Katzman & Katzman, P.C.FindLaw IM Template2026-07-02T09:04:15Zhttps://www.k2lawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[How can a seller fix a cloud on a title? Quite title actions explained]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475612026-06-29T09:05:08Z2026-07-02T09:04:15ZTitle defects and similar problems can cause a real estate transaction to grind to a halt. Potential buyers generally know their options when a situation comes up – but what if you’re the would-be seller?
You may need a quiet title action, which is a type of lawsuit that asks the court to resolve any “clouds” on the title that make your ownership rights uncertain. If successful, you will gain clear rights to the property and then be able to sell.
When is a quiet title action warranted?
A cloud on title is anything that creates uncertainty about who owns a property or whether someone else may share in the ownership rights to it. Buyers and lenders are often unwilling to proceed with a transaction until these issues are resolved. Even if you aren’t selling, you may run into issues (and first discover the problem) when you try to refinance the property, during estate planning when you mean to transfer the property to a trust and in similar situations. Common reasons a quiet title action may be pursued include:
The deed contains an error in the property’s legal description, such as inaccurate footage or a defective legal description, or documents were improperly recorded.
A mortgage or lien that was paid off years ago is still showing as active in county records.
You have a boundary or easement dispute with your neighbor, such as a conflict over a fence, a property line or unrecorded rights-of-way.
There are gaps in the property’s chain of title, which sometimes happens when a property is inherited and never officially recorded or left unoccupied for a while.
There are inheritance issues, such as the potential for unknown heirs to assert a claim because proper notification procedures were not followed during a long-ago probate.
You bought the property via a tax sale or foreclosure sale, and the rights of the former owners are not clearly ended.
There is an actual or potential adverse possession claim from someone who has “squatted” or otherwise occupied the property without permission.
Even if you believe a claim against your property is clearly invalid, its mere existence can be enough to derail a pending sale and complicate your life. Protecting your interests can be complicated when real estate is involved. An experienced real estate attorney can help you identify the issue that clouds your title, find all competing claims, publish the appropriate notices and make the correct filings so that you can move forward with your goals. ]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[Is it time to change from a sole proprietorship to an LLC?]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475562026-06-15T09:47:52Z2026-06-18T09:47:13ZA lot of entrepreneurs start their businesses as sole proprietorships simply because it is simple, inexpensive and requires minimal effort to maintain. Operating as a sole proprietor, in essence, can let you get your business up and running pretty fast – without all the formalities that come with other business structures.
However, what works at the beginning can become a bad fit once the business takes off. At some point, many business owners begin to wonder whether it is time to form an LLC (or even a corporation). Here are some of the signs that it’s time for you to restructure your enterprise:
Your personal assets are at risk
One of the biggest differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLC or corporation involves personal liability. As a sole proprietor, you are your business – there is no legal difference. If you run into debt problems with your business through defaults on loans, lawsuits or some other means, your personal assets are also at risk. A properly formed LLC or corporation can create a legal distinction between you and your business, reducing your personal financial exposure. If your business is approaching a point where it needs to take on some debt to expand, it may be wise to restructure.
You’re generating significant revenue
While there is no specific revenue threshold that automatically requires a change, increased earnings may signal that it is time to evaluate whether your current structure remains the most effective choice. Different business structures have different tax responsibilities, management options and long-term planning opportunities. A consultation with a financial advisor can help you decide if there is more economic benefit to operating as an LLC or some other business structure.
You are hiring employees or adding partners
Whether you are hiring employees, taking on investors or adding business partners, a more formal entity structure can provide a clearer framework for ownership, management and decision-making.Documents such as operating agreements, shareholder agreements and buy-sell agreements can help establish expectations and reduce the likelihood of disputes later. In fact, it may not be possible to attract the right people unless you change your business structure. A formal business entity may provide greater credibility and make future transactions, financing arrangements and business expansion efforts easier.Ultimately, an LLC or corporation can provide a stronger foundation for long-term planning, including ownership transitions, business sales and succession strategies designed to protect the company's value. Reviewing your options with an experienced business attorney can help ensure that your business structure aligns with both your current needs and your plans for the future.
]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[Why does summer raise the odds of a custody dispute?]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475542026-06-01T14:12:12Z2026-06-04T14:11:19ZSummertime is supposed to be “fun time” for the whole family – but the moment school lets out, divorced or separated parents can find themselves embroiled in new custody conflicts.
Even parents who are normally cooperative during the rest of the year can end up arguing over the kids’ schedules, travel plans, child care and parenting time.
The established routines are all disrupted
The school year creates a framework for an established routine for most of the year. Custody schedules are built around the predictable and stable events tied to school, like drop-offs, pick-ups, extracurriculars and ordinary weekday responsibilities.Summer tosses that schedule out the window for several months. Parents suddenly need to address things like vacation schedules, summer camps, childcare arrangements, sports and activities, teen work schedules and holiday weekends. Without the consistency of the school calendar, small scheduling disagreements and differing expectations have the potential to spiral out of control.
Parents may compete for limited vacation time
Summer is a big deal for a lot of families. Parents want to spend vacation time with their children and go on trips. There are also family reunions, weddings and other special events that each parent may want to attend on various weekends. Conflicts can start when:
One parent plans trips or special events without enough notice
Vacation dates overlap and neither parent wants to give in
One parent believes the other is receiving more “fun” parenting time
Extended family members get involved in scheduling due to summer visits
Summer requires more coordination between parents than many other times of year. When communication is already strained or the parents are harboring resentments that are kept in check only through strict adherence to a custody schedule, that additional coordination can quickly lead to conflict.
The children’s schedules get more complicated as they get older
Sharing custody of a toddler during the summer is vastly different than sharing custody of a teenager (or even a pre-teen) during the summer. The older a child becomes, the more likely they will have schedules of their own to follow. Their summer jobs, social activities, camps and social lives can interfere with parenting time, and the rigid custody schedules of yesteryear can become impractical. Parents may suddenly find themselves at war over whether or not a child should attend a band camp for four weeks out of the summer, who has to transport the child to their summer football practice and how many hours their teen should be allowed to work. All of those things can interfere with parenting time and create hard feelings if one parent feels like the other is getting more quality time with the child in question. Advance planning and good communication can resolve a lot of potential disputes before they get started, and parents should remain open to reasonable compromises. Sometimes, however, one parent will repeatedly violate custody orders or disputes over vacation plans will escalate. In those situations, legal guidance can help you find solutions. ]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[How liens can affect a property sale]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475512026-05-18T09:35:11Z2026-05-21T09:34:37ZWhether you’re buying or selling a home, it can be a stressful experience even before you discover there is a legal claim against the property. Yet, property liens are a much more common issue than most people realize, and they can create serious problems. In some cases, a lien can delay closing. In others, it can stop the sale entirely.
Liens against a property are usually connected to an unpaid debt. Because the lien is attached to the property, it can follow the home even when ownership changes hands – which is why some sellers don’t even realize the lien is there until the title search happens. Buyers, lenders and title companies generally want liens resolved before a sale moves forward, which is why discovering one late in the process can quickly complicate a sale.
How liens can delay a sale
Several different types of liens may affect residential or commercial real estate, such as:
Mortgage liens
Tax liens
Mechanic’s liens from contractors or suppliers
Judgment liens from lawsuits
Homeowners’ association liens
Child support liens
Before most real estate transactions close, a title company performs a search to confirm the seller has a clear title to the property. If a lien appears during that process, the title company may refuse to insure the transfer until the lien is addressed.Not all liens are valid. Sometimes liens contain errors or remain attached to a property long after a debt was paid. In other cases, contractors or creditors may file liens improperly or fail to follow Indiana legal requirements.For example, mechanics’ liens in Indiana are governed by specific deadlines and filing rules. If those requirements are not followed correctly, the lien may not be enforceable. Property owners may be able to challenge invalid liens through negotiation or court action.Because of this, it is important not to assume every lien is automatically legitimate or unavoidable.
Legal guidance matters when a lien is involved
Liens can become especially complicated when multiple creditors are involved or when the property sale is already under contract. Sellers may suddenly find themselves dealing with title issues, creditor disputes and closing delays all at once.An experienced real estate attorney can help identify liens early, review whether they are valid and work toward solutions that protect the transaction whenever possible. In some cases, legal action may be necessary to remove or resolve disputed claims before a property can be sold.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[What are the benefits and risks of NNN commercial leases?]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475482026-05-01T19:52:55Z2026-05-06T19:52:20ZCommercial leases are inherently more complicated than residential ones, and they come in multiple forms, but the triple net – or NNN – lease tends to generate the most confusion – and the most potential problems.
While they are common, triple net leases have significant legal and financial implications that both landlords and tenants need to understand before they sign on the dotted line.
How does a triple net lease work?
A triple net lease is an arrangement where the commercial tenant receives a lower base rent in exchange for paying three other expenses tied to the property: property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Those are the three “nets” that give the lease its name. When a landlord absorbs the responsibility for those expenses, the estimated cost is usually figured into the proposed rent. Triple net leases are seen frequently in retail, office and industrial rental agreements. Landlords like them because they are predictable. They reduce the fluctuating costs that can happen due to sudden tax levies and unexpected maintenance bills. Given the length of most commercial leases, that translates to a long-term steady income with minimal need for oversight on the landlord’s part.Tenants, too, sometimes prefer NNN leases, because they have more direct control over the property. A long-term tenant may prefer to have direct control over the appearance and upkeep of a property, and may feel that they can manage their own costs better than a landlord, particularly if the landlord has many properties or is largely absent.
Are title net leases unfair?
NNN leases are not inherently unfair to tenants, but they’re often misunderstood. A tenant’s expectations of costs can only be based on the past. Most commercial leases last for years, so the tenant is gambling that those costs will remain steady. The problems crop up when property taxes and insurance premiums suddenly go up. In addition, maintenance costs only tend to increase over time, especially in older buildings. Some leases go beyond routine upkeep and small repairs and put all of the responsibility on the tenant for roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing and more. Landlords also take a little bit of risk when they use an NNN lease. They’re relying on the tenant to maintain the property and stay current on taxes and insurance. If that doesn’t happen, the property could be negatively affected. Both sides run the risk that other disagreements will erupt and turn into litigation. If the language of the lease isn’t clear, disputes can start over what qualifies as the tenant’s responsibility and doesn’t, or how much control a tenant has over non-essential renovations. Before signing a triple net lease, a careful review by a real estate attorney can help spot issues that might not be obvious at first glance. They can also discuss the practical impact of the lease’s terms in plain language. This can help make sure that the agreement is what both parties intend.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[How to register a business name in Indiana]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475462026-04-20T07:07:13Z2026-04-23T07:03:56Z1. Search for name availability and register assumed names (DBAs)
Search the Indiana Secretary of State’s database to ensure your name is "distinguishable." This legal standard ensures your name is not so similar to an existing business that it confuses the public. You may reserve an available name for 120 days for an $11 online fee, though reservation does not authorize you to conduct business until formation is complete.
Additionally, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name if you operate under any name other than your legal entity's name. In Indiana, failing to file this certificate is a Class B infraction.
2. File formation documents and meet 2026 identity verification standards
To formally register your entity, submit Articles of Organization or Incorporation through the INBiz portal. The online filing fee for a domestic LLC is currently $95. Under House Enrolled Act 1593 (effective January 1, 2026), all individuals filing on behalf of a business must complete a multi-factor identity verification to prevent "ghost filings."
You must also provide a physical street address for your principal office, defined as the location where a governing person is commonly present, as the state has tightened restrictions on P.O. boxes.
3. Sustain your entity's active status via biennial reports
Keep your business "active" and compliant by filing a Business Entity Report every two years. The online fee is $32. If you miss this deadline, the state will issue a notice of delinquency; you then have 120 days to file the report before the state administratively dissolves your business.
Secure the future of your business
Registering your business name in Indiana is more than a creative choice; it is a multi-step legal process that requires strict adherence to naming statutes and modern identity protocols. By securing your name correctly and staying ahead of your biennial filings, you protect your brand's reputation and your entity's legal standing.
If you are unsure about your "distinguishable" status or the new 2026 verification requirements, consulting with a legal professional can help ensure your business starts on a firm foundation.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[A guide to rehabilitative spousal maintenance in a divorce]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475312026-04-03T12:13:07Z2026-04-08T12:12:06ZPost-divorce financial recovery
Rehabilitative spousal maintenance is a temporary support designed to help you work toward financial independence within a set timeframe. You can put the funds toward acquiring the skills necessary to transition back into a full-time career.
The duration and amount of rehabilitative support is dependent on several factors, including the length of your marriage, your ability to work and your earning potential. If you are resolving your divorce through mediation, you and your spouse can reach an agreement on rehabilitative maintenance in the settlement. However, if your case goes to trial, you may need to provide evidence to show why this support is necessary.
What courts consider when determining eligibility
When couples cannot mutually agree on spousal support conditions, a family court will make the final decision. The judge may decide on the timeframe and duration of the support based on the following:
Time and expenses needed for receiving spouse to become self-sufficient
Presence of any interrupted education or career opportunities
Educational level of each party at the time of the divorce
Earning capacity of both parties
While the terms can vary, Indiana courts generally cap this support at three years from the date of the final divorce decree. Since time is a factor, having a clear plan is essential. Working with a legal team can help you document these factors and pursue the support necessary to restart your life.
Regaining independence one step at a time
You deserve support after making sacrifices for your family, even as your marriage comes to an end. With careful planning, you can secure the time and resources to slowly recover your financial stability.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[Can your ex-spouse claim your inheritance after divorce?]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475282026-03-25T05:49:59Z2026-03-30T05:49:01ZFactors courts consider when evaluating inheritance in divorce
Every divorce involves different financial circumstances and property histories. Because of these differences, several details often influence how courts review inheritance during divorce:
State property division laws: Some states follow equitable distribution rules. In Indiana, courts apply a “one-pot” approach under the Indiana Code. This allows judges to consider nearly all assets and debts, regardless of when they were acquired, when dividing property fairly between spouses.
Timing of the inheritance: Your inheritance before the marriage may receive different consideration because it clearly originated outside the marital relationship. Assets inherited during the marriage can have closer review if they are mixed with shared finances.
Handling of the inheritance: Courts may examine how you used or stored the funds during the marriage. Keeping the inheritance in a separate account can help show it remained distinct from marital property. Depositing it into a joint account may suggest you combine the funds with shared finances.
Each spouse’s financial role: Judges often consider how each spouse contributed to income, property care or household responsibilities during the marriage.
Since these details can influence how courts review inheritance, knowing them may help you think ahead about your financial decisions.
Taking steps to protect your financial future
Inheritance issues can create uncertainty during divorce. Laws vary by state, and financial decisions made during marriage may affect how courts evaluate properties.
Now may be a good time to learn how your state approaches inheritance in divorce matters. Understanding the rules can help you ask the right questions when discussing settlements. You may also want to review your financial records and understand how you managed the inherited assets during marriage.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[How to protect trade secrets in your esports business]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475252026-03-11T12:49:47Z2026-03-16T12:48:56ZHow to protect trade secrets in your esports business
In esports, the spotlight often shines on the players and sponsorship deals. But behind the scenes, the real power lies in the confidential strategies and innovations that drive your success. Without proper legal protection, your most valuable assets can be stolen, leaving your business exposed. By understanding trade secrets and how to safeguard them, you can protect your business as you grow.
What counts as a trade secret in esports?
A trade secret refers to confidential information that gives your business a competitive advantage. In the esports industry, trade secrets can include:
Proprietary software
Scrim strategies and playbooks
Player performance data
Training and coaching methods
Sponsorship and marketing plans
If this information is not public and adds value to your business, it qualifies as a trade secret.
Why your esports trade secrets need legal protection
The esports market is booming, and competitors are constantly looking for ways to get ahead. Without enforceable legal measures, you leave your business vulnerable to theft or misuse. For example, former players or coaches can take critical information to competitors after leaving your team.
By clearly defining which information belongs to your business and how it is used, you can gain leverage in disputes. This also preserves the value of your business in future investment or partnership opportunities.
Steps to protect your esports business trade secrets
As standard practice, require non-disclosure agreements for all players, coaches and partners. These agreements clearly define what information is confidential and the potential consequences of disclosure. You may also use non-compete agreements to prevent former team members from disclosing strategies to competitors.
For sponsorship and partnership contracts, include clauses that restrict the misuse of proprietary data. For added protection, register any business trademarks and copyrights for your branding and original content.
What should you do if someone misuses your trade secrets?
Under Indiana's Uniform Trade Secrets Act, you may seek an injunction to stop unauthorized use of business information.
Courts can award compensation for financial losses caused by misappropriation. If the misuse was intentional, you may also recover punitive damages. This ensures you not only stop harm towards your business, but also hold wrongdoers accountable.
Maintaining your competitive edge
In the world of esports, your trade secrets make up the backbone of your business. They shape your strategies and set your team apart from the competition. By treating your trade secrets as legally protected assets, you ensure that your business can safely innovate in a competitive industry.]]>On Behalf of Katzman & Katzman, P.C.<![CDATA[3 reasons to seek seller’s disclosure in an Indiana property sale]]>https://www.k2lawfirm.com/?p=475172026-02-25T08:43:51Z2026-03-02T07:46:53ZYou've found your dream home in Indiana, and you're ready to make an offer. But before you sign anything, you need to understand what a seller's disclosure shows you about the property. This legal document protects both you and the seller and helps you make smart choices about your investment.
What sellers must tell you about a property
A seller's disclosure is a written form where the seller tells you about any known defects and issues with the property. Indiana law requires sellers to fill out this form honestly and completely. It serves as your official record of the property's condition at the time of sale. When you get a disclosure, you should expect to find information about:
Foundation cracks or roof damage
Any history of flooding, leaks or moisture problems
Termite infestations or rodent damage
Presence of lead paint, asbestos or mold
Problems with heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing or electrical parts
Any past use or making of illegal drugs on the property
This complete disclosure requirement makes sure you have the facts you need to move forward. With this basic knowledge, you can better understand the real benefits these disclosures offer.
Three key benefits of reviewing a seller’s disclosure
Beyond just meeting legal requirements, the information in a seller's disclosure serves several important purposes for your deal. Here are the main reasons why you should carefully review this document:
Buyer protection: You find out about structural problems before you buy, which allows you to ask for repairs or change your offer.
Seller protection: Written records of problems protect sellers from future legal liabilities after the sale.
Material defect coverage: You get complete information about the property's structure, systems and appliances to avoid expensive surprises.
While these protections make disclosure review important, professional legal help makes your position even stronger.
Why you should consider a contract review
Understanding seller's disclosures is an important step when buying property in Indiana. However, real estate contracts often have complex legal words that can be hard to understand. Many buyers find that having a professional review their contract helps them spot problems and understand all the terms. As you move forward with your home purchase, you may want to consider extra help that gives you peace of mind during this big financial choice.]]>