Mortgage Foreclosure Project Update— Indiana’s mortgage foreclosure rate is among the highest in the country, largely due to the decline of the automotive and manufacturing industries. In 2008, the state saw 45,394 foreclosures—a more than 50 percent increase since 2003. In January 2009, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard addressed this crisis, vowing to train more professionals than any other state on how to deal wit … [Read more...] about Back Home in Indiana
Features
Update on Court Reform Grants
In late summer 2009, the Supreme Court awarded nearly $350,000 to 12 courts across the state for the study and implementation of various programs designed to help courts streamline their operations. Under the Court Reform Grant (CRG) Program, grants of up to $30,000 are available for initial efficiency studies, while grants of up to $40,000 are available to put these study recommendations into action. For the 2010 … [Read more...] about Update on Court Reform Grants
Indiana Public Defender Goes Green
In Effort to Help Environment and Save Indiana Taxpayer Money— The Office of the Public Defender of Indiana has been recognized as a Law Office Climate Challenge Partner by the American Bar Association (ABA). Public Defender of Indiana, Susan Carpenter, explained, “We are pleased to be a part of a program that will help the environment and allow Indiana to see savings from reduced paper consumption and lower prin … [Read more...] about Indiana Public Defender Goes Green
Slowly But Surely
Jefferson County Courthouse Repair and Reconstruction— The reconstruction of the Jefferson County Courthouse is steadily progressing, according to the Jefferson County Commissioners. On May 20, 2009, just a few days after being repainted in anticipation of Madison’s upcoming Bicentennial Celebration, the roof and cupola of the 154-year-old courthouse were completely destroyed by fire. Efforts to stem the fire’s sprea … [Read more...] about Slowly But Surely
Mass Adoptions in Marion County Superior Court Probate Division
For most of us, the holidays mean family, home, and a time for celebration. This past December 17, the Marion County Superior Court, Probate Division, helped to make that the reality for sixty-one children in Marion County. On a day set aside specifically for adoption hearings, Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, who presides over the Probate Division, finalized thirty adoptions, which is twice the number of non-contested a … [Read more...] about Mass Adoptions in Marion County Superior Court Probate Division