Best Family Lawyer in Indianapolis
Christopher Eskew
Family Lawyer
Chris Eskew is a talented criminal defense litigator who was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His passion for Indiana, his dedication to his clients, and his courtroom acumen set him apart from other Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys. Chris Eskew does not rely on ridiculous commercials, cheesy gimmicks, slogans, aggressive marketing, or false promises. Rather, his track record for success speaks for him. He believes in a unique approach to client representation that focuses on the client’s goals. At an initial consultation, he sits down with prospective clients, discusses their situation, explains the law and how criminal cases work, and then works with the clients to determine what their goals and priorities really are. Armed with that information, Chris Eskew then crafts a defense strategy tailored to the clients’ unique situations and interests.
After graduating from Southport High School in Indianapolis in 1996, Chris Eskew attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science in 2000. While in college, he played football for all four years for the Tigers and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta. After graduating from college, he developed a passion for litigation, criminal law, and assisting individuals who were wrongly or unfairly accused of crimes. He began law school at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. While in law school, he participated in the Criminal Defense Clinic in which he acted as a student attorney and assisted real clients. In addition, he participated in of Moot Court, which helped him refine his oral argument and legal brief writing skills.
Bryan Ciyou
Family 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.
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.
Mr. Ciyou writes and teaches extensively to other attorneys on a state and national level.
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.
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.
Ms. Dixon is attuned to, and sympathetic of, the psycho-social dynamics underpinning any legal issue at hand. Cast in this shadow, she is nonetheless able to rapidly identify the controlling legal matter and synthesize a balanced approach – one cognizant of the complexity of the emotional needs of life and its intersection with financial well-being in the context of legal matters.
Deidra N. Haynes
Family Lawyer
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, the injured, the mentally ill, those accused of criminal offenses, and those experiencing difficult family law issues.
Her number one passion in life is to become a voice for the voiceless. As a one-time troubled youth herself, she understands that sometimes good people make bad decisions. Someone became her voice and guided her through the criminal legal system as a juvenile and young adult; therefore, she is determined to give back to her community with the same compassion that someone rendered to her.
Additionally, before Deidra became a powerhouse attorney, she was once a scared and timid young lady who had to hire an attorney to help her seek justice against a huge corporation that demoted and retaliated against her based on her gender. Attorney Haynes uses her past and real-life experiences to relate to her clients. Her passion for justice and compassion for the vulnerable and defenseless allows her to speak out on behalf of the voiceless.
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.
Ms. Flood has a breadth of litigation experience, including representing clients at evidentiary hearings and trials before paternity courts, IV-D Support Enforcement courts, and family law courts in counties throughout central Indiana. She also has experience with alternative dispute resolution both as counsel representing clients involved in the mediation process, and as a civil mediator. In addition, Kate has co-authored appellate legal briefs submitted before the Indiana Court of Appeals.
As a student of the IU McKinney School of Law, Kate was active within the Dean’s Tutorial Society, being selected as the Director of the One-on-One Tutoring Program during her third year. Kate was also a faculty research assistant, and served as the Spanish language translator/interpreter for the law school’s Civil Practice and Health & Human Rights Clinics. Ms. Flood holds the distinction of being named a G. Kent Frandsen scholar, and was prominently featured in the premier issue of “The McKinney Lawyer,” the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney Alumni Magazine. Read the article featuring Kate on page eight, here.
During law school, Ms. Flood also worked as law clerk to the Honorable Judge William Hughes of the Hamilton Superior Court, performed transactional work for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and she participated in a medical-legal partnership initiative with Wishard Health Services, wherein healthcare providers and legal professionals worked together to provide comprehensive patient care to low-income individuals in Indianapolis.
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.
Education
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- Juris Doctor – 1986
- Honors: cum laude
- Loyola University, Chicago
- Master’s degree in Social Work – 1986
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.
- Mr. Mann and his firm are proud to have been one of the firms who represented Same-Sex couples who were successful in overturning Indiana’s ban on Same-Sex marriage. He continues to fight discrimination in the law.
- If you are looking for an experienced Indianapolis Divorce Lawyer or Indiana Family Lawyer, you should consider our firm. Mr. Mann has been practicing Family Law for more than 40 years in the Indianapolis area and throughout the State of Indiana.
- Mr. Mann regularly practices in the Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby County courts.
- Mr. Mann is a Registered Family Law and Civil Law Mediator. He also is Guardian ad Litem and Parenting Coordinator. Mr. Mann uses his experience in many areas of practice to aggressively represent his clients. Due to his experience in criminal, business and tax arenas Mr. Mann provides a more full service representation in Family Law matters.
JR Emerson
Family Lawyer
I grew up about one hour from Indianapolis, in Spencer, Indiana (near Bloomington), and graduated Owen Valley High School. After high school, I grew my hair long and sang in a rock band for a few years. I later attended Indiana University in Bloomington and recieved a B.S. in Business. After working in computer networking and later at Roche Diagnostics in technical support, I attended law school at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law – Indianapolis.
I live in Hamilton County with Jill, my wife and law partner. Our three children graduated from Carmel High School and went on to attend Purdue and Indiana University. Growing up our children are active in the 4-H. My hobbies include golf, basketball, football and singing (remember I used to have long hair).
I recognize that choosing to call an attorney can be very intimidating. I’m here to help you. I’m not here to sell you something that you don’t want or need. So whether you decide to call me or not, make sure you call an attorney to get the advice you need to make the best decision possible.
I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if there is an emergency please don’t hesitate calling. Of course, it is easier to reach me during normal business hours.
I am here to help you, so just let me know if there is anything I can do. – JR Emerson
What are the legal principles of family law?
Family law is governed by several key legal principles that guide how family-related matters are resolved in court and through legal procedures. These principles ensure that family law is applied consistently, fairly, and in a manner that prioritizes the best interests of all involved parties, especially children. Here are the core legal principles of family law:
1. Best Interests of the Child
- In any matter involving children, such as custody, support, or adoption, the primary consideration is the child’s welfare. Courts assess various factors, including the child’s needs, stability, relationship with parents, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.
2. Parental Responsibility
- This principle emphasizes the legal duties, rights, and obligations of parents towards their children. Parental responsibility includes making decisions about the child’s education, health, and general well-being.
3. Equitable Distribution
- In cases of divorce or separation, marital assets and liabilities are typically divided equitably. Equitable doesn’t necessarily mean equal; rather, it means fair distribution based on various factors like contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the financial circumstances of each spouse.
4. No-Fault Divorce
- In many jurisdictions, either spouse can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing by the other party. The principle of no-fault divorce recognizes irreconcilable differences as a valid reason for ending a marriage.
5. Spousal and Child Support
- Family law requires financial support for a spouse or children after a divorce or separation to ensure they maintain a reasonable standard of living. The amount is generally determined based on the financial circumstances of both parties and the needs of the child.
6. Legal Equality
- Family law is based on the principle that all individuals, regardless of gender, should be treated equally. This principle applies to matters like property division, spousal support, and parental rights.
7. Autonomy and Privacy
- Families and individuals have the right to make private decisions about their relationships and personal lives without unnecessary government interference. However, this autonomy is limited when it conflicts with the welfare of children or the rights of others.
8. Protection from Abuse
- Family law includes provisions to protect individuals from domestic violence and abuse. Courts can issue restraining orders or protective orders to safeguard victims and provide them with legal recourse.
9. Fairness and Due Process
- All parties in a family law case are entitled to fair treatment under the law, including the right to present their case, receive notice of proceedings, and have access to legal representation. Due process ensures that decisions are made based on evidence and legal standards.
10. Continuity and Stability
- Courts often prioritize maintaining stability and continuity, especially in child custody cases. This principle ensures that any changes in living arrangements or custodial arrangements minimize disruption to the child’s life.
11. Informed Consent
- In matters like marriage, adoption, or prenuptial agreements, all parties must give informed consent, meaning they fully understand the rights and responsibilities involved before agreeing to any legal arrangement.
12. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Family law encourages resolving disputes outside of court through mediation or negotiation. This principle promotes amicable settlements, reduces litigation costs, and fosters cooperation between parties, particularly in co-parenting situations.
Conclusion
These legal principles provide the foundation for how family law cases are approached and decided. They ensure that the rights and interests of all parties are protected while aiming for outcomes that are fair, just, and in line with societal values. Family law balances the protection of individuals with the promotion of stable, functional family relationships.