Elkhart County Family Lawyers

Attorney Bryan L. Ciyou, an Eagle Scout, lives each day on the bedrock principle of the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared.” This way of life – his mantra – was then forged on the anvil of hardships endured during his significant humanitarian aid work in places like Haiti and Central America. In these countries, making a plan and executing it, and always being prepared, was not a choice but a necessity in order to survive daily life.A few years later, Mr. Ciyou attended Indiana University, Indianapolis, completing the honors program and graduating with a bachelor of arts, with distinction, in...

An Indiana native, Robert J. Nice has practiced law in Indiana for three decades. With a legal career that began in 1985, he focuses his practice in the areas of Real Estate, Small Business, Business Litigation, General Litigation, Legal Malpractice, and Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury.

Following law school at Villanova University, Robert Nice was employed as an associate with a large Indianapolis law firm for six years before establishing his own firm in 1992. As the Managing Partner of The Nice Law Firm, LLP, he now rises to the challenge of operating five offices located throughout central Indiana. He is adept...

Heather is a compassionate family law attorney with a focus on helping clients navigate complex legal issues during emotionally difficult times. Her practice is dedicated to helping clients with a range of family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, custody, parenting time, child support, pre and postnuptial agreements, relocations, post-decree modifications, and stepparent adoptions. Understanding that each client's situation is unique, Heather takes a personalized approach to every case. She appreciates the sensitivity of family law matters and the importance of providing legal counsel while also offering emotional support and understanding. Heather firmly believes that negotiated agreements are often the best solution...

Deidra N. Haynes graduated from Indiana University School of Law, also known as McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. She interned while in law school as a prosecutor, public defender, and state public defender defending those who were facing the death penalty. Immediately after law school, she worked for Barnes & Thornburg, the largest law firm in the state of Indiana as an employment litigator defending large corporations. Attorney Haynes decided to pursue her passion for advocating for those without a voice. As a result, she now represents employees, the injured, the mentally ill, those accused of criminal offenses, and...

Megan Wells is a 1999 graduate of Indiana University—Bloomington and a 2004 graduate of Indiana University School of Law –Indianapolis. Ms. Wells focuses her practice on family law in all of its capacities, including dissolution of marriage, paternity, establishing and modifying child custody, establishing and modifying child support, establishing and modifying parenting time, adoption and guardianship. In her practice, Megan thoroughly understands that she represents individuals and families in transitional phases in their lives. She understands that family law issues are often sensitive ones, and has the compassion, experience, and legal knowledge to provide representation to individuals at what...

I am a senior litigator at Barrow Brown PLLC, a small Kentucky-based divorce and family law firm proudly serving Kentucky and Indiana. We are committed to providing personal and empathic service to those living through divorce. Call me today to see how I can assist you!

I have been serving the legal needs in Muncie and surrounding areas for 16 years. The areas of law in which I practice are estates, estate planning, real estate, business, guardianships, adoptions and family law.

Adam was born in Zionsville, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Zionsville High School. Adam attended Purdue University on a full academic merit scholarship, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering. While at Purdue, Adam was president of the Beta Phi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and was named to the dean’s list seven times. In 2009, Adam graduated cum laude from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Federal Communications Law Journal. His note concerning network neutrality was published in the 2008 edition of...

Zach Phillips is one of the founding partners of Bernhardt Phillips, LLP and an experienced litigator whose passion and drive will make all the difference in your case.

Danica graduated from the IU Kelly School of Business with a major in Business Management and went on to obtain her Law Degree from the Indiana University at Indianapolis. During law school, Danica worked for Dean Andrew Klein while he helped the 7th Circuit Court revised, edit and draft its new standard civil Jury Instructions. Danica began her legal career with a firm in downtown Indianapolis, where she was exposed to almost every facet of the law from zoning and land use, to federal criminal defense, to business litigation and estates.

Danica focuses her practice at Webster & Garino LLC on...

Clients need an attorney who understands their needs and who can be an advocate for them, while providing competent legal services. That is where I come in. My name is Felicia Locke, an attorney in central Indiana focusing on the legal needs of everyday people.

At Locke Law Firm, we focus in the areas of elder law, probate and estate administration, family law and real estate law.

We believe that everyone deserves fair and affordable legal representation. We are committed to helping our clients get through the tough moments in life. We are committed to advocating your best interests.

Eric is a seasoned trial attorney with a diverse legal background and valuable courtroom experience that has honed him into a proficient family law attorney. Commencing his legal career as a deputy prosecutor, prosecuting some of the highest-level crimes in Indiana in the special victim’s unit, Eric swiftly garnered invaluable insights into the intricacies of family law proceedings and courtroom procedure. This experience laid the groundwork for his transition to private practice, where he diligently represents clients in a variety of complex and high stakes legal matters. Eric’s passion for providing zealous counsel to Hoosier families soon led him to...

Sean K. Hessler is an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer dedicated to protecting the rights of the criminally accused. As a former prosecutor, he understands the approaches that the State may take in handling criminal cases. With this knowledge, Sean aggressively defends his clients to the best possible outcome by carefully reviewing the evidence and preparing a strong defense.

Julie A. Camden is a partner at Camden & Meridew, P.C. She is licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. She concentrates her practice in the areas of tax and litigation. Julie enjoys jury trials. Julie has litigated numerous cases in the areas of: family law, automobile cases, bad checks, mortgage foreclosure defenses, and debt settlement. Julie is very driven, and tries to resolve cases as quickly as possible. In Julie’s spare time, she enjoys laying tile (or most construction work), bowling, and helping children. She currently volunteers as a guardian ad litem for Kids’ Voice....

If you disagree with a final court order, you have 30 days to challenge it by Notice of Appeal or Motion to Correct Errors. Consultations for these requests receive immediate response. My focus is on the efficient and cost-effective realization of YOUR vision of family life after litigation. I’ve been licensed in Indiana state and Federal courts since 1993, and also had licenses in Illinois and Pennsylvania (both voluntarily inactive). My areas of focus are family law, mediation and appeals. Let’s use the law and courts as tools to help .your family for once.

Lanae Harden is a founding member of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC where she practices family law litigation with more than 14 years of experience. She chairs the firm's Family Law Practice Group. Ms. Harden received her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Indiana University School of Law, finishing in the top 5% of her class. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the university's tennis team. Ms. Harden is also a four-time Indiana State Tennis Champion. Ms. Harden is a skilled litigator and extremely adept at managing...

Mr. Freedman was admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana and the United States District courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana in October 1984. Mr. Freedman began his legal career as an associate with the esteemed law firm of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis. During his seven-year career at Barnes & Thornburg, he was involved in a wide range of business and personal injury litigation in both state and federal court. He represented such major clients as General Motors Corporation, Uniden Corporation, Fruehauf Corporation, Amtrak and the Soo Line Railroad. He had the opportunity...

Vanessa Villegas Lopez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A daughter of Puerto Rican, Irish and Colombian descent, she moved to the United States at the age of 8 and grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. She earned her B.A., in Spanish /Sociology at Indiana University, Bloomington; J.D. at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indiana University, Indianapolis. She opened her own law office, Lopez Law Office P.C., in January 2008 in Indianapolis. She concentrates her practice in family law, focusing on custody cases and parenting time disputes in divorce and paternity settings. She is also a...

When a divorce or family law matter arises in your life, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the situation. This is likely one of the more challenging times in your life, and having a compassionate lawyer in your corner can provide some peace of mind and reassurance throughout the process of your case. Ranger Davis is a caring Associate Attorney with Stange Law Firm. He can help individuals throughout Marion County, Indiana, and nearby, from the firm’s Indianapolis, Indiana family law office. Ranger attended the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate. He...

Attorney K. Aaron Heifner is a skilled criminal defense, family law, and personal injury attorney. He is the founder of Heifner Law Inc., where he assists clients with a broad range of legal issues, including DUI/OWI defense, probation violations, domestic violence charges, divorce, child custody and support, car accidents, and more. Attorney Heifner has developed a reputation as an aggressive advocate for parents and defendants, as well as those injured due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity. With every case he takes on, Attorney Heifner strives to provide his clients with personalized, one-on-one attention and open communication....

William J. Webster practices as an attorney in Westfield, Indiana, serving clients throughout the State of Indiana. For nearly a decade, William has assisted individuals and businesses in protecting the things that matter most. He offers clients practical solutions for their estate, business, and family needs.
William is a lifelong resident of Hamilton County and resides in Westfield with his wife, Robbie, and four children, Dayton, Corbin, Bryce and Austin.
William obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Marian University, a Masters in Business Administration from Valparaiso University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of...

At the Law Office of Carman L. Malone, we are dedicated to providing top-notch legal solutions for everyday individuals. Our commitment lies in consistently delivering high-quality services and fostering trusting relationships with our clients. We pride ourselves on thoroughly understanding our clients' needs, maintaining open communication, and consistently acting in their best interests. Our clients are not just clients—they are the core of our work, and their success defines our success. We measure our achievements by their victories, and our satisfaction comes from ensuring our clients are genuinely pleased with the outcomes of our efforts. Whether dealing with significant or minor matters,...

Aubrey Crist joined Beasley & Gilkison, LLP in April 2020. Previously, she worked at litigation firms in Richmond and Greenfield. Aubrey currently focuses her practice on adoptions, personal injury (including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall, etc.), bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, social security disability, municipal law, and general litigation. Aubrey is originally from Muncie, Indiana, and a 2008 graduate of Muncie Southside High School. Aubrey attended Ball State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Aubrey then attended the University of Dayton School of Law (“UDSL”) in Dayton, Ohio. During her time in law school,...

Aaron McCrea’s main focus at McCrea & McCrea is family law, including divorce and child related issues such as child custody and support. Aaron has been practicing law at McCrea & McCrea since 1997.

Aaron is a member of the Indiana State and Monroe County Bar Associations and serves as a court appointed guardian ad litem and judge pro tempore. Aaron has also enjoyed working with his father over the past 20 years representing teachers and their families through the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA).

Aaron has spent his life in Bloomington having graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 1994...

Clarissa Finnell is an attorney with Schultz & Pogue. Ms. Finnell practices exclusively in the area of family law, representing clients with cases including legal separation, divorce, child support, child custody, paternity, parenting time, modification and contempt issues. She also represents clients in stepparent adoption and guardianship matters. She has been practicing for twenty- four(24) years and has extensive litigation experience managing heavy volume caseloads in complex, contested family law matters. In addition to her work as a divorce and custody litigator, Ms. Finnell is a trained collaborative attorney and can assist clients who are seeking to resolve their family...

Michele L. Jackson is a founder of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC where she serves as Chair of the Adoption & Reproductive Law Practice Group and concentrates her law practice in adoption, surrogacy, and international family law. Her practice includes representation for expectant (birth) or adoptive parents, as well as step-parent and second parent adoptions. Additionally, Ms. Jackson represents intended parents or surrogates in gestational surrogacy arrangements. She is routinely sought for her knowledge and experience regarding issues in international adoptions and international family law and has extensive experience with children in the United States and orphans worldwide. Ms. Jackson has dedicated...

Romy has been practicing law since 2014. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 2011 and his legal education from Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Romy has been selected by his peers as a Rising Star from 2020-2023. Romy began his legal career as a Criminal Defense attorney in Lafayette, IN from October 2014 to May 2016. He then made the transition to Family Law with a firm in Hamilton County until August of 2021. Romy also spent time in Shelby County practicing primarily family law. He will continue his career here at Banks & Brower...

Matthew R. Effner (Matt) is the managing partner of Effner Law Firm. In 1996, Matt joined his father, Robert O. Effner, in the practice of law as an associate with Effner Law Firm and became a partner in 2000. He took over as managing partner in 2013. Matt is skilled at building strong cases and is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is experienced at handling issues both in and out of the courtroom. He is a former president of the Terre Haute Bar Association, and he received the Tribune Star Readers’ Choice Award for Best Lawyer in...

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where I majored in Political Science and graduated with honors.

While attending law school, I was actively involved with the Moot Court Board, serving as the Moot Court Board Chairman. I received several awards in law school, including the prestigious Leadership Achievement Award, the Frank Harper Achievement Award, and the Moot Court Board Chairman Awards.

After graduating law school, I was a certified legal intern with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, in the Narcotics Division, until I became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in 2009. ...

Tony Gibbens is a trained and registered Collaborative Law Professional, as well as a Registered Family Law Mediator and a Registered Civil Law Mediator. As a Collaborative Law Professional, Mr. Gibbens has access to a network of similarly minded attorneys that seek to provide a low-conflict, co-operative outcomes to best suit all involved parties. Mr. Gibbens, however, does not shy away from hard or complex cases, preferring the “easy win.” He will fight the good fight for you and your family. Mr. Gibbens has a wealth of...

I have been practicing family law since 1989. I previoulsy worked with James A. Buck and James A. Reed. I also have a family law mediation practice and I am a trained Parenting Coordinator. I can assist clients with any family law issue, from simple non-contested divorces to very complex, high asset cases. I have an accounting background from getting an accounting degree from Indiana University prior to going to law school.

I am a Hoosier, born and raised- most of my childhood was spent in Moonsville, Indiana on my Grandparent's and Great Grandparent's farm. I graduated from Anderson High School with an Academic Honors Diploma before attending Ball State University. I graduated from the Political Science Department's Legal Studies Program at Ball State University and was accepted to Thomas M. Cooley School of Law where I was awarded a Scholarship for Academic Performance. At Cooley I was a member of the U.S. Championship team for Client Counseling and Graduated Cum Laude with a specialization in Litigation in January of...

Barrows Legal Group, LLC tailors its services to the client depending on the client's goals, financial concerns, complexity and amount of conflict involved. The goal of Barrows Legal Group, LLC for each client is to end the legal representation with the client in a better position than when we were retained. That goal is achieved through creative thinking, advocacy when called for, and negotiated resolution when possible. Just like every marriage is different, every divorce, paternity matter, or custody dispute is unique. The solutions to the conflict should reflect that each client's needs are also unique.

My name is Samuel C. Arp II. I am a disabled Indiana State Police Officer. In 2006, I was injured when a drunk driver struck my patrol car. Ultimately, my career ended and I decided to pursue a career in Law. Upon graduating from Law School, I clerked for a family law firm in Jeffersonville Indiana. I left there to take a position with the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's office where I functioned as a Felony Trial Deputy over the South Western Indiana Joint Drug Task Force. I now am a solo practitioner in Bedford Indiana and focus on Family Law...