Best Family Lawyer in Indiana
Melissa Winkler
Family Lawyer
Melissa Winkler-York opened her own law practice in July 2009 after working as an associate attorney at another law firm for almost five years. She was admitted to the Indiana Bar in the fall of 2004, having earned her J.D. at the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis (now called the Robert H. McKinney School of Law). She attended Purdue University and earned her B.A. in 2000.
Melissa is licensed to practice in the State of Indiana, the U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana, the U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana, and the United States 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Melissa also occasionally serves as a judge pro tempore and guardian ad litem.
Melissa handles family law cases in Marion and Johnson Counties. She also works as a guardian ad litem and a mediator.
Julie C. Dixon
Family Lawyer
Julie C. Dixon is a shareholder at Dixon & Moseley, P.C. , where she practices in the areas of family law, probate administration and estates. Ms. Dixon has co-written, taught and researched several articles on family law and domestic relations matters. She earned her B.S. degree from the Indiana University, Bloomington, and her J.D. degree from the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis. Ms. Dixon is a member of the Indianapolis and Indiana bar associations.
Most good lawyering occurs outside the confines of the courthouse or its corridors or courtrooms. In fact, a client’s legal objectives are most often best met and served by resolution before trial. This is self-apparent, but nonetheless exceedingly difficult to accomplish. This requires an empathetic attorney to sort through the emotional dynamics and overall financial and legal components of the case. At this, Ms. Dixon excels for three reasons. First, she has a strong sense of civic duty and generously donates her time, energy and resources to charitable endeavors; this keeps her in tune with realities of the hardships of the times and with community values. She knows and works with many real families and businesses as they reach milestones and address setbacks.
MATTHEW ZENTZ
Family Lawyer
Matthew is a skilled attorney focusing his practice in DCS / CHINS defense, Family Law, Probate (including Adoptions, Estates and Guardianships) and Criminal Law. Matthew uses his comprehensive knowledge and experience to provide aggressive representation and sound legal advice for his clients.
Matthew graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies, with high distinction. Thereafter, he graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Matthew is licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana and is also admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.
Prior to practicing law, Matthew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and traveled the world in service of his nation. He also served in the Indiana Army National Guard following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Matthew worked as a Teamster and Union Representative after his time in the Marine Corps. The combination of Matthew’s education and real-world experience allows him to approach client matters with a unique prospective.
Judy G. Hester
Family Lawyer
Judy G. Hester is a 1986 Cum Laude graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She is admitted to practice law in the States of Illinois and Indiana, as well as the U.S. District Courts in the Southern District of Indiana, the Northern District of Illinois, and the Court of Federal Claims. Judy’s diverse experience and training, combined with compassion and understanding, is the foundation for the Brazill Hester law firm and the commitment to promote the legal interests of each of the firm’s clients. Judy concentrates in issues affecting most individuals and families, including divorce, paternity, child custody disputes, parenting time, property valuation/division, and land use issues. She served as a commercial litigator for the prestigious law firm of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson through its Chicago office, subsequently managed the nationwide litigation efforts for Sears Mortgage Corporation (n/k/a PNC Mortgage Corporation), and later continued to counsel Sears Mortgage and its successors following moves to the United Kingdom and later to Indiana.
Her litigation and dispute resolution work continued in 1998 in Indiana, representing the Boone County Area Plan Commission, the City of Carmel, and expanding to family companies and individuals. Judy’s clients benefit not only from her skilled representation earned through her comprehensive legal experience, but also from her compassion that has naturally developed as a result of her long-standing commitment to serving others. Judy is a Registered Domestic Relations Mediator and a trained Collaborative Law Professional, Parenting Coordinator, and Guardian ad Litem. She is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Central Indiana Association of Collaborative Professionals, the ISBA, and is the Chairperson for the ISBA Children’s Rights Committee.
Elizabeth Rizos Zougras
Family Lawyer
At the center of every family law issue is a family — not just a case or legal problem. At the our law firm, we focus our practice on providing sound legal advice and courtroom advocacy for clients throughout Northwest Indiana. With 30 years of experience, we are committed to providing the best possible representation and personalized attention you need to overcome the legal issues your family faces.
Family disputes and other legal problems can be difficult to talk about. We strive to provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere in our office where you can talk openly and honestly. We will be equally open and honest with you about your legal options -we personally guide you through the entire legal process.
Katherine Elizabeth Flood
Family Lawyer
Indianapolis divorce attorney Katherine E. (“Kate”) Flood is a distinguished G. Kent Frandsen scholar and a cum laude graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. As a family law lawyer, Ms. Flood has concentrated her practice on dissolution, legal separation, relocation, child custody, paternity, parenting time/visitation, spousal maintenance/alimony, and guardianships.
In dissolution actions, Kate concentrates on child-related matters, taking a very active and engaged role when it comes to her clients and their children. She also places great emphasis on the financial matters that accompany divorce: analyzing, valuing, dividing, restructuing and protecting marital assets. Her experience extends to the application and drafting of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, protective orders, restraining orders, post-secondary education issues, and all post-dissolution matters. Kate is certified in Collaborative Law.
WilliamJ.Webster
Family Lawyer
William J. Webster is the founding partner of Webster & Garino LLC and serves clients throughout the State of Indiana. In State of Indiana v. Seo, William won a landmark case for Hoosiers, which prevents law enforcement from forcing people to unlock their electronic devices. William is a a guest lecturer at Stanford University School of Law and was named a Super Lawyer and selected to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
For over a decade, William has aggressively advocated for his clients and has assisted individuals and businesses protect the things that matter most. He offers clients practical solutions for their estate, business, and family. William focuses his practice at Webster & Garino LLC on business law, criminal law, estate planning and probate and real estate.
Richard A. Mann
Family Lawyer
- Mr. Mann has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers SuperLawyers Edition for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
- Mr. Mann is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the Family Law Certification Board. Many think this certification applies only to divorce, it also applies to custody, support, orders of protection (commonly called protective orders or peace bonds), visitation matters, adoptions, guardianships, juvenile matters such as paternity, criminal and Children in need of services.
For over a decade, William has aggressively advocated for his clients and has assisted individuals and businesses protect the things that matter most. He offers clients practical solutions for their estate, business, and family. William focuses his practice at Webster & Garino LLC on business law, criminal law, estate planning and probate and real estate.
Nathan K. Vining
Family Lawyer
I started Vining Legal in 2013 with the goal of providing cost-effective representation to individuals facing criminal and family law issues. These practice areas involve issues that are highly personal and sensitive and I strive to approach these matters with empathy and understanding.
As an attorney, I take the extra steps both inside and outside of the courtroom to obtain the best results for my clients – this can be done through things such as making phone calls to help a client find a job, researching activities you can do in your area during your parenting time, or helping get someone get into the right addiction treatment.
Navigate Indiana Family Law with Confidence: Finding Your Legal Champion
Facing a family law challenge in Indiana? Don’t go it alone. Here’s how to find the Indiana family law champion for your case:
- Indiana Expertise & Experience: Seek an Indiana attorney specializing in family law, with a proven track record handling cases like yours. In-depth knowledge of Indiana family law, judges, and court procedures is vital for success.
- Proven Success Stories: Look for a lawyer with a history of achieving favorable outcomes in Indiana family law. Client testimonials and case results showcase their capabilities and client satisfaction.
- Clear Communication is Key: Your Indiana family lawyer should be a communication expert. They should actively listen to your concerns, explain complex legal matters in plain language, and keep you informed throughout the process. Understanding your rights and options empowers you.
- Personalized Attention to Your Case: Every family’s situation is unique. The best Indiana family lawyers recognize this. They take the time to understand your specific goals, needs, and concerns, crafting a personalized legal strategy tailored to achieve your desired outcome.
- Negotiation & Mediation Mastery: Many Indiana family law cases benefit from negotiation and mediation. Top Indiana lawyers possess exceptional negotiation and mediation skills, advocating for you effectively to reach favorable settlements. Their ability to find common ground minimizes conflict, reduces costs, and expedites resolution.
- Courtroom Champion: If litigation is necessary, a lawyer with strong courtroom presence is crucial. The best Indiana family lawyers are confident and persuasive advocates, presenting your case before a judge with professionalism and poise. Their courtroom expertise can significantly impact the outcome.
- Trusted Network of Experts: Established Indiana family lawyers often have a network of trusted professionals at their disposal. Mediators, forensic accountants, child psychologists, appraisers – having access to these experts can significantly enhance your case and provide valuable resources.