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1. What authority does this board have to impose this project on the residents?

“Indiana Code IC 13-26-1 through IC 13-26-14 gives legally established sewer district boards the authority to address pollution control projects. The powers and duties of such boards are listed in IC 13-26-5-2.”

2. Who empowered this board?

“Pursuant to IC 13-26, the Adams County Commissioners, upon the recommendation of the Adams County Board of Health, petitioned the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for an order directing the “Adams County Regional Sewer District” to be organized. Resolutions to support and approve the petition were signed by the Adams County Board of Health on December 3, 2008, and by the Adams County Council on December 9, 2008. The Adams County Commissioners signed the request for IDEM to approve the petition on December 9, 2008. Upon a lengthy review by IDEM, which included opportunity for public comment, IDEM Commissioner, Thomas Easterly, ordered the district be organized on September 24, 2009 and the order became effective after a required 33-day waiting period.”

3. Is there a local government such as the State or County government that can manage these projects and have the cost included in the property tax structure, thus spreading the cost to all?

“No. It is “user-oriented”. Taxes cannot be used for Regional Sewer Districts.”

4. How will you protect the home owners in the event of long power outages?

"Each of the District's primary pump stations will be equipped with emergency power equipment."

5. When completed - who owns the sewer line?

"The District will own, operate and maintain the proposed collection systems for the duration of the proposed USDA-RD loan."

6. Who maintains the line and equipment?

"Again, this will remain the District's responsibility for the term of the loan."

7. Why are we being billed for a service that we are not receiving yet?

State Statute allows the Sewer District to begin billing the full rate as soon as the project begins. For Project 1, the interim rate of $27.35 was imposed beginning December of 2016. The full rate of $93.30 will be imposed for the month of June 2017. Additional information regarding the rates can be found under Ordinance 2016-1.

8. Who gets what part of the monthly sewer fee?

"The proposed monthly user fee is comprised of 3 components. A portion of the bill goes to repay the debt associated with the capital costs for the project. The second portion of the bill covers the costs associated with the operation, maintenance, administrative and replacement costs associated with the sewer utility. The final component of the bill pays for the treatment costs associated with the disposal of each area's sewage."

9. There are an awful lot of homes out here. Why should it cost each of us so much?

"The estimated project costs are based upon current construction costs as well as estimated professional fees. Total project costs are assumed to be borne equally by all of the targeted beneficiaries."

10. What about all the homes that will be built after this is done, what are they going to pay?

"Policy question for the board yet to be determined. The District will enact a rate ordinance that will provide for this post-construction connection situation."

11. If your sewer system has been updated recently, why would you have to hook into the new one?

"IC 13-26-5-2.5 provides for a septic system exemption to connection, provided the septic system is an approved onsite system that is in full compliance with Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.1. However, this simply delays the eventual connection to the proposed sanitary sewer system."

12. Some of us Senior Citizens want to stay in our own homes and you make that hard to do when you increase our overhead. We need to put in a new well. How will this affect us?

"Following your connection to the proposed municipal sewer, the area that used to provide for the disposal of your sewage will provide additional opportunities to site a new well. Water supply will not be affected or impacted by the proposed project. Draining sewage from a septic tank to a county or state waterway contributes to stream pollution and violates state and federal laws and the county sewage ordinance. Property owners need to be aware that homes are becoming more difficult to sell if they are not in compliance with environmental laws or are contributing to a public health hazard."

13. What is the procedure to connect to the District Sewage Collection System?

If you are interested in establishing connection to an existing sewer line of the ACRSD, please see Resolution 2020-04 and submit the Petition To Connect to the ACRSD Office located at 313 West Jefferson Street, Room 257 B, Decatur, Indiana 46733 or to Becky Cochran's Office at 165 N. 2nd Street, Decatur, Indian 46733

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1. When do I need to file my property tax deductions?

By December 31, of the current year

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1. How do I get a marriage application/license?

 Call the Adams County Clerk’s Office at 260.724.5309 to go through the requirements and to schedule your appointment.  Once you have called and spoke with a Clerk staff member, then apply for the marriage application/license online at public.courts.in.gov.

2. How do I find out when and where my hearing is?

First, is your case in the Adams County? If you have a Cause Number that starts with “01D01, or "01c01", ” your case is in Adams County . If your Cause Number starts with a different prefix your case is not in Adams County. If you have an Adams Superior Court case (01D01), check in the Court at 122 S 3rd Street, Decatur, IN 46733, or by phone at (260) 724-5347 or online at https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/Search. If you have an Adams Circuit Court case (01C01), check in the Court at 112 S. 2nd Street C, Decatur, IN 46733, or by phone at (260) 724-5307.

3. How do I pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic Fines Payment Information

4. How do I obtain proof of service?

It is your responsibility to ensure that the other party receives a copy of your filings. If the other party does not appear for the hearing on your petition, the Court may not proceed unless it has proof that the other side received a copy of your petition. Please review the following methods for obtaining proof of service so that you can avoid a delay in your case. •Certified mail, return receipt requested: For a nominal fee, the mail carrier will take the papers to the door and have the other party sign a detachable card. This "return receipt" is then mailed back to the Clerk (address must be on the green card) after it is signed, and will serve as proof of service as long as it is signed by the other party and filed with the Clerk of Court. Effective July 1, 2015, the initial mailing will be sent to only one address for each party (maximum of two parties) and is paid out of the Court costs. After the initial mailing, or for each additional party, the person requesting service must provide the Clerk with •An envelope with sufficient postage affixed, addressed to the recipient with the Clerk’s address as the return address; •The USPS or other forms for certified mail. If return receipt is requested, the forms must be completed so that the Clerk gets the return receipt; •The USPS or other fee for appropriate service by certified mail and return receipt, if requested. •Personal service by Sheriff: You can pay a fee to the Clerk of Court for the Sheriff to deliver your paperwork to the other party. A proof of service form will be filled out by the person serving the paperwork, which will then be filed with the Clerk. The initial fee for Sheriff’s service is $28.00 and an additional one time post-judgment fee of $25.00 will be assessed for Sheriff’s service. •By publication: When all other methods fail, the Court may allow service to be made by publication. This involves announcing in the newspaper where the other party is likely living for a specific amount of time. Please review Indiana Rule of Trial Procedure 4.13 for information about Service by Publication.

5. Where can I get a copy of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines?

You can pick up a free copy of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines in the Adams Superior Court (122 S. 3rd Street, Decatur, IN 46733) or Adams Circuit Court (112 S. 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733). An electronic version is also available through the Indiana Supreme Court’s Website, http://www.in.gov/judiciary/rules/parenting/.

6. Where can I go to get legal advice?

There are a number of resources you can use to get legal advice:

(1) Adams Public Library System

Visit the main branch of the Adams Public Library System, 128 S. 3rd Street, Decatur, Indiana or 305 E. Line Street, Geneva, Indiana. The telephone number is (260) 724-2604 or (260) 368-7270. The website is http://www.apls.lib.in.us/about.html

While library personnel cannot give legal advice, the reference librarian can direct you to research materials and some forms which will give you the information you need to prepare your legal document. They can provide the Indiana Code and the Indiana Rules of Court, which will give you information on court procedure and legal requirements. You should look at both State and Adams County’s Local Rules.

(2) The Indiana Supreme Court Website

Visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/. This is the Website for the Indiana Supreme Court and as you explore the site, you will find a wealth of research materials and forms.

On the top of the main page, you will find a menu called “Information for…” Click on the word “Public.” It will take you to the “Information for Members of the Public” webpage. Scroll down the page and you will find information on “Getting Legal Help,” “Representing Yourself in Court,” “General Information” (which includes Indiana Rules of Court and the Indiana Code), and other topics of interest.

You can also access “Sample Court Forms” under the “Representing Yourself in Court” topic. Some available forms include forms for divorce, child support, name change, and protective orders.
(3) Lawyer Referral Service (Allen County/Fort Wayne, Indiana)

Their office hours are Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Their telephone number is (260) 423-2358. Please call for a referral; no walk-in appointments are accepted.

The ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service has attorneys who practice in virtually all areas of the law including: bankruptcy, business and corporate, consumer, custody and visitation, criminal, divorce, employment, immigration, medical malpractice, misdemeanor, personal injury, probate, wills and estates, real estate, child support, social security, and worker’s compensation.

When you contact ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service, trained staff will help you evaluate your situation. Then, if you need an attorney, you will be referred to one that practices in that area of law.

A $40.00 non-refundable fee is required for most referrals for up to a half-hour consultation. No consultation fees are charged for personal injury, social security, worker’s compensation, and medical malpractice cases.

If a lawyer is not what you need, the ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service staff will direct you to another source of assistance.

(4) Legal Line

Do you have a legal question? Not sure if you need to hire an attorney? Then take advantage of Legal Line. You can speak directly with an attorney for free every Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM just by calling (260) 423-2358. If your legal issue cannot be resolved, the attorney may refer you to ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service.

(5) Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana

The Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana (“VLP”) is located at 927 S. Harrison St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. Hours are Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their office number is (260) 407-0917 or toll free at 1-(877) 407-0917. Their Website is http://www.vlpnei.org/.

VLP offers services in: adoption, consumer law, estate law, guardianships, landlord/tenant, real estate, social security disability, bankruptcy (client must have filing fees), collections, contracts, family law (dissolutions), immigration, POA/Wills/Health Care Directives, Small Claims, Tort Defense, and Pro Se Clinics for Dissolution of Marriage (self-service clinics where both parties agree to terms of property settlement, parenting time, and child support).

Not all people who qualify for VLP assistance are referred to an attorney for direct representation. Some people may be placed in one of our other programs. Other cases may not be able to be placed because we simply cannot find an attorney to help or because there is nothing an attorney can do to help fix the problem.

VLP cannot assist with: change of venue, criminal matters, emergencies, CHINS cases, driver’s licenses or traffic tickets, incarcerated people, fee generating cases (personal injury), cases where a hearing is set within the next thirty (30) days, any case against the judicial or criminal justice system or any government entity, and cases filed in other pro bono districts or other states.

(6) Indiana Legal Services

Indiana Legal Services is located at 919 S. Harrison St., Suite 200, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. Their telephone number is (260) 424-9155 or (888) 442-8600. Their fax number is (260) 424-9166. Their website is http://www.indianalegalservices.org/. Their office hours are Mondays – Fridays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. To complete an application for their services, please call them on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In order to be eligible for their services, an individual must have an income up to 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines with exceptions in certain circumstances.

Indiana Legal Services practices family law (with priority given to divorce cases involving domestic violence); housing (eviction, landlord/tenant issues, subsidized housing, foreclosure, etc.); public benefits (Medicaid, food stamps, TANF, social security, unemployment insurance, etc.); consumer (debt collection, loans, vehicles, warranties, taxes, etc.); immigration; and other civil legal matters.

Indiana Legal Services in Fort Wayne serves the counties of Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley. For services outside these counties, you may contact another Indiana Legal Services office.

(7) Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

Their office is located at 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807. Their phone number is (260) 456-8969, extension 311. Their email address is fwcontact@nclegalclinic.org.

Intakes are available on a first come-first serve basis. You can register on site. Intakes take place on Mondays (register at 5:00 PM) at Catherine Kasper Place, 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807; Wednesdays (register at 5:00 PM) at Faith Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pettit Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46806; and on the Third Saturday of Every Month (register at 10:00 AM) at Catherine Kasper Place, 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807.

In order to be eligible for their services, an individual must have an income up to 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

They practice the areas of landlord/tenant, uncontested custody/visitation, uncontested child support, bankruptcy, wills/estates, discrimination, housing/foreclosure, guardianship, immigration, consumer/debt, SSI/SSD, and tax controversies.

They cannot provide services in criminal or divorce cases.

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1. What are the CivicPlus Support hours?

CivicPlus Support follows the regular hours for CivicPlus: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CST. CivicPlus University

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1. Are indoor pools safe in a thunderstorm?

No, both indoor and outdoor pools are unsafe because a strike to any part of the complex will have a significant effect on all of it. The NCAA and YMCA both have policies that mandate evacuation of indoor pools in the event of a thunderstorm. While there have not been any recorded deaths as a result of swimming indoors during a lightning storm, isn’t it best to play it safe.

For more information visit the national Lightning Safety Institute online.

2. Is it really necessary to evacuate a swimming pool when lightning threatens?

The issue is not always the small area of the pool itself, but all of the connections with the pool at the facility. The mistake people make is remaining in the pool area with lightning nearby. Leaving the water is not the end of the storm, but the beginning of lightning safety.

A flash can hit a power or phone pole outside the pool, or it can hit part of the structure itself. A cloud-to-ground flash to the pool complex can then travel easily through standing water, plumbing, wiring, fences, and phones to affect many, most, or all people at the facility.

For more information, visit the National Servere Storms Laboratory online.

3. What is the difference between seasonal flu and stomach flu?

Seasonal Flue (influenza virus) is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system and it usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Symptoms include headache, fever (usually high), extreme tiredness, dry cough sore throat, runny / stuffy nose and muscle aches.

The Stomach Flue (viral gastroenteritis) is a viral infections that affects the stomach and small intestine and usually lasts 1-3 days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, mild fever, fatigue, chills and muscle aches.

4. How can I prevent influenza?

The single best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are 2 types of vaccines. The 1st, the “flu shot”, is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed viruses) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

The 2nd, the nasal-spray, a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine”) that do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. However, flu vaccine will not protect you from other lung infections, such as colds and bronchitis.

5. How does Influenza (flu) spread?

Influenza viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with Influenza viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop, and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

6. What are some complications that can result from Influenza?

Complications resulting from the flu may include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes

7. What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent Influenza is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, an average of 5-20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from Influenza complications, and about 36,000 people die from it. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious Influenza complications.

8. What if my child did not get her shots when she was supposed to, or has gotten behind schedule?

If you have children who did not begin their immunizations at 2 months of age or who have had only some of their shots, they can still be fully immunized. It is never too late to start getting immunizations. If your child has only had some of his/her shots, he/she does not have to start over. The shots already given will count. We will continue the schedule where they left off.

If you have children who were not immunized when they were infants, contact your doctor or the Adams County Health Department. The public health nurses will be able to tell you when to bring your children in for their shots and what shots they need.

9. Why are infant and childhood immunizations so important?

These shots protect children from diseases such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal infections, Rotovirus, Influenza, and Chickenpox.

By getting your child immunized, you will be fighting disease in 2 ways. 1st, you will be protecting your own child. 2nd, since healthy children don’t spread disease, you will be protecting other children as well.

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1. What are probation's office hours?

8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, or by appointment.

2. How do I complete a juvenile record check?

"Pursuant to IC 10-13, the Indiana State Police acts as the official state central repository for criminal history data as well as juvenile history data. Juvenile record checks can be completed requesting a Criminal Record Review Challenge by the Indiana State Police. The juvenile has to be fingerprinted through IdentoGO for the purpose of the Criminal Record Review Challenge. Below is the contact information for both agencies.

IdentoGO 1-877-472-6917

https://www.identogo.com/

Indiana State Police  

https://www.in.gov/isp/”

3. How do I find services in my area?

Indiana 211

Phone: 2-1-1

Website: www.in211.org

4. How can I get help signing up for insurance?

Brightpoint 

Phone: 800-589-3506

Website: mybrightpoint.org

or 

ASPIN Health Navigator 

Phone: 877-313-7215

Website: aspinhealthnavigator.org

5. Where can I find a list of mental health or substance abuse treatment providers?

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Phone: 800-662-HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/

or

Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction

Phone: 317-232-7800

Website: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/index.html

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1. What are your hours?

8:00am to 4:30pm

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1. How do I contact my public defender?

Their office is located at 313 W. Jefferson Street, Room 142, Decatur, IN 46733. Their phone number is (260) 724-5365.

2. How do I find out if I qualify for the infraction deferral program?

For more information, call the Prosecutor's Office at (260)724-5341 or access the online forms and information at www.adamscountyprosecutor.com

3. How do I find out if there is a Protective/No Contact Order in effect?

You can search by the name of the defendant/respondent through the following website:
https://mycourts.in.gov/porp

4. How do I find out when and where my hearing is?

First, is your case in the Adams Superior Court? If you have a Cause Number that starts with “01D01,” your case is in the Adams Superior Court. If your Cause Number starts with a different prefix your case is not in the Adams Superior Court. If you have an Adams Superior Court case, check in the Court at 122 S 3rd Street, Decatur, IN 46733, or by phone at (260) 724-5347 or online at https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase

5. How do I obtain proof of service?

It is your responsibility to ensure that the other party receives a copy of your filings. If the other party does not appear for the hearing on your petition, the Court may not proceed unless it has proof that the other side received a copy of your petition. Please review the following methods for obtaining proof of service so that you can avoid a delay in your case. •Certified mail, return receipt requested: For a nominal fee, the mail carrier will take the papers to the door and have the other party sign a detachable card. This "return receipt" is then mailed back to the Clerk (address must be on the green card) after it is signed, and will serve as proof of service as long as it is signed by the other party and filed with the Clerk of Court. Effective July 1, 2015, the initial mailing will be sent to only one address for each party (maximum of two parties) and is paid out of the Court costs. After the initial mailing, or for each additional party, the person requesting service must provide the Clerk with •An envelope with sufficient postage affixed, addressed to the recipient with the Clerk’s address as the return address; •The USPS or other forms for certified mail. If return receipt is requested, the forms must be completed so that the Clerk gets the return receipt; •The USPS or other fee for appropriate service by certified mail and return receipt, if requested. •Personal service by Sheriff: You can pay a fee to the Clerk of Court for the Sheriff to deliver your paperwork to the other party. A proof of service form will be filled out by the person serving the paperwork, which will then be filed with the Clerk. The initial fee for Sheriff’s service is $28.00 and an additional one time post-judgment fee of $28.00 will be assessed for Sheriff’s service. •By publication: When all other methods fail, the Court may allow service to be made by publication. This involves announcing in the newspaper where the other party is likely living for a specific amount of time. Please review Indiana Rule of Trial Procedure 4.13 for information about Service by Publication.

6. How do I pay a traffic ticket?

Infraction tickets may be paid as follow: Acceptable forms of payment are cash, money order or credit card. For an additional fee, credit card payments may be made online at https://public.courts.in.gov/home/portal  or by calling 866-369-7671. Payment may also be made in person or by mail to the Adams County Clerk’s Office, 112 S 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733. *NOTICE, any outstanding tickets issued prior to December 31, 2013, must be paid through Eagle Accounts www. Eagleaccounts.com Telephone: 888-322-3245 7510 Madison Avenue Indianapolis IN 46227

Ticket Payments

7. What can Adams Superior Court staff do to assist me with my case?

The Adams Superior Court staff may:
•provide you with a telephone number of local lawyer referral services;
•they can explain and answer questions about how the Adams Superior Court works;
•they can provide general information about court rules, procedures, and practices;
•they can provide information from the case file, including information as to when your next court hearing might be;

The Adams Superior Court staff cannot:
•provide legal advice or legal interpretations;
•advise you whether or not you should bring your case to court or give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court;
•advise you what to say in court;
•let you talk to the judge or magistrates outside court;
•cannot talk to the judge or magistrates for you about your case;
•fill out a form for you or tell you what words to use in your court papers;
•sign an order or change an order signed by the judge or magistrates;
•explain the meaning of a court order to you; and
•provide any guidance or interpretation of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for you.

8. Where can I get a copy of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines?

You can pick up a free copy of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines in the Adams Superior Court (122 S. 3rd Street, Decatur, IN 46733) or Adams Circuit Court (112 S. 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733). An electronic version is also available through the Indiana Supreme Court’s Website, http://www.in.gov/judiciary/rules/parenting/.

9. Where can I go to get legal advice?

There are a number of resources you can use to get legal advice:

(1) Adams Public Library System

Visit the main branch of the Adams Public Library System, 128 S. 3rd Street, Decatur, Indiana or 305 E. Line Street, Geneva, Indiana. The telephone number is (260) 724-2604 or (260) 368-7270. The website is http://www.apls.lib.in.us/about.html

While library personnel cannot give legal advice, the reference librarian can direct you to research materials and some forms which will give you the information you need to prepare your legal document. They can provide the Indiana Code and the Indiana Rules of Court, which will give you information on court procedure and legal requirements. You should look at both State and Adams County’s Local Rules.

(2) The Indiana Supreme Court Website

Visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/. This is the Website for the Indiana Supreme Court and as you explore the site, you will find a wealth of research materials and forms.

On the top of the main page, you will find a menu called “Information for…” Click on the word “Public.” It will take you to the “Information for Members of the Public” webpage. Scroll down the page and you will find information on “Getting Legal Help,” “Representing Yourself in Court,” “General Information” (which includes Indiana Rules of Court and the Indiana Code), and other topics of interest.

You can also access “Sample Court Forms” under the “Representing Yourself in Court” topic. Some available forms include forms for divorce, child support, name change, and protective orders.
(3) Lawyer Referral Service (Allen County/Fort Wayne, Indiana)

Their office hours are Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Their telephone number is (260) 423-2358. Please call for a referral; no walk-in appointments are accepted.

The ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service has attorneys who practice in virtually all areas of the law including: bankruptcy, business and corporate, consumer, custody and visitation, criminal, divorce, employment, immigration, medical malpractice, misdemeanor, personal injury, probate, wills and estates, real estate, child support, social security, and worker’s compensation.

When you contact ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service, trained staff will help you evaluate your situation. Then, if you need an attorney, you will be referred to one that practices in that area of law.

A $40.00 non-refundable fee is required for most referrals for up to a half-hour consultation. No consultation fees are charged for personal injury, social security, worker’s compensation, and medical malpractice cases.

If a lawyer is not what you need, the ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service staff will direct you to another source of assistance.

(4) Legal Line

Do you have a legal question? Not sure if you need to hire an attorney? Then take advantage of Legal Line. You can speak directly with an attorney for free every Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM just by calling (260) 423-2358. If your legal issue cannot be resolved, the attorney may refer you to ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service.

(5) Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana

The Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana (“VLP”) is located at 927 S. Harrison St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. Hours are Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their office number is (260) 407-0917 or toll free at 1-(877) 407-0917. Their Website is http://www.vlpnei.org/.

VLP offers services in: adoption, consumer law, estate law, guardianships, landlord/tenant, real estate, social security disability, bankruptcy (client must have filing fees), collections, contracts, family law (dissolutions), immigration, POA/Wills/Health Care Directives, Small Claims, Tort Defense, and Pro Se Clinics for Dissolution of Marriage (self-service clinics where both parties agree to terms of property settlement, parenting time, and child support).

Not all people who qualify for VLP assistance are referred to an attorney for direct representation. Some people may be placed in one of our other programs. Other cases may not be able to be placed because we simply cannot find an attorney to help or because there is nothing an attorney can do to help fix the problem.

VLP cannot assist with: change of venue, criminal matters, emergencies, CHINS cases, driver’s licenses or traffic tickets, incarcerated people, fee generating cases (personal injury), cases where a hearing is set within the next thirty (30) days, any case against the judicial or criminal justice system or any government entity, and cases filed in other pro bono districts or other states.

(6) Indiana Legal Services

Indiana Legal Services is located at 919 S. Harrison St., Suite 200, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. Their telephone number is (260) 424-9155 or (888) 442-8600. Their fax number is (260) 424-9166. Their website is http://www.indianalegalservices.org/. Their office hours are Mondays – Fridays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. To complete an application for their services, please call them on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In order to be eligible for their services, an individual must have an income up to 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines with exceptions in certain circumstances.

Indiana Legal Services practices family law (with priority given to divorce cases involving domestic violence); housing (eviction, landlord/tenant issues, subsidized housing, foreclosure, etc.); public benefits (Medicaid, food stamps, TANF, social security, unemployment insurance, etc.); consumer (debt collection, loans, vehicles, warranties, taxes, etc.); immigration; and other civil legal matters.

Indiana Legal Services in Fort Wayne serves the counties of Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley. For services outside these counties, you may contact another Indiana Legal Services office.

(7) Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

Their office is located at 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807. Their phone number is (260) 456-8969, extension 311. Their email address is fwcontact@nclegalclinic.org.

Intakes are available on a first come-first serve basis. You can register on site. Intakes take place on Mondays (register at 5:00 PM) at Catherine Kasper Place, 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807; Wednesdays (register at 5:00 PM) at Faith Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pettit Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46806; and on the Third Saturday of Every Month (register at 10:00 AM) at Catherine Kasper Place, 2826 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807.

In order to be eligible for their services, an individual must have an income up to 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

They practice the areas of landlord/tenant, uncontested custody/visitation, uncontested child support, bankruptcy, wills/estates, discrimination, housing/foreclosure, guardianship, immigration, consumer/debt, SSI/SSD, and tax controversies.

They cannot provide services in criminal or divorce cases.

8) Adams County Bar Association

President, Cory Sprunger, Attorney at Law, Office Phone Number (260) 589-2338

10. Where do I pay my criminal, civil or small claim case?

Payments may be made in person or by mail at the Adams County Clerk's Office, 112 S. 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733. Visa, MasterCard and Discover payments may also be made by calling (260) 724-5309. Additional fees are charged if paying by credit card.

11. Why won’t Judge Conrad discuss my case with me?

Judicial officers must remain independent, impartial, and unbiased to both sides to a dispute throughout all phases of the case. Judicial officers cannot take sides with any one party to a dispute or act as the lawyer for either party. The Court is not a legal services office. If a judicial officer or the court staff assists either party with the preparation and presentation of his or her case, then the judicial officer has become biased and partial, and has compromised the integrity of the Court. Furthermore, communications with a party must be in the presence of all other opposing parties. There cannot be private, one-sided conversations with a judicial officer. This is known as the prohibition against ex parte communications. Finally, a judicial officer must remain independent from all influence. Suggestions that the judicial officer will not get your vote, or that you will publicly criticize the judicial officer, or that you will write a letter to the editor, or that you will report the judicial officer to the authorities will not influence the judicial officer’s decision, nor will it open the lines of communication to the judicial officer. The Canons of Judicial Conduct govern each of these topics concerning judicial independence, impartiality, and communications concerning a case. Please refer to Canon 1(A), Canon 2(B), Canon 3(B)(2), Canon 3(B)(5), and Canon 3(B)(8)

Show All Answers

1. When are taxes due?

Generally May 10th and November 10th unless this day falls on a legal holiday or a weekend. If so, it is the first working day after that weekend or holiday.

2. Where can I pay taxes?

Taxes can be paid at the Treasurer's Office, at the local banks (not credit unions), credit cards, and by mail. Your local banks will take tax payments that are not delinquent. Some banks may have special collection policies. There is a 2.49% convenience fee to use a debit or credit card. A fee of $1.50 is charged to do an E-Check.

3. What happens if I miss the due date?

If taxes are not paid on or before the due date, and this is the only installment delinquent, there is a 5% penalty for 30 days after the due date. If the delinquency is not paid in full by the end of the 30 days the penalty is 10% on the original unpaid amount. If there is more than one installment delinquent, the penalty is automatically 10% on the day after the due date.

4. Can I pay my taxes with a debit/credit card?

Yes. Taxes can be paid with a debit/credit card in the office, by phone, or online. There is a 2.49% convenience fee to use a debit/credit card. There is a $1.50 fee to pay by E-Check. To pay by phone please call 260-724-5353. To pay by internet please visit http://www.adamscountyindiana.us/

5. Where do I file my deductions/exemptions?

All deductions are file in the Auditor's Office.

6. When are tax bills mailed?

Tax bills are mailed mid-April. There is only ONE mailing per year. In this mailing there is a coupon for the May installment and a coupon for the November installment. Also included is a comparison statement that compares last year's taxes to this year's taxes.

7. Can I make partial payments?

Yes, partial payments are accepted. Unless told otherwise, we will post your payment to the oldest tax amount due. Penalties will still applied on any amount unpaid on the due date.