Archive for the ‘Adoption’ Category
May 18th, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
Would you like the opportunity to positively impact a child for a lifetime? We are seeking individuals or families to host a child for the summer.
This is a program designed for families who would like to develop a supportive relationship with an older child. These children are typically from orphanages and/or extremely impoverished families where parents are not able to care for them (often living with aunts/uncles/grandparents). These children are not available for adoption. The children would stay with a family in the United States from July 7 – August 25.
The cost is $3,000. It is tax-deductible and we may be able to advise you on fundraising ideas.
Please contact our office at 317.569.0770 if you are interested.
We have two children eligible for hosting. Would you like to give a child the experience of a lifetime?
Tags: adoption, International Adoption, orphanage
May 2nd, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
Press Contact:
Leah Potter
HARDEN JACKSON LLC
11450 N. Meridian, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email: lpotter@hardenjacksonlaw.com
Web site: www.hardenjacksonlaw.com
For Immediate Release
ADOPTION ATTORNEY DISCUSSES FEDERAL ADOPTION TAX CREDIT SET TO EXPIRE IN 2012
CARMEL, IN – May 2, 2012 - Attorney Michele Jackson, who chairs the Adoption & Reproductive Law Practice Group of Harden Jackson LLC, was interviewed on WIBC 93.1 to weigh in on the federal adoption tax credit that is set to expire in 2012.
Currently, adoptive parents are allowed a $12,650 (non-refundable) tax credit. Unless Congress acts, the act will expire this year. There are two bills proposed for approval to extend the tax credit (HR184 and S82). However, if there is not an extension, international adoptions completed in 2013 will receive no tax benefits. Considering an adoption can cost anywhere from $10,000-$50,000, this tax credit can make a difference in financial planning for adoption.
Jackson remains dedicated to advocating for this tax credit extension and encourages potential adoptive parents to do the same. Through her law practice and adoption agency, Jackson will continue to provide education, support and advocacy for international adoption.
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 was an Adjunct Law Professor at the IU School of Law, Indianapolis from 2005-2010, where she taught classes on International Comparative Family Law and International Organizations Law. She has also directed seminars and conferences as well as Continuing Legal Education classes on topics such as Adoption Law and Assisted Reproductive Law (Surrogacy). A frequent speaker, Jackson has addressed audiences in Indiana, nationally and internationally. Her articles on subjects such as adoption, child labor, sexual exploitation, and the plight of orphans, have been featured in numerous print and online publications.
Jackson had advised foreign Consulates on issues relating to international family law and orphan visa denials. As a member of the American Bar Association, she has been actively involved in developing and drafting the ABA Model Legislation for surrogacy and reproductive 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
Harden Jackson, LLC is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. As effective and experienced litigators, the attorneys work with clients to develop strategies for negotiating settlements, while always preparing for litigation if necessary. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption and reproductive law matters. For more information, please contact Leah Potter at 317.569.0770 or www.hardenjacksonlaw.com .
To hear the news segment, go HERE
Tags: adoption, Michele Jackson
April 18th, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Professional
Harden Jackson attorney, Michele Jackson was recently featured in a New York Times article regarding moms who travel for work. Michele was honored to have been selected to offer her insight for the article. You can read a copy of the article below or link to it here: NY Times article featuring Michele Jackson
New York Times Article:
Amy Kossoff Smith, the founder of a parenting Web site, has a ritual when she has to go on the road. She leaves a printed itinerary of all the carpools, sports practices and games, baby-sitter hours and anything else her husband might need.
Michele L. Jackson, a lawyer in Indiana who travels for her international adoption work, said she leaves files back home for each of her children with information on their activities and their medical records. She said she also texts instructions from the road, adding that she is “sure to include some sweetness” for her husband in the note “so he doesn’t feel like an employee.”
Peace of mind for working mothers who have to travel comes in all sorts of forms. While working fathers who go away on business may use some of the same tactics, mothers are often the ones laying out their children’s skating outfits and freezing extra dinners before they leave town.
Ms. Smith, whose Web site is called MomTini Lounge, said children thrive on routine and structure, “so moms who travel try to minimize the disruption at home.” She said she jettisons any unnecessary commitments like play dates to streamline the family schedule as much as possible while she is away.
Single parents can find travel even more challenging because they have to hand over care of the children to a sitter, friend or relative. This is especially tough, Ms. Smith said, if those caregivers are not as familiar with the family routines. “Juggling these things might be second nature to Mom, but for the person who doesn’t do it all the time, it can feel overwhelming,” she said. She recommended making a list or sharing an electronic calendar.
Some working mothers said they also have doctor, emergency, school and neighbor contact lists. Others said they set up grocery delivery services and order drug store supplies online.
Technology helps, too, once parents are on the road. Ms. Smith suggested that parents follow their children’s lead in deciding whether to text, e-mail or go to Facebook. “If the kids communicate via text, then working parents do, too,” she said. “And every PC and smartphone is now a video conference device.”
Phaedra Cucina, the author of the picture book “My Mommy’s on a Business Trip” (DolceVita Woman, 2008), said mothers can show younger children their hotel room using Skype. “It’s comforting for a young child to see mommy in her hotel room waving and making silly faces,” Ms. Cucina said. Older children might prefer sharing the city sights with their mother via an iPhone pointed out the window of a taxi.
But while traveling parents may be tempted by the technology to check in often, Ms. Smith said they should not try to run their households from the road. “It’s time to focus on business, not making sure your son’s homework is done,” she said. “It can be a nice break for everyone.”
Ms. Smith also said parents should manage their family’s expectations before leaving. “Things may not run as smoothly,” she said. She said she advises parents to include children as part of a team, to get things done while a parent is on the road. “Sometimes parents come home from a trip and discover their children do know how to load a dishwasher or clean their own clothes,” she said.
Leaving a meal plan is another way for some traveling mothers to keep the home running smoothly, said Lauren Fix, an automotive expert and former racecar driver who traveled over the years for speaking engagements and automotive shows. She said she used to store premade meals in the freezer and refrigerator for her children and husband. Sometimes, she said, she would leave homemade cookies as a surprise or a pot of soup or chili that could last for a few meals.
As her children got older, she said, she taught them basic, and then more advanced, cooking skills so they could make their own omelets, rice, pasta, barbecued chicken and paninis. She asked them to do their own laundry and to leave the house “clean but not spotless.”
And while it took some nagging at the time, Ms. Fix said, now that one child is in college and the other will be soon, “it turns out that cooking, cleaning and doing laundry are skills their classmates don’t all have,” she said. Other students are “always asking my daughter how to get a stain out, or how to cook something.”
Laura Kastner, a psychologist and co-author of books on family issues in Seattle, said a family’s ability to function well with a traveling mother is also linked to its members’ attitudes. “When Mom loves her work, Dad is happy to contribute and feels appreciated, and the kids can adapt well to changes in routines, all should go smoothly,” she said. Parents who treat business travel as just another facet of life that needs to be managed “usually do just fine,” according to Dr. Kastner.
Problems arise, Dr. Kastner said, when parents feel ambivalent or resentful. “If Mom talks about feeling guilty, or Dad starts sniping about the extra load he is carrying, it can set off some bad dynamics,” she said, adding that she advises parents to approach travel with “resourcefulness and optimism.”
Some children are better equipped to handle things emotionally when a mother is away, Dr. Kastner said. “Kids who are resilient, can handle change and some adversity, and aren’t very emotionally volatile will go with the flow, “ she said.
Parents need to tend to emotional issues also, and younger children can be especially upset when parents travel, Ms. Cucina said. She suggested that the caregiver plan a special event like a pizza night while a parent is away so the child will have something to look forward to.
Some families prepare a calendar showing when the mother will be away, display a map or take the children to the airport to say goodbye. “These little touches make younger children feel a part of what’s going on,” Ms. Cucina said, and give mothers the chance to reassure the children that they will “be back home soon.”
Tags: Michele Jackson, moms who travel, parenting time
April 6th, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Assisted Reproductive Law, Surrogacy
Have you heard about the ICFI Fertility and Family Building Fair on April 24th? Attorney Michele Jackson will be speaking about foster parenting and adoption.
The Fertility and Family Building Fair is the concentrated effort to bring as many local resources together as possible for those working to build their families. The event will feature local REs and physicians, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, financial assistance resources, fostering and adoption resources, local organizations dedicated to assisting those on their journey, and five educational presentations . The event is free to the community and takes place during National Infertility Week.
Tags: adoption, ART, Michele Jackson, surrogacy
February 29th, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Divorce, Family Law
We are looking for a dynamic Marketing Intern to work as a part of our team at our two sister companies (Harden Jackson LLC and MLJ Adoptions). Qualified candidates will be highly motivated, have excellent writing skills, extremely adept with social media, detail-oriented and able to operate under basic guidance. This position has the possibility of becoming a full-time paid position for the right candidate. This Internship will begin in May-June. Are you ready to make it happen?
Responsibilities
- Assist with writing ad content for print media.
- Assist with managing blog schedule, topics and writing.
- Keep online listing and advertisements up to date with firm developments and changes.
- Keep internal contact databases updated.
- Assist with social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.) updates.
- Assist with web content updates as appropriate
- Develop business through coordinating social functions through the local bar associations involving local firms and attorneys.
Qualifications
1. At the Junior or Senior undergrad level majoring in Marketing or related discipline
2. Ability to work with limited supervision
3. Proven ability to manage social media campaigns
4. Strong organizational and time-management skills
5. Excellent communication skills
Working understanding of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and the Internet
About Harden Jackson LLC: The team at HARDEN JACKSON is committed to providing our clients with personalized, compassionate service while remaining assertive advocates protecting our clients’ interests whether they are fighting for custody or negotiating the terms of a surrogacy contract. As effective and experienced litigators, the attorneys work with clients to develop strategies for negotiating settlements, while always preparing for litigation if necessary. The firm’s practice areas are restricted to: divorce, child custody and other areas of family law, adoption and reproductive law (including surrogacy and egg donors).
Tags: family law, interns, marketing
February 17th, 2012 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption
From Attorney Michele Jackson’s trip to an African orphanage. What a beautiful smile!
Tags: adoption, Democratic Republic of Congo adoption, Michele Jackson
February 15th, 2012 | Posted by Leah Potter | Posted in Adoption, Collaborative Law
Press Contact:
Leah Potter
HARDEN JACKSON LLC
11450 N. Meridian, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email: lpotter@hardenjacksonlaw.com
Web site: www.hardenjacksonlaw.com
For Immediate Release
ATTORNEYS FROM HARDEN JACKSON RECOGNIZED BY SUPER LAWYERS
CARMEL, IN – February 15, 2012 – Three attorneys from Harden Jackson, LLC have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2012. Attorney Lanae Harden, who chairs the firm’s Family Law Practice Group, has been named to the “Super Lawyers” list as one of the top attorneys in Indiana for 2012. Attorney Michele Jackson, who chairs the firm’s Adoption and Reproductive Law Practice Group, has been named to the “Rising Stars” list as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in Indiana for 2012. In addition, collaborative law attorney Clarissa Finnell has been named to the “Rising Stars” list.
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.
Super Lawyer Lanae Harden is a founding member of Harden Jackson, LLC 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 Michele Jackson chairs the firm’s Adoption and Reproductive Law Practice Group and focuses her practice in domestic and international adoptions as well as reproductive law matters. Rising Star Clarissa Finnell is a seasoned attorney who practices exclusively in the area of family law, representing clients with cases including legal separation, divorce, child support, child custody, paternity, parenting time, modification and contempt issues.
Harden Jackson, LLC is a Carmel law firm providing personalized service with a responsive and compassionate approach. As effective and experienced litigators, the attorneys work with clients to develop strategies for negotiating settlements, while always preparing for litigation if necessary. The practice assists clients in all areas of family law, adoption and reproductive law matters. For more information, please contact Leah Potter at 317.569.0770 or www.hardenjacksonlaw.com .
Tags: Clarissa Finnell, Lanae Harden, Michele Jackson, Super Lawyers
January 9th, 2012 | Posted by Leah Potter | Posted in Adoption
Press Contact:
Leah Potter
HARDEN JACKSON LLC
11450 N. Meridian, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317.569.0770
Email: lpotter@hardenjacksonlaw.com
Web site: www.hardenjacksonlaw.com
For Immediate Release
Harden Jackson Law Founding Partner, Michele Jackson Adopts from Africa
CARMEL, IN – January 6, 2012 – For the past twelve years, Michele L. Jackson, founding member of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC, has educated herself on the adoption process and helped many clients fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Recently, her professional expertise helped her realize that dream for herself. Jackson said, “For as long as I can remember I have wanted to adopt. In recent years, this desire tugged at my heart constantly. In my work, I had walked past thousands of orphans in desperate situations and I knew that one day I would personally adopt.” Her dream came true when she and her husband, CFO of WellPoint, Wayne DeVeydt adopted two beautiful baby boys from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Having taught many seminars to adoptive parents and adoption professionals and attorneys, she thought she knew what to expect while adopting. While one personal adoption does not represent the entire spectrum of adoption experiences and outcomes, her empathy with the turmoil her clients have gone through in not having “control” of the process certainly increased. Despite her credentials, expertise and experience; she could not control all entities and aspects of the international adoptions process. Her experience and knowledge about “worst case scenarios” prepared her intellectually for the journey, but the worry, anxiety, excitement and love were profound nonetheless. The problems through which she had guided so many others were now her own. She had seen them, she had solved them, but personally dealing with them was another matter. She had to, as she had advised her clients over the years, simply relax, trust and pray.
Jackson adds, “International adoption has myriad unknowns, risks and delays. There are unsuccessful adoptions, delayed adoptions and difficult adoptions. However, I can say with absolute certainty that it is Worth It!”
Jackson works around the world placing children from many different countries. So, why choose DRCongo? Jackson explains, “I’d always had a personal view of my child as being from Latin America. My mind was changed as I walked through the orphanages in Congo. My heart was changed forever and so was the mental picture of my family.”
“The children of the world, from any country, are beautiful children of God. If you have the love to give to give an orphan, you also give hope within the larger human community. Without question, sharing your love and family with a child in need is worth all the amount of worry, concern and anxiety. I am the lucky one.”
A highly regarded legal authority in international family law and adoption, Michele L. Jackson is a founding member of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC. She represents clients interested in domestic or international adoption, and those who are seeking alternative reproductive options such as gestational surrogacy.
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Tags: Democratic Republic of Congo adoption, Michele Jackson, Wayne DeVeydt
December 28th, 2011 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Surrogacy
Often, in our business, we meet with clients that are desperate. Desperate to achieve their goal of having a family. Fortunately, we can often help them with their plight to have a child. However, one of the most common obstacles intended parents face is money. Utilizing ”non-traditional” methods to become a parent can range anywhere from $5,000-$40,000. Whether adopting, undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or obtaining a surrogate, the cost can often prevent parents from realizing their dream.
However, we’ve seen some creative methods for funding a family. Recently, Jessica and Sean Haley decided to use crowdfunding to finance their IVF treatments. What is crowdfunding? Crowdfunding describes the collective cooperation by people who network and pool their money and other resources together, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations.
After three years of trying to conceive, the Haleys were told they only had a 1% chance of conceiving naturally. In June, the couple started a “Help the Haleys Have a Baby” campaign on IndieGoGo to raise funds for their fertility treatments. The campaign managed to raise $8,050, far above the $5,000 they were asking for initially. In July, the couple began IVF treatments that led to Jessica being pregnant. The Haleys aren’t the only couples turning to this crowdfunding option. A quick search on the IndieGoGo website lists over 20 couples and singles requesting funds to help them achieve their dream of having a family.
We love to hear of these creative funding ideas. When money is not an issue it removes at least one obstacle from the path for intended parents and our goal is to make that path as smooth as possible.
To learn more about the Haley’s campaign, go to: http://www.indiegogo.com/babyhaley
Tags: crowdfunding
September 12th, 2011 | Posted by Leah | Posted in Adoption, Family Law, General Law
You may be wondering what the role of a Guardian Ad Litem is in family law cases. Frequently abbreviated “GAL”, the Guardian Ad Litem is a volunteer appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child involved in litigation. The purpose of the GAL is NOT to directly “represent” the child, a distinction which some find confusing, especially as many GALs are attorneys. However, it is not necessary to be an attorney to be a GAL, but Indiana does required that GAL or CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers complete special training.
Traditionally, GAL/CASA volunteers have been appointed in abuse or neglect cases or when a child becomes subject of proceedings to terminate a parent/child relationship. However, Indiana law allows for appointments of these special volunteers in divorce or paternity cases, which is becoming more frequent, especially when custody is contested or allegations arise regarding the health and safety of the child in the family law proceeding.
The GAL will perform a number of functions in a case to help determine the best interests of a child. The volunteer may conduct home visits and interview the parent(s), stepparents, significant others, or extended family who are involved in the child’s home life. They may also interview any child care providers as well as teachers and may review medical or education records. The GAL is tasked with investigating the child’s situation and ultimately filing a report with the court regarding the GAL’s recommendation about custody of the child. For more information about the role of GAL/CASA volunteers in Indiana, please visit Kids’ Voice of Indiana at the links below.
http://www.kidsvoicein.org/documents/CasaGaL/pdf/8_2008DissolutionGALprac.pdf for more information about the GAL’s role in divorce cases.
http://www.kidsvoicein.org/programs/clci/casa_gal/
