Best Custody Lawyer in Indiana - My Law Firm

RACHEL A. EAST

Child Custody Lawyer

Rachel is a Certified Family Law Specialist, as certified by the Family Law Certification Board, a domestic relations mediator, guardian ad litem and parenting coordinator. She focuses her practice in all areas of family law, including: divorce, collaborative law, custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, guardianship, prenuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements. She also provides services in will/estate planning and probate. She strives to provide solutions to her clients’ problems and guide them through the often confusing and stressful legal process.

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Mrs. East has conducted hundreds of hearings and mediations, argued in nearly every county in Indiana, and litigated in State Court, Federal District Court, the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Indiana Court of Appeals. While her experience ranges from wrongful death cases to divorce and custody disputes, she has devoted the last several years to assisting clients with difficult family law issues, the loss of a loved one, and planning for their futures.

Robert A. Schembs

Child Custody Lawyer

Raised on a farm in northern Indiana and graduated with honors from Purdue University, Bob was awarded his Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University in 1977, and had concentrated study in plain language legal writing during his final law school year.

Bob’s first legal work was with the Indiana Legislative Services Agency, where he served as staff counsel for both the House Courts and Criminal Code and House Judiciary Committees. In that position, he literally drafted many of the laws that he would later argue in court. Attorneys agree that jury trials are the crucibles in which great litigation skills are born. Lawyers who have only done family law work have not had the opportunity for this jury trial experience, as parties to such cases as divorce, child custody, adoptions, paternity, guardianships, and other family-related matters are not entitled to a jury trial in Indiana.

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Having tried over one hundred jury trials, as well as many hundreds of trials to the Judge, Bob Schembs brings over thirty years of true litigation experience into helping his clients in family law, certainly the most emotionally difficult of all legal areas.

As a deputy prosecutor for Marion County (Indianapolis), he was involved in creating one of the first programs in the state to focus on the unique difficulties in cases involving domestic violence. He also was in charge of screening and filing all serious drug cases in the county, and tried major felonies of all types, including white collar crimes, spousal abuse, drunk driving fatalities, and murders.

Bob was assistant chief counsel for the Marion County Welfare Department (now Division of Child Services), litigating many Children in Need of Services (CHINS) cases and working to establish improved and more thorough procedures in this important and underserved area.

Scott Smith

Child Custody Lawyer

N. SCOTT SMITH was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Indiana University in 1999, with high distinction. Prior to beginning law school, Mr. Smith worked directly with the Governor of Indiana as a Governor’s Fellow. During law school, the Integrated Public Safety Commission employed Mr. Smith to work on legislation for a statewide first responder communications system, partnering with the Indiana State Police. Also, Mr. Smith was a research assistant to then Assistant Dean, Andrew Klein.

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Mr. Smith obtained his juris doctorate from IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, cum laude, in 2004. He was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 2005. Mr. Smith received several scholarships and recognitions including, but not limited to: graduating with honors; recipient of the John J. Dillon Scholarship; and Finalist in Moot Court Championship arguments.

Prior to opening his own firm, Smith Legal LLC, Mr. Smith was a partner with the firm Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP until 2016. While at Campbell Kyle Proffitt, Mr. Smith had a diverse litigation practice focusing primarily in divorce and family law matters, but also in adoption, real estate, business and personal injury.

Stacey M. Davis

Child Custody Lawyer

I have several years of diverse experience in the legal field as a practicing attorney. I received my undergraduate degree in History from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire where I graduated with Honors. I received my law degree from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont where I was the recipient of the Debevoise Family Scholarship.

Prior to law school I worked for Wilmer Cutler & Pickering in Washington, D.C.. During law school I researched and wrote publications for the Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following law school, I worked for the law firms of Roberts & Bishop and Chavis and Chavis. In August of 2001 I opened the Law Office of Stacey M. Davis where I have provided a full range of legal services in the areas of bankruptcy, employment discrimination, family law, estate planning, probate litigation and personal injury.

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Around the same time I commenced working with the Marion County Public Defender Agency as Conflict Contract Attorney representing clients in Chins and Termination of Parental Rights cases until 2019. In additional to my own law firm, I continue to work and partner with other firms in the field of bankruptcy protection. Justitia Omnibus “Justice for All” is my motto as I strive to be a zealous advocate for all people and remain active in the community.

Julie C. Dixon

Child Custody 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.

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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.

Second, her legal acumen is augmented by Ms. Dixon’s Indiana University, Kelly School of Business, Bloomington, undergraduate education. With her bachelor’s of science degree, Ms. Dixon minored in the arts, psychology. She received her J.D. from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.

Clarissa A. Finnell

Child Custody Lawyer

Education

Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
- J.D. – 1997
Indiana University
- B.A. – 1994

Professional Associations

Indianapolis Bar Association, Member
Hamilton County Bar Association, Member
Boone County Bar Association, Member
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Member
Central Indiana Association of Collaborative Professionals, Member
Johnson County Bar Association
Indiana Association of Mediators
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Indianapolis Bar Foundation, Distinguished Fellow
Collaborative Solutions, LLC, Member

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Honors

Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine, 2011 – 2012

Pro-Bono Activities

IBA’s “Legal Line”
Johnson County Bar Association Legal Clinic – Volunteer
Marion County Legal Resource Center – Volunteer
Guardian Ad Litem
Mediation

Bryan Ciyou

Child Custody Lawyer

The Firm is headed by Bryan Ciyou, who has almost thirty (30) years of experience in most all areas of private practice. For the last twenty (20) years, Mr. Ciyou has handled complex domestic relations matters of all types, ranging from high-conflict custody cases to high-net-worth divorce estates.

Additionally, Mr. Ciyou has handled some of the most factually and legally complex domestic cases that arise, such as interstate custody disputes to parental abduction cases under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Mr. Ciyou also has vast experience with domestic cases where a party has mental health issues, such as narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse problems.

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A unique aspect of Mr. Ciyou’s practice is taking on cases as successor counsel. He is often the second or third attorney on factually complex cases or those with obscure legal issues.

Mr. Ciyou’s reported appellate cases in the Indiana Court of Appeals and Indiana Supreme Court have shaped and changed Indiana’s domestic law on a wide array of topics. Mr. Ciyou has argued before all Indiana state appellate courts and the federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Finally, Mr. Ciyou is admitted to the United States Supreme Court bar and has filed for certiorari with SCOTUS.

RAEANNA SPAHN

Child Custody Lawyer

Raeanna is a skilled attorney focusing her practice in personal injury civil litigation. She has the experience and knowledge to understand and navigate complex civil litigation, including matters arising out of automobile and trucking collisions, premises liability accidents, dog bites, Section 1983 civil rights violations, and medical malpractice actions. Raeanna uses her comprehensive knowledge and experience to provide aggressive representation and sound legal advice for her clients.

Raeanna is committed to providing personalized legal representation for her clients. During initial consultations, she actively listens and engages in dialog with prospective clients to fully understand their concerns and goals. After the initial consultation, Raeanna develops a specifically-tailored plan to address her clients’ needs. While litigation can be complex, Raeanna is committed to ensuring that her clients understand and feel comfortable with the entire litigation process, from start to finish.

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Prior to joining Eskew Law, LLC, Raeanna acquired extensive criminal and civil litigation experience. Raeanna is a former deputy prosecuting attorney and prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony offenses, including DUI (OVWI) offenses. Afterwards, Raeanna focused her practice in insurance defense civil litigation, including automobile collisions, dog bites, and premises liability accidents. Raeanna also counseled and defended medical providers, both physicians and healthcare organizations, in medical malpractice actions. She also defended clients in Section 1983 civil rights actions and matters before the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. Raeanna has tried numerous jury and bench trials and her litigation experience extends to both state and federal court. Her past prosecutorial and civil defense experience is invaluable, as it helps her understand and analyze matters from various perspectives and effectively strategize next steps throughout the litigation process.

What is the meaning of custody in court?

The need for the best custody lawyer in Indiana, or any other location, arises from the complex legal issues and emotional challenges associated with child custody cases. Child custody disputes involve determining the living arrangements and decision-making responsibilities for children when parents are separating or divorcing. Hiring an experienced custody lawyer can provide several important benefits:

Legal Expertise: Child custody cases involve legal intricacies and considerations that can be overwhelming without proper legal guidance. The best custody lawyers have specialized knowledge of family law and custody-related statutes in Indiana.
Child’s Best Interests: The primary consideration in custody cases is the best interests of the child. A skilled lawyer can advocate for your child’s well-being and help determine a custody arrangement that meets their needs.
Negotiation and Mediation: Custody lawyers can assist in negotiations and mediations, working with the other parent and legal representatives to reach agreements that are in the child’s best interests and reflective of your wishes.
Legal Documentation: Custody lawyers handle the preparation and submission of legal documents, including petitions, motions, and agreements, ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and submitted within deadlines.
Navigating Court Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, custody lawyers can represent you in court, presenting your case before a judge and advocating for your preferred custody arrangement.
Understanding Legal Terms: Custody lawyers can explain legal terms, concepts, and rights related to custody cases, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Modification of Orders: If circumstances change after a custody order is in place, such as a parent’s relocation or changes in the child’s needs, a lawyer can assist with modifying custody orders.
Emotional Support: Child custody cases can be emotionally challenging. A custody lawyer can provide support and guidance during this difficult process.
Ensuring Compliance: Custody orders involve specific terms and conditions. A lawyer can help ensure that both parents comply with the terms, promoting a healthy co-parenting relationship.
Advocacy: A skilled custody lawyer acts as your advocate, protecting your rights, explaining your options, and guiding you through the legal process.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of Custody Lawyers:

Case Assessment: Lawyers assess the details of your custody case, including your relationship with your child, the other parent’s involvement, and the child’s best interests.
Legal Advice: They provide legal counsel, explaining custody laws, potential legal actions, and the steps you should take to protect your interests.
Negotiation: Custody lawyers negotiate with the other parent’s legal representatives to reach agreements on custody arrangements and visitation schedules.
Mediation Participation: If mediation is chosen, the lawyer can assist you in preparing for and participating in mediation sessions.
Court Representation: If necessary, the attorney represents you in court, presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for your preferred custody arrangement.
Gathering Evidence: Custody lawyers gather evidence that supports your claim for custody, such as records of your involvement in the child’s life and evidence of the other parent’s capabilities.
Child’s Voice: Lawyers can advocate for the child’s preferences if they are of an appropriate age to express their wishes.
Legal Documentation: Attorneys draft legal documents, such as custody agreements and parenting plans, that outline the terms of the custody arrangement.

Hiring the best custody lawyer in Indiana is essential to ensure that your child’s best interests are protected and that you have the legal support and guidance you need during a custody dispute. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and emotions involved, striving for a custody arrangement that supports your child’s well-being and your parental rights.