LaPorte County Family Lawyers

Born to immigrant parents from Barbados, Attorney Justin Brathwaite was the first Generation-American member of his family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Orlando, Florida, Attorney Brathwaite found his desire to help the community around him. This desire took him to attend college at Florida A&M University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Universities in America. He would obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, learning the quintessentials of financial management. Subsequently, Attorney Brathwaite would attend law school at Florida A&M University, College of Law in Orlando, FL. He would study such classes like Contract Law, Wills Law,...

I am a family law attorney who has been where you are...in need of a good family law attorney that understands not only the law, but the emotional side of the case as well. I work hard to resolve cases outside of the courtroom whenever possible. However, if we can't resolve it, I will be prepared to handle your case in a professional manner.

Melissa L. Rohrer is an aggressive, experienced Family Law trial attorney who practices exclusive family law in the State of Indiana. She is vastly experienced in divorce, child support, visitation, Father's Rights, college expense contribution, paternity, protective orders, emancipations, qualified domestic relations orders and all other various issues arising in family law cases.

Please see our website at www.burggraflaw.com for a full description of our attorneys and practice areas.

A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, served as a Combat Medic in the United States Army after high school. Upon returning to the states, I began to work at a property tax consulting firm in NWI, transforming it into a multi-million-dollar a year company. Opened my own property tax consulting firm in 2013 with a dedicated team, which continues to thrive. While being the C.E.O., I continued to push myself to obtain a Masters in Business in Administration from Valparaiso University and then set my sights on law school. In 2017, I graduated Cum Laude from Valparaiso School...

I was born and raised in Plymouth, IN. I am a graduate from LaVille High School in 2009. Following that, in 2016 I received a B.S. in Business Administration. Then receiving a full tuition scholarship to attend Valparaiso University School of Law. During law school, I had an internship with the LaPorte County Prosecutors Office. I graduated in 2019 with a Juris Doctorate Degree. I am admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana. I have four children with my husband, Adam. As a family we enjoy camping, walking, and family movie nights on the couch.

My office is located in Crown Point, Indiana, and is conveniently close to the Lake County Government Center as well as the city courts located in Crown Point and Merrillville. I am concentrating my practice in the areas of criminal defense, traffic offenses, DUIs, Family Law, and Personal Injury. I will be happy to meet with you to discuss your legal matter. I am available to schedule your appointment at your convenience.

Highly experienced in Criminal Law. Attorney Derla R. Gross has been practicing for more than 28 years. Of those years, she was a Felony Prosecutor and Felony Trial Supervisor in the Lake county Prosecutor’s Office for over 14 years. For the last 14 years, Attorney Gross has provided representation in matters of serious criminal defense, traffic matters, license suspensions, drug offenses, family law and accident/injury law. Her years of experience have given her the insight and knowledge required in order to provide reliable and effective representation. In matters of Family Law, such as divorce, legal...

Facing a divorce or family law matter such as a divorce or any matter involving your children is never easy. It is natural to feel like the weight of the world is against you and you may be looking for a way to ease the stress and worry. Working with a compassionate and caring family law attorney can make all of the difference. Kim Kessinger is a dedicated Senior Associate Attorney with Stange Law Firm, PC. She can represent clients throughout Marion County, IN and the surrounding areas from the firm’s Indianapolis, Indiana office. Kim earned her Juris Doctorate from the...

Jim Hanson has a diverse background that provides him with context to find solutions to complex challenges. Jim has significant experience with Criminal Law and Family Law as well as both legal and practical experience with Business Law, Real Estate, Probate and General Civil Litigation. Jim served as a Korean linguist with the United States Army. This experience allows Jim to more easily navigate cultural and language barriers when resolving legal issues.

Shawn attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2008. While in law school, she served as a member of the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association, a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, and as an Associate Member of the Mock Trial Board. Prior to studying law, Shawn obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Business Communication from Concordia University in Fort Wayne. During her time in undergraduate school, she served as the Campaign President for Toys for Tots. Shawn is licensed and ready to...

Christopher L. LaPan practices exclusively as a family lawyer, civil litigator, and mediator. He received his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University in 2009, and is admitted to practice law in the Indiana Supreme Court and the United States District Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. He also holds a Masters Degree from Purdue University. Chris is formally trained in collaborative lawyering, and is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. His ability to successfully navigate even the most contentious and complicated divorces to creatively advocate for his clients inspires a fluid transition from being together...

One of the most enjoyable parts of being a lawyer is combining my genuine interest in others with my passion for helping people and fixing situations.

Most people seem to have headaches in a few key areas. That’s why I focus on the fields of family law (divorce, visitation, guardianships, etc.), business law (business formation, law suits, breach of contract, etc.), real estate law and personal injury (car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and other acts of negligence).

My Experience
I started my career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I “paid my dues” in busy courtrooms and...

We provide bankruptcy and personal injury legal services to the greater Indianapolis and Central Indiana area.

Experienced and trusted attorney focusing on Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support.

With nearly two decades of experience, Emily approaches issues in a practical and compassionate manner for clients. In her domestic and family law practice, Emily Szaferski concentrates on dissolutions, adoptions, paternity matters, custody disputes, child support issues, and guardianships. She handles various types of adoptions including private, agency and foster adoptions, adoptions that involve the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and the finalization of international adoptions.

Shannon gives his total commitment and vigorous representation to all clients. The most rewarding part of his practice is working with clients and helping guide them through difficult situations. He graduated cum laude from DePauw University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and later from Saint Louis University School of Law. He has given presentations for the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF) and various other groups. He is a graduate of the ICLEF Trial Advocacy College. He is the District 5 Representative for the Indiana Bar Litigation Section Council, and a past President of...

Dave Joley is a Fort Wayne native, graduating from Bishop Dwenger High School in 1996. He is admitted to practice law in the Federal Districts of Northern and Southern Indiana, as well as the State of Indiana. His practice areas include Worker’s Compensation, Personal Injury, and Family Law, with a concentration in Criminal Defense.

Mr. Joley is a previous member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, NORML, past member of Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American Inns of Court, Benjamin Harrison Chapter, as...

Mr. Churchward’s legal career began at the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s office where he tried cases in both the Misdemeanor and Felony divisions. While serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, he was exposed to a wide variety of cases ranging from violent crimes to misdemeanor and financial offenses, during which time he gained invaluable experience that he applies to his current practice. in 2000, Mr. Churchward took a position as an associate attorney at Leonard, Hammond, Thoma and Terrill and immediately began working for his clients with the same dedication that he displayed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney....

I am a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law, a member of the National Lawyers’ Guild, and a private practice attorney representing clients in Indiana State and Federal Courts concentrating in Personal Injury Practice, General Civil Litigation and Family Law.

Jennifer has a diverse practice ranging from high conflict custody matters and complex divorce actions to collections. She regularly represents clients in Child of Need of Services actions, both as private counsel and Guardian Ad Litem. Jennifer is a registered domestic relations mediator. She is tough but fair, and strives to be at least one step ahead of the other side.

Maria works with the family and domestic law team assisting clients with dissolutions, adoptions and guardianships. The team also is experienced at handling custody and child support issues, paternity issues and acting in the role of a guardian ad litem.

Jennifer Naue attended IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After living in Indianapolis for a few years, Jennifer Naue practiced in White County and Benton County before making the move to Kosciusko County to be closer to her family. Jennifer invested in the community and strives for excellence in her legal representation. Jennifer Naue practices primarily in Kosciusko County and Marshall County, but for certain legal issues she can provide legal services across Indiana. Upon admission to practice law, Jennifer Naue began her legal career as a staff attorney for the Department of Child Services. After working for the State...