Robert K. Johnson, Attorney-at-Law, Inc.

01/02/2022

If 2021 taught us anythying, it is to expect the unexpected. Our world is changing in ways we cannot always anticipate. One of the things we can control, however, is our planning for that future.

That is why so many Johnson County friends and neighbors came to my law firm last year to create their own Estate Plans. They understood the need to make sure their wishes are clearly understood. Whether it is transferring property to family, authorize others to help make medical decision or making sure that business matters are addressed, an Estate Plan protects and provides for your loved ones. Protect what you have earned and make clear what you want.

As we enter 2022, what can we do to make your Estate Plan happen?

The fact is that Covid-19 has made many of us cautious at the same time we became more aware of the need to draft an estate plan to ensure that our wishes are carried out.

But you don't have to wait to move forward. We can meet and put your Estate Plan in order, while still respecting social distancing and your business schedule. There is flexible scheduling and clear up-front pricing. Appointments on nights and weekends are available, and we also can meet via Zoom. Look at my website at rkjattorneyatlaw.com for more details.

Give me a call at 317-506-7348 for a free consultation.

[This is a solicitation for legal services.]

07/01/2020

What can we do to make your Estate Plan happen?

Meet on your back patio? Sign legal papers on the hood of your car in the driveway? Talk through planning goals on Facetime?

Sure, I've done all of that in these few months in serving the needs of my clients who are concerned with social distancing. The fact is that Covid-19 has made many of us cautious at the same time we became more aware of the need to draft an estate plan to ensure that our wishes are carried out.

But you don't have to wait to move forward. We can meet and put your Estate Plan in order, while still respecting social distancing.

Give me a call at 317-506-7348 for a free consultation.

05/04/2020

Teacher Appreciation Week takes on a special meaning this year. As we social distance, we are reminded of what an incredible job our teachers do this year...and every year. Whether you have been out of school for decades (like me) or are still completing your education, please take a moment to thank those teachers who educate, encourage and inspire us always. Our society truly stands on their great shoulders.

04/10/2020

Friends, I hope you are doing well. Please stay safe in these challenging times. I am getting calls from people wondering if they can set up an Estate Plan in this time of social distancing. The short answer is yes. We can work via video and email to draft a plan that makes sure you set forth your wishes; which usually includes a Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will and General Power of Attorney, as well as a Trust if appropriate. The only time we need to meet in person is to sign documents after your review. There are several creative ways for us to do this, or we can wait until the current risk subsides. If you want to talk further, give me a call at 317-506-7348 for a no-cost consultation.

10/31/2019

A really scary thought on Halloween:
Young pedestrians are twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Please be careful out there. Flashlights and glow sticks can save lives and be a neat costume accessory.

09/23/2019

Friends and neighbors, if you are unsure about your voter registration or where to vote, check out this great website from the Indiana Secretary of State.

I just registered to vote using Indiana's Voter Portal. Update voting registration, see who's on the ballot, get election results, and so much more. Indianavoters.com

07/27/2019

What happens if you don't claim your $125 Equifax money? You lose it -- and your chance to sue in the future https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/26/us/equifax-breach-settlement-questions-answered-trnd/index.html

Friends and clients—Please read. This Equifax breach settlement affects more than 100 million Americans. I am passing along this information so you can determine your eligibility.

Use the lookup tool linked in article to see if you qualify. I was surprised to learn that I qualify. I am getting $125. Please do your own research here; if you indicate you already have monitoring and spent no time because of breach, you get $125 compensation. Call me if you have any questions.

The $700 million Equifax settlement over its 2017 data breach means you could get money. Here's what you need to know.

11/24/2018

It's Small Business Saturday. Local, family-owned businesses are the lifeblood of a community. They are a big part of what makes home feel like home. When you have a chance--today, tomorrow, anyday--get out and support those local businesses that are the foundation of community.

06/25/2018

Friends, let me share an educational opportunity that can lead to a great career for those out of high school and not sure a four-year college is the best path. Next Level is a new Ivy Tech program that offers free tuition for students seeking a one- or two-year technical certification in many health care, biotech and advanced manufacturing fields in high demand. As you may know, there is a critical shortage of workers in many high-paying jobs in these markets. The Next Level program is a bridge to those careers for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. This is an incredible opportunity to get job-ready training in the state's most high-demand fields. I've attached the first page of a flyer, but can send the rest if you drop me an email at [email protected]. Put Next Level in the subject line. Pardon my enthusiasm here, but I teach at Ivy Tech and wholly endorse the quality of education this initiative provides. Of course, you will want to call the college for more details.

02/22/2018

Rock the Block Run is great way to meet your Center Grove neighbors and invest in your community at the same time. Will I see you there on April 21?

Rock the Block is a 10K (timed), 5K walk/run (family-friendly), and a free Kids Run. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways-guaranteeing fun for everyone!

02/09/2018

Do you know people who think they can say whatever they want on social media with no consequences? Tell them they better think again.
In a first of its kind decision, a Southern Indiana court has awarded $6000 in damages to a plaintiff who successfully claimed she was defamed in Facebook post by her son’s former girlfriend.
After the son died, his truck disappeared. Girlfriend was quick to point a finger at Mom (Zerlie Charles). She posted, in part, on Facebook:
“[i]f it was stolen I don’t know but I do know my truck was and yes Zerlie Charles had everything to do with it that’s facts.”
Eleven people “liked” the post and eight people posted comments in response.
Under the law, this is defamation per se.
A statement is defamatory if it tends “to harm a person’s reputation by lowering the person in the community’s estimation or deterring third persons from dealing or associating with the person.”
That becomes defamation per se (meaning nothing further need be shown) when it suggests (1) criminal conduct, (2) a loathsome disease, (3) misconduct in a person’s trade, profession, office, or occupation, or (4) sexual misconduct.
If your Facebook feed is like mine, a few examples of these instances come readily to mind. If they were posted by friends or relatives, you may want to give them fair warning that they are opening themselves up to a lawsuit.
Yes, truth is a defense, but it doesn’t stop you from a lawsuit where your lawyer has to argue those often muddy facts.
Of course, there is more to the Zerlie Charles story above. The girlfriend, in fact, had forged the title on the truck before she pointed a finger at Mom. She also falsely reported it stolen. That made it easier for the court to increase the damages here for defamation.
The underlying message is clear. If you think social media is a forum where one can literally say whatever they want without consequence, think again. Just as in all other speech, words can have legal consequences. And, when they are reckless and intended to harm the reputation of another, they may be actionable.
So, next time you are enraged about some wrong and take to social media to vent, it may be wise to stop and reflect on those words. Is the message you are about to send directed at a particular person? Is it intended to harm their reputation? Could they set up for a lawsuit?
If so, you may be wise to instead hit that delete button.

This is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended or offered as legal advice. For more information, see

Robert K. Johnson has been practicing law in Indiana for over 20 years. Robert K. Johnson now offers comprehensive estate plans.

11/23/2017

On this cold, crisp Thanksgiving morning, I give thanks for my family, friends and clients who have made this year so memorable. I am grateful that you are in my life and grateful that we live in a nation that enjoys freedom under God. Blessings to you and yours.