Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Family Lawyers in Fort Wayne, IN

Our Recommended Top 15

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Fort Wayne Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

166Reviewed

105Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

9326 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.8 (62)
Google
4.5 (55)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Headed by one of the most qualified family attorneys near Fort Wayne, Patterson Law LLC has served the area since its founding in 2012. The firm handles family law matters such as parental visitation, grandparent visitation or guardianship, adoption, equitable division of marital property, domestic partnerships, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and child support. Founder Rex Patterson, who is a Certified Family Law Specialist, offers mediation as well as litigation services. He also handles real estate, bankruptcy, estate planning, and personal injury cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rex Patterson - OwnerActive16 yrs

116 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (10)
Google
4.0 (5)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Beers Law Office LLC provides legal services and solutions in the Fort Wayne metro. The law firm specializes in divorce and family law which encompasses annulment, child custody, child support, and guardianship. Its attorneys aid its clients with protective orders, parenting time enforcement, and prenuptial agreements. The company also handles cases related to criminal law and personal injury. Beers Law Office has over 40 years of experience. The firm is led by Rick Beers, who has volunteered for the Cancer Services of Allen County.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rick Beers - PrincipalActive48 yrs

7824 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Avvo
5.0 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Sam Jarjour counsels individuals and families in Fort Wayne and the surrounding locations. The attorney represents clients undergoing a divorce. He utilizes a collaborative approach to help divorcing parents amicably resolve issues concerning children. He also handles child custody and paternity matters. In addition to family law, the legal professional practices personal injury law and has recovered more than $10 million for his clients. Expungement services are also provided. Jarjour graduated from law school in 1990.

  • Alimony
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

4656 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Fort Wayne, Adolf Law Office focuses on family law and bankruptcy matters. It is well-versed in divorce proceedings, including its numerous aspects such as division of properties, bank account, and liabilities. It also ensures children's well-being under physical custody, legal custody, and support. The firm also handles cases involving paternity tests, emancipation, and grandparents' rights. Anthony T. Adolf, the law office's founder and principal lawyer, has over two decades of legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Anthony Adolf - PrincipalActive28 yrs

116 E. Berry St. Suite 920, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
FindLaw
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Joshua D. Byanski Attorney At Law handles cases regarding family, civil litigation, and tenant-landlord law. Sole practitioner Joshua Byanski works with families, separating couples, and individuals in Fort Wayne and northern Indiana. He aims to resolve issues around divorce, child support, child custody, visitation, and guardianship. He also provides assistance in arranging property division and filing a modification petition. Committed to guiding his clients throughout the legal process, Byanski is always available to answer questions from them.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

101 N Randolph St, Garrett, IN 46738

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Brinkerhoff and Brinkerhoff Attorneys At Law is a legal practice in Garrett that's been serving residents in the Fort Wayne metro area since 1902. The firm's attorneys have decades of experience in helping individuals involved in family law cases, including divorce, paternity support, adoption, and guardianship matters. Its lawyers also assist with business, municipal, real estate, and child welfare cases. Darrick Brinkerhoff, a managing attorney at the firm, is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
J. Brinkerhoff - PartnerActive50 yrs

155 Diplomat Dr Ste E, Columbia City, IN 46725

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (34)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Columbia City, The Law Office of Dawn M. Boyd offers family law and litigation services to clients in the Fort Wayne metro area. The firm helps families resolve legal matters relating to divorce and custody, guardianship, spousal support, and property division. One of the most efficient domestic/family lawyers in Fort Wayne, Ms. Boyd also handles paternity cases, protective orders, and adoptions, including step-parent adoptions. Mediation services are available. Dawn M. Boyd is a member of the Indiana State, Virginia State, and Whitley County bar associations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Dawn Boyd - PrincipalActive24 yrs

127 W. Berry Street, Suite 333, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Lange & Pricer LLC helps Fort Wayne residents by delivering family law solutions. The office handles marital dissolutions, adoptions, and juvenile paternity suits. It drafts prenuptial agreements governing property relations and takes on child custody and support matters. The firm also seeks post-dissolution modification orders to address changes in the former couple's circumstances. It offers alternative dispute resolution services as an alternative to litigation. One of the attorneys, Jana M. Lange, joined the bar in 2010 and is a registered mediator.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce
  • Adoption

110 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (16)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Beers Mallers, LLP is a law firm that has been serving individuals and businesses from Fort Wayne and the rest of Northeast Indiana for more than a century. It provides legal counsel and representation in matters of family law, as well as personal injury law, estate planning and administration, and personal bankruptcy law. Managing partner Adam M. Henry has been practicing law for more than a decade. He serves as General Counsel to the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of Fort Wayne.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
George Fishering - PartnerActive49 yrs
William Fishering - PartnerActive49 yrs

110 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (19)
Facebook
4.7 (19)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Scott & Aplin LLC serves families in Fort Wayne and the nearby areas. It offers legal services for families, including parenting plans, divorce, paternity, and support. It helps clients seek or contest the modifications of their divorce. The law firm also handles cases under mediation divorce, real estate, civil litigation, and bankruptcy law. One of its attorneys, Bruce Scott, has been practicing law for more than three decades and has been a member of the Indiana State Bar Association since 1988.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Scott - PartnerActive36 yrs

116 E. Berry Street, Suite 1110, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Based in Fort Wayne, the Law Offices of Megan L Close, LLC, works with clients throughout the local area. The firm's family law practice comprises cases involving different areas, including divorce, child custody, stepparent adoption, and paternity. It uses a compassionate approach in the representation process. The firm also sets up documents like living wills to help clients make decisions in the event of incapacity. Its sole lawyer, Megan Close, once worked in Allen County as a prosecuting attorney.

  • Adoption
  • Child Custody

129 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (38)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Likes Law Office LLC is a team of family lawyers near Fort Wayne providing representation to those seeking assistance with a variety of family legal matters, including adoption, visitation rights, child support, child custody, termination of parental rights, divorce, and marital property. Additional areas of practice include criminal defense, worker's compensation, and personal injury. Lead attorney Kevin L. Likes opened the firm in 1983, and he received his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kevin Likes - PrincipalActive41 yrs

130 West Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (23)
Facebook
5.0 (2)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Christoff & Christoff Attorneys is a second-generation private law practice that has been providing legal counsel and representation to the residents of Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas for more than 75 years. It specializes in various areas of family law, including divorce, legal separations, child custody and support, and guardianship. It also handles adoptions, name changes, and qualified domestic relations orders. Partners Joseph A. Christoff and Catherine S. Christoff have a combined legal experience of more than 65 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Christoff - PartnerActive34 yrs

809 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (10)
Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Guido Law Office offers legal services to clients in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas. The law office is focused on family law and has represented clients in cases such as paternity, divorce, adoption, child support, child custody, and adoption. Managing partner George Guido has been practicing family law for more than 10 years. He is the Fort Wayne Fire Department Union general counsel and is also a part of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
George Guido - Managing PartnerActive15 yrs

515 Professional Way, Kendallville, IN 46755

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (39)

Why choose this provider?

With an office in Kendallville, Yoder, Kraus, & Jessup PC is a team of family attorneys near Fort Wayne. The firm understands the stress that divorce, child support disagreements, and custody issues can place on families, so it offers alternatives to court trials, such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. Other cases in the firm's jurisprudence include paternity establishment, adoptions, and Department of Child Services investigations. Managing partner Michael Yoder has more than 40 years of legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Yoder - PartnerActive53 yrs
Michael Yoder - PartnerActive53 yrs

Compare our Top Family Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Patterson Law LLC
9326 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Beers Law Office LLC
116 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Sam Jarjour
7824 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Adolf Law Office
4656 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
The Law Office of Joshua D. Byanski Attorney At Law
116 E. Berry St. Suite 920, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Brinkerhoff + Brinkerhoff Attorneys at Law
101 N Randolph St, Garrett, IN 46738
The Law Office of Dawn M. Boyd
155 Diplomat Dr Ste E, Columbia City, IN 46725
Lange & Pricer LLC
127 W. Berry Street, Suite 333, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Beers Mallers, LLP
110 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Scott & Aplin LLC
110 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Law Offices of Megan L Close, LLC
116 E. Berry Street, Suite 1110, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Likes Law Office LLC
129 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
Christoff & Christoff Attorneys
130 West Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Guido Law Office
809 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Yoder Kraus & Jessup P.C.
515 Professional Way, Kendallville, IN 46755

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.