The practice of law can be dangerous, especially when attorneys represent parties in emotionally charged cases. But lawyers have long found solace in their homes — havens they say could be violated by a proposed amendment to Indiana criminal and trial rules.

The amendments in question — which would apply to Indiana Criminal Rule 2.1 and Trial Rule 3.1 —would require attorneys to include their cellphone numbers on appearance filings, making their personal contact information publicly available. Lawyers say providing that information could expose them to a deluge of client text messages and phone calls at all hours of the day and night, but Indiana Supreme Court officials say the idea is to improve communication between courts and attorneys.

While attorneys from all practice areas have expressed concerns about making their cell numbers public, members of the family law bar have been particularly vocal about their opposition. That’s because the nature of their practices requires practitioners to walk with clients through divorces, custody disputes and parental rights fights — each of which can involve heightened emotions and bitter battles.

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