or court filings in the mail, call an attorney ASAP. Don’t wait until just before a court hearing!
Will I be able to talk to an attorney that day? The answer to this question varies from law office to law office. At Ruppert & Schaefer, an attorney is almost always available during business hours to take your phone call, even if you do not have an appointment. If no attorney is available, an attorney will return your call as soon as possible.
What should I ask during the first phone call? Be prepared to ask basic questions that will help you decide if you want to hire the attorney you call, such as:
There are plenty of other questions you may want to ask, and it may be helpful to make some notes prior to, and during, your call. When you’re ready to reach out, the attorneys at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., are available to speak to you about your family-law matter. Call us at (317) 580-9295; your future is our concern.
Look who is featured in the spotlight article of the Meridian Kessler magazine this month!
Meridian Kessler PJS spotlight article Sept 2017
Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. represents clients in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana area. Give us a call at (317) 580-9295 with any family law questions. Your future is our concern.
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