Opinions Feb. 12, 2020

Indiana Court of Appeals
Monika Schmidt v. Allstate Property and Casualty
19A-CT-01489
Civil tort. Reverses the Johnson Superior Court’s grant of Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co.’s motion for summary judgment on Monika Schmidt’s bad faith claim and its finding that an insurer does not owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing to an insured who is not the policyholder. Finds the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on that basis. Remands for further proceedings on Schmidt’s bad-faith claim, including her motion for sanctions and contempt.

In the Matter of the Civil Commitment of L.S. v. Community Health Network, Inc. (mem. dec.)
19A-MH-1610
Mental health. Affirms L.S.’s temporary commitment based on the Marion Superior Court’s finding that he is “gravely disabled.” Finds sufficient evidence to support the commitment.

In the Matter of the Adoption of K.L.B.; M.B. v. J.D. and K.D. (mem. dec.)
19A-AD-2180
Adoption. Affirms the Howard Circuit Court’s grant of adoptive parents J.D. and K.D.’s petition for adoption of M.B.’s minor child. Finds the trial court did not clearly err when it found that M.B. had failed to communicate significantly with the child for at least one year even though he was able to do so. Also finds the adoption court did not err when it concluded that father’s consent to child’s adoption was not required.

Indiana Tax Court
Vanessa A. Purdom v. Knox County Assessor and Knox County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals, and Indiana Board of Tax Review
18T-TA-32
Tax. Reverses the Indiana Board of Tax Review’s final determination denying Vanessa Purdom’s claim that she was entitled to a credit that capped her 2013 property tax liability at 1% of her property’s gross assessed value. Finds the board’s final determination that Purdom’s 2013 property tax liability was not entitled to the 1% tax cap is contrary to law. Remands for action consistent with the Tax Court’s decision.