June 2021             
DDD is contacted by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) following a complaint made from within the funeral industry for “practicing without a license”. An investigation is opened. Letters of response are sent.

August 2022         
First contact with the Institute for Justice (IJ) is made through Akhila Murphy of Full Circle Living and Dying (California case).

January 2023       
Cease and desist issued against DDD by the state board of funeral and cemetery service for speaking about end of life choices. DDD is unable to serve clients or work in any capacity unless Lauren becomes a licensed funeral director/embalmer.

August 2023         
Settlement reached re: the cease and desist with local counsel from Kroger, Gardis & Regas while behind the scenes, IJ prepares a separate lawsuit.

July 2023               
A federal lawsuit is filed in court by Lauren Richwine against the Attorney General of Indiana and other named individuals (representing the state) for infringing on her right to free speech as an educational consultant.

December 2023
Judge Holly A. Brady rules for a preliminary injunction that allows DDD to operate and return to work while the case is underway. The state of Indiana appeals the preliminary injunction quickly.

January 2025
IJ attorney Ben Field argues the case in Chicago before a panel of three judges in the Indiana Court of Appeals. (a recording of the argument can be heard here, starting at the 39 minute mark: Court of Appeals 7th Circuit Live Stream). 

August 2025
On Thursday, August 28th the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of Fort Wayne death doula Lauren Richwine in her First Amendment lawsuit challenging the state of Indiana’s unconstitutional restrictions on discussing end-of-life care. Judge Ilana Rovner wrote the verdict. 

Our victory in this case now sets a precedent in the Midwest that protects the work of Death Doulas in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 
It is the first major step toward funeral industry reform in the state of Indiana. 

You can see all current press releases at the Institute for Justice’s web page dedicated to the case: Richwine v. Matuszak, et. al.