Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

My sister filed a protective order against me for an alleged incident that was supposed to have happened back in 1983 in Broward County, Florida. She filed the petition in Lake County, Indiana. Went to court on Thursday. Judge granted Protective Order??? First this incident did not happen as she said it did. Secondly, sister had a handwritten letter that I supposedly wrote (but didn't). Judge said because the "L" looked like the way I wrote the letter "L", that I did indeed write the letter - therefore, he was granting the PO. Sister did not not have to show police reports or any paperwork relating to incident. Furthermore, she wasNnot made to prove any recent physical incidents - and there has been none!!! How can this Judge grant this order off hearsay and from an incident that is 26 years old in another State. Can I challenge this order based on no evidence and/or "would they even have juristriction" over the matter if it were true. Also, sister said I have 3 guns and I am to turn them into Madison Co Sherriff's dept in 8 days now. I don't have any to turn over. I NEED HELP PLEASE


Asked on 9/27/09, 12:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Rigdon Rockhill Pinnick LLP

You needed a lawyer to represent you in the original case. You still need a lawyer to appeal or otherwise attack the judgment. Until then you have to obey the court's orders. Also, make sure that your activities in a diary of some sort, as the most pressing concern right now would be a possible charge of violation of the court's order.

Call a lawyer in your county right away, and good luck.

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Answered on 9/28/09, 9:38 am


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