Archive for February, 2010
February 26th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
CARMEL, IN – February 26, 2010 –Adoption Attorney Michele Jackson and Adoption Coordinator Amber Burton Small of Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson, PC (JHDJ Law) will be guests of Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi on his weekly radio show, “Crime Beat” which airs Saturdays from 3-5 pm on WIBC 93.1. Jackson and Small will appear on the February 27, 2010 show to discuss issues regarding human trafficking and international adoption in the wake of recent media attention following the crisis in Haiti.
Jackson is a founding member of Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson where she offers numerous legal services for domestic and international adoptions including private and agency adoptions, step-parent adoptions, second parent adoptions, and surrogacy contracts. In addition, Jackson offers other international family law services, including adoption contract reviews, international custody, abduction prevention, and orphan visa appeals. Jackson has been an Adjunct Law Professor at the IU School of Law, Indianapolis since January 2005, where she has taught classes on International Comparative Family Law and International Organizations Law. She has also directed seminars and Continuing Legal Education classes on topics such as “How to Pursue International Adoption,” “A Child Without a Family,” and “CHINS in Indiana.” A frequent speaker, Ms. Jackson has addressed audiences in Indiana, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Illinois.
Small, a certified paralegal for more than 13 years, also serves as JHDJ Law’s Director of Business Development. She works with all prospective clients and manages public relations for the firm. As Adoption Coordinator for the firm’s Adoption Practice Group, she helps match birth and adoptive parents and assists with domestication of foreign adoption decrees. A 1994 graduate of Indiana University, Amber received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and her paralegal certification (1997). She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Management.
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. Experienced attorneys offer assertive advocacy for clients complemented by a philosophy focused on minimizing conflict and negotiating resolution. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption, mediation, and business litigation. For more information, please contact Amber Burton Small at 317.569.0770, or visit http://www.jhdj-law.com.
Tags: Amber Burton Small, Michele Jackson
February 22nd, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Family Law, Mediation
Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson was featured on Fox59 “Female Focus” segment with Angela Ganote. We are honored to have been selected and appreciate the coverage discussing the services we offer and the motivations behind our commitment to our clients.
Tags: Amber Burton Small, Michele Jackson, Stephenie Jocham
February 17th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Family Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Press Contact:
Amber Burton Small
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC
11450 N. Meridian
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Web site address: http://www.jhdj-law.com
CARMEL, IN – February 17, 2010 –Three attorneys from Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson, PC (JHDJ Law) have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2010. Attorney Lanae Harden, who chairs the firm’s Family Law Practice Group has been named a “Super Lawyer.” In addition, family law attorney and mediator Elisabeth Edwards and adoption attorney Michele Jackson, have been named “Rising Stars.”
The selection process for Super Lawyers, employs a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. As stated under the Selection Process on the Super Lawyers website, “[The Super Lawyers selection process] is a comprehensive, good-faith and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated some degree of achievement in their field.”
Super Lawyer Lanae Harden is a founding member of JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC where she practices divorce and family law litigation with more than 15 years of experience. She chairs the firm’s Family Law Practice Group and frequently handles complex custody and parenting time litigation cases. Rising Star Elisabeth Edwards is a family law attorney who is also a registered domestic mediator and specially-trained collaborative law attorney. Elisabeth has previously been recognized as an Up & Coming Lawyer in 2008. Michele Jackson chairs the firm’s Adoption Practice Group and focuses her practice in private and agency domestic and international adoptions as well as international family law matters. She is also an adjunct faculty member at IU’s School of Law-Indianapolis, where she teaches on subjects involving international adoption and family law.
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. Experienced attorneys offer assertive advocacy for clients complemented by a philosophy focused on minimizing conflict and negotiating resolution. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption, mediation, and business litigation. For more information, please contact Amber Burton Small at 317.569.0770, or visit http://www.jhdj-law.com.
Tags: Lanae Harden, Michele Jackson
February 17th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Family Law
A recent Indiana Court of Appeals decision may pave the way for growth of surrogacy in Indiana. On February 17, 2010 the Court of Appeals reversed a trial court’s denial of an agreed petition to establish paternity and maternity of a child born to a surrogate. The Appeals Court found that equitable relief should allow the biological mother to establish she is in fact the baby’s biological mother.
In the matter of the paternity and maternity of infant R., No. 64A03-0908-JV-367, a surrogate was implanted with the fertilized biological embryo of her sister and brother-in-law. After a successful pregnancy and birth, the biological father executed a paternity affidavit. However, In Indiana, the presumption is that the mother delivering the child is the biological mother. Porter Circuit Court denied an agreed petition signed and filed by all the parties to establish maternity.
The relevant statutes for paternity were drafted prior to the development of reproductive technologies which now make it possible for a woman to give birth to a baby that is not biologically hers. Currently, Indiana has no specific statute providing procedures for establishing maternity. This has proven problematic for couples seeking surrogacy as an option to have children.
In the Court’s opinion, Judge L. Mark Bailey wrote: “We are aware of no reason why the public interest in correctly identifying a child’s biological mother should be less compelling than correctly identifying a child’s biological father.” The language in the order also suggests that the legislature should “evaluate and deliberate comprehensive proposal for changes to these statutes.”
The Court of Appeals remanded with instructions for the trial court to conduct an evidentiary hearing. The presumptive relationship that surrogate is the biological mother will stand unless the biological mother establishes she is in fact the biological parent, by clear and convincing evidence. An affidavit between the parties would not be sufficient. However, if practice from similar states such as Illinois is any indication, an affidavit from the fertility doctor involved in the surrogacy may suffice.
As the demand for surrogacy services in Indiana increases, this case law provides a better framework for those few attorneys practicing in this developing area.
February 13th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in General Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Press Contact:
Amber Burton Small
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC
11450 N. Meridian
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Web site address: http://www.jhdj-law.com
CARMEL, IN – February 13, 2010 –Attorney and Mediator, Stephenie Jocham of Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson, PC (JHDJ Law) was a guest of Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi on his weekly radio show, “Crime Beat” which airs Saturdays from 3-5 pm on WIBC 93.1. Ms. Jocham appeared to discuss the scandal surrounding the John Edwards’ divorce and possible litigation involving “alienation of affection” a legal action which only exists in a handful of states. The show’s format involves relevant news topics and Brizzi also took calls discussing recent amendments to Indiana law to increase the felony penalties for feticide in wake of the shooting of a pregnant bank teller during a robbery.
Ms. Jocham is a founding member of JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, where she practices in the areas of family law and civil litigation and chairs the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution section. A registered domestic and civil mediator, she focuses on mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis and her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is a frequent author and speaker and has been a guest on local and nationally-syndicated radio and broadcast programs discussing divorce and other legal issues including cyberbullying and collaborative law.
Ms. Jocham is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and is involved in the growth of this practice area in Indiana, providing options for “respectful divorce.” Ms. Jocham is active in the legal community, and was elected to serve on the Indianapolis Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors. Memberships include Sagamore American Inn of Court, the Association for Conflict Resolution, the Women in Law Division of the Indianapolis Bar Association, the National Association of Women Lawyers and the Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis Alumni Association. She has chaired the Alternative Dispute Resolution section of the IBA and the ISBA’s Pro Se Mediation Task Force. Ms. Jocham is an executive committee member of the ISBA’s Women in the Law Committee. In 2009 she was selected to serve on the ISBA’s Membership & Membership Benefits Committee.
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. Experienced attorneys offer assertive advocacy for clients complemented by a philosophy focused on minimizing conflict and negotiating resolution. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption, mediation, and business litigation. For more information, please contact Amber Burton Small at 317.569.0770, or visit http://www.jhdj-law.com.
Download the podcast for this show at: http://www.wibc.com/weekend/crimebeat/podcast.aspx
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Tags: Stephenie Jocham
February 10th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
At Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson, we were inundated with thousands of calls and emails from families expressing interest in adopting or fostering children from Haiti. The outpouring of interest was very heartening for all of us who work in adoption. It demonstrated the care and generosity of people in our community, especially for the most vulnerable population of all – children who have been orphaned or abandoned.
In recent weeks, more information has come out of Haiti regarding concerns about child trafficking and exploitation in the wake of the earthquake. Adoption Attorney Michele Jackson had originally cautioned that there would be issues related to these matters. With her extensive experience in international adoption she has dealt with similar situations, including adoption interest that followed the tsunami in Asia in 2004. The affected nations are ill-equipped to process paperwork due to the damages to infrastructure and loss of life; they have to deal with immediate humanitarian crises and basic survival. Additionally, human rights organizations typically recommend moratoriums on adoption following national disasters to allow time to reunite displaced children with surviving family and affirm that remaining children are truly orphaned.
The Haiti disaster created a unique situation for orphans who were in the adoption process. Historically, Haiti has been a difficult country for adoption, despite a huge American orphan ministry. Indiana has many ties to Haiti, as several churches (including the Church of God, with its headquarters in Anderson) are instrumental in operating orphanages in the country. At the time of the disaster, about 300 orphans were in the adoption process with American families, with many simply waiting for immigration processing in order to receiving approval to come to the United States. Additional children were also in process for families in other countries such as France and Holland. However, the number of orphans in the adoption process is a minute percentage of the overall number of orphans prior to the earthquake. Haiti had approximately 380,000 orphans, but following the earthquake, that number is believed to have at least doubled, with UNICEF now estimating there are as many as 2 million children orphaned or abandoned.
In order to facilitate the immigration of those children who were in the adoption process, the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) instituted a new program referred to as Humanitarian Parole. This special visa process provided an opportunity to expedite those children so they could be transported to the U.S. to be joined with their adoptive families.
The Elements of the Humanitarian Parole visa are:
1. Child is deemed a legal “orphan” through abandonment evidence.
2. Child is already identified for international adoption.
3. Child is matched with adoptive parents.
4. Parents are “home study ready.”
5. Guardian accompanies child for transport.
Since the humanitarian parole visa was implemented, hundreds of orphans have been able to leave Haiti for the U.S., France and Holland, including several who came to Indiana. One of JHDJ Law’s clients personally traveled to Haiti on January 23, 2009 to escort the young boy she and her husband are adopting. However, since that time, the case involving the Baptist missionaries from Idaho has created a new media frenzy and heightened concerns about the dangers of child trafficking in Haiti. While that situation remains under investigation, it highlights the necessity for adherence to established adoption procedures and utilizing adoption professionals and experienced attorneys . At best, the missionaries are simply inept, naïve amateurs who were acting with good intentions. Regardless, their actions have now endangered not only the orphans who they were transporting, but the thousands of others who may now languish longer in crowded orphanages without sufficient clothing, food, beds, or education. Haiti’s Prime Minister Jean Max Bellerive has indicated that no children will leave the country without his personal approval, which is an overwhelming task for a man already burdened with helping rebuild an impoverished nation which has lost over 220,000 people. The US State Department has also indicated on its website that no new adoptions will be processed from Haiti at this time.
JHDJ Law is working with a team of volunteers comprised of representatives from Mission Haiti, The Fatherless Foundation and MLJ Adoptions to explore options for identifying children who would still qualify for humanitarian parole while it remains a viable option through USCIS. However, although the U.S. may still allow this special immigration visa for the interim, it is highly unlikely that the Haitian Central Authority will approve any new exit visas for children in the wake of the missionaries’ scandal. A nation reeling from such a devastating disaster is understandably sensitive about protecting its younger generations.
So, what does this mean for adoption from Haiti? JHDJ Law will continue working with orphanages in Haiti and the volunteers in Indiana to identify any children who may qualify for the special visa. The volunteer team is also implementing a long term proposal to work through MLJ Adoptions, a Hague-approved, licensed child-placing agency to create a structured Haiti Adoption program. Adoptions from Haiti prior to the disaster were completed through a frustrating independent process. The reality is that Haiti was the poorest nation in this hemisphere prior to the earthquake, and the majority of its population are minors. Their existing infrastructure was insufficient to address their orphan crisis and the majority of orphan care prior to the earthquake was administered by foreign (mostly US, French and Dutch) nonprofit and faith-based organizations. As the nation slowly recovers, their meager resources will be strained by an orphan crisis which will have doubled as a result of the earthquake. International adoption will be more necessary than ever to provide an option for children to have opportunities for loving homes, families, education and healthy lives. Certainly, efforts will be made to encourage in-country (domestic) adoption in Haiti, but it was limited prior to the earthquake and the poverty and lack of resources that impeded domestic adoption in Haiti will not disappear following this disaster.
One issue of concern to our adoption professionals is whether UNICEF or other organizations will compel Haiti to become Hague compliant for international adoption. If so, the timeline for resuming international adoptions will likely double to as much as 2-3 years from now. Hague implementation is a difficult, time-consuming process for developing countries to structure and organize. An example of this is the closing of adoptions in Guatemala to enable its Central Authority to implement Hague adoptions. The country closed to new adoptions in 2008 and still has not resumed international adoptions. We remain hopeful that the necessity for adoption will lead to Haiti prioritizing its adoption programs and allow intercountry adoptions to resume within 6 months to 1 year. We support all initiatives to implement safeguards and regulations to protect orphans and improve adoption processes, but the reality is that children are still aging in orphanages with each year reducing the likelihood they will ever be adopted. A balance must be reached to protect children from unscrupulous practices will facilitating adoption by parents who have completed the requisite investigations and approvals.
For those of us who work in adoption and advocacy for orphans, we believe that the Haiti crisis will ultimately be a positive opportunity to bring awareness to the orphan crisis worldwide. More than 150 million children are abandoned, orphaned or otherwise endangered. For many people who expressed an interest in adopting from Haiti, there are programs in many other nations, with millions of children waiting to be adopted. Congo is a prime example: another country (which also has French as an official language) which has been devastated by civil war. Four million orphans are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is only one of the programs available through agencies like MLJ Adoptions. This disaster provides another forum to educate people about international adoption. We know there are many misconceptions about international adoption and we gladly use this opportunity to help clarify those.
One of the first issues to address is for those who responded about fostering or adopting children from Haiti. Many of the caring people who volunteered to host children did not realize that there would still be costs involved, and so it is important that people be informed about the financial commitment, in addition to the emotional issues. Children coming from impoverished nations are typically going to need immediate medical and dental care, as well as additional resources including counseling, translation, and education assistance (English as a Second Language, for instance). With Haiti, many of those services were generously offered at no cost by several area providers, which was especially appreciated given that children from Haiti may be recovering from physical injuries from the earthquake as well as the emotional trauma of the disaster. Families who are hosting or considering adopting from another country need to complete all necessary adoption education through an agency, such as MLJ Adoptions, who are experienced in the special issues that arise not just from adopting, but adopting internationally. This will help them understand the challenges and commitment needed for the process, but also to fully explore the blessings and opportunities that come from adopting a child from a different culture.
Some people have not considered international adoption because they are intimidated about the cost. But this is another area in which adoption professionals can provide accurate information so that potential adoptive parents have realistic expectations and plans. Raising children is not an inexpensive process – regardless of whether you’re growing your family biologically or through adoption, it is responsible to consider the costs and financial constraints before deciding to parent children. International adoption is also comparatively more expensive than domestic adoption. However, there are more grants and financial assistance programs available through various nonprofits and foundations for international adoption which could help offset some of the adoption-related expenses. A reputable adoption agency or firm will provide its clients with a resource guide on how to fund their adoption including potential grants, loans and fundraising ideas. Also, depending upon your circumstances, you may qualify for adoption tax credits.
Adoption education and awareness must also address the need for “forever families” for older children. Most prospective adoptive families want to adopt infants. Some families think they are being “generous” when indicating their willingness to adopt a child up to the age of 3. However, the reality is that most children in orphanages are older: school age through teens. Families do need to honestly assess their abilities to accommodate the needs of an older child and to address the transition that will occur, but we encourage families to fully explore this option. Many adoptive parents who have adopted older children can attest to the special joys that have come from their experiences. This assertion isn’t to sugarcoat or gloss over the unique challenges, and we would never encourage families who are not comfortable or equipped to undertake that journey. But it would be sad if parents are potentially depriving themselves of a child’s love by limiting their criteria for adoption. To reiterate what has circulated among the professional adoption community for a few years: “This isn’t about finding children for families – it is about finding families for children.”
Now more than ever as a result of the media attention grown from the crisis in Haiti, adoption professionals can help interested families decide if adoption is right for them and open up their options to different programs or older children. Committing to international adoption requires planning, patience and the willingness to be flexible and open-minded. But isn’t that simply good preparation since those same qualities are demanded in order to effectively parent?
This information is not intended to be legal advice. Adoption is a legal process and you should consult an attorney if you are considering adoption to discuss your specific situation. If you are interested in domestic or international adoption opportunities, visit our Adoption Calendar on our website to register for upcoming free adoption seminars (http://www.jhdj-law.com), or call adoption coordinator Amber Burton Small at 317.569.0770 to schedule a free consultation with attorney Michele Jackson. You may also visit http://www.mljadoptions.com for more information about their international adoption programs or to receive an application packet.
February 8th, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
Kevin & Sammi
Sammi__Kevin_-_Parent_Profile.pdf
Gary & Mary
Mary__Gary-Parent_Profile.pdf
February 2nd, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Family Law
CARMEL, IN – February 2, 2010 – Elisabeth Edwards, an attorney and domestic mediator at JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, was a speaker and panelist at IU School of Law, Indianapolis. The panel discussed topics and issues of interest for students interested in practicing family law.
Ms. Edwards is an attorney in the Family Law Practice Group of JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC. In addition to focusing her practice on all areas of family law litigation, Ms. Edwards is also a registered domestic mediator and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, representing clients in the emerging field of collaborative divorce, an alternative to litigation. A 2002 graduate of Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, she is a frequent lecturer and seminar presenter on diverse topics in family law addressing children’s issues and property distribution as well as legal education for paralegals.
Ms. Edwards’ professional career involvements include the Protective Order Pro Bono Project of Greater Indianapolis, Inc. for which she has served in several capacities, including the Board of Directors. She has also completed specialized training and currently serves as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem. Ms. Edwards’ is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and serves on its Board of Directors as well as the Bench Bar Committee and Pro Bono Standing Committee. Her professional memberships also include the Family and Juvenile Law Divisions of the Indiana State Bar Association.
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC provides personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. Experienced attorneys offer assertive advocacy for clients complemented by a philosophy focused on minimizing conflict and negotiating resolution. With a dynamic team of professionals, the practice assists clients in all areas of family law, collaborative law, adoption, mediation, business litigation and appeals. For more information, please contact Amber Burton Small at 317.569.0770, or visit http://www.jhdj-law.com.
February 2nd, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Press Contact:
Amber Burton Small
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC
11450 N. Meridian
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Web site address: http://www.jhdj-law.com
CARMEL, IN – February 2, 2010 –Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson’s Adoption Attorney, Michele Jackson and Director of Business Development, Amber Burton Small, were recently interviewed by the Current in Carmel newspaper for an article discussing adoptions and the orphan crisis in Haiti.
Jackson is a founding member of Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson where she offers numerous legal services for domestic and international adoptions including private and agency adoptions, step-parent adoptions, second parent adoptions, and surrogacy contracts. In addition, Jackson offers other international family law services, including adoption contract reviews, international custody, abduction prevention, and orphan visa appeals. Jackson has been an Adjunct Law Professor at the IU School of Law, Indianapolis since January 2005, where she has taught classes on International Comparative Family Law and International Organizations Law. She has also directed seminars and Continuing Legal Education classes on topics such as “How to Pursue International Adoption,” “A Child Without a Family,” and “CHINS in Indiana.” A frequent speaker, Ms. Jackson has addressed audiences in Indiana, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Illinois.
In addition to working with prospective clients, Small manages marketing, advertising, business development and public relations for JHDJ Law. She also serves as Adoption Coordinator for the firm’s Adoption Practice Group, helping birth and adoptive parents find matches in the domestic adoption program. A 1994 graduate of Indiana University, Small received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and her paralegal certification (1997). She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Management.
JOCHAM HARDEN DIMICK JACKSON, PC, is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. Experienced attorneys offer assertive advocacy for clients complemented by a philosophy focused on minimizing conflict and negotiating resolution. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption, mediation, and business litigation. For more information, please contact Jocham Harden Dimick Jackson, PC at 317.569.0770, or visit http://www.jhdj-law.com.
Tags: Amber Burton Small, Michele Jackson
February 1st, 2010 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
Kurt & Theresia:
Kurt__Theresia_Profile.pdf
Chris & Tiffani:
Chris__Tiffani-Parent_Profile.pdf
Bill & Christine:
Bill__Christine-Parent_Profile.pdf
