5 Best Family Lawyers to Help You in Indianapolis

family-lawyers-indianapolis
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Years of Local Experience: We looked for attorneys who have spent decades practicing in Indiana courts. This ensures they understand local statutes and the preferences of area judges.

Client Communication: We prioritized firms that keep clients updated and explain legal jargon in plain English. Effective communication reduces the stress of an already difficult process.

Range of Services: A good firm should handle everything from simple mediations to complex litigation. Versatility allows them to adapt as your case evolves over time.

Fee Transparency: We checked for clear billing practices and upfront discussions about costs. Knowing what to expect financially helps families plan for their future.

Legal issues involving your family are never easy to navigate. Going through a difficult divorce or finally adopting a child, the emotional weight can feel heavy. 

Finding the best family lawyer in Indianapolis has to offer is the first step toward gaining some peace of mind. I have looked into the local legal scene to find firms that actually listen to your needs. 

These professionals handle the paperwork and the tough negotiations so you can focus on healing. Having a reliable advocate makes a world of difference when your future is on the line.

How much does family law cost in Indianapolis?

Navigating the costs of legal help in Indiana can be a bit of a balancing act. On average, you might see hourly rates around $244, though many experienced attorneys in the city charge between $158 and $462 per hour. If your case is straightforward, like an uncontested split, you might only spend a few thousand dollars. However, if you are facing a high-conflict custody battle or have complex assets to divide, those costs will naturally climb. Most lawyers will ask for a retainer fee upfront to begin working on your file.

1. The Law Office of Melissa Winkler-York, LLC

the-law-office-of-melissa-winkler-york-llc

Website: https://www.winkleryorklaw.com/
Address: 4259 Shelby St

Contact: +1 317-781-1080
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Melissa Winkler-York stands out because her firm brings over 30 years of hands-on experience to the table. She has handled thousands of cases, which gives her a very practical perspective on what actually works in a courtroom. 

I noticed that she focuses on a reasonable approach to keep costs and emotional stress as low as possible. 

On top of that, the firm is quite versatile and handles everything from traffic tickets to estate planning alongside family law. This is great if you need a “one-stop” legal resource. 

I appreciated that they offer a free initial consultation to talk through your options without any pressure. 

However, you do have to be careful with your schedule. They charge a $25 fee if you miss an appointment or reschedule with less than 24 hours’ notice. 

Overall, her “Super Lawyer” status feels well-earned given the level of individual attention her team provides.

Pros

  • Free initial consultations
  • Over 30 years of experience
  • Multiple payment methods accepted
  • Statewide representation

Cons

  • Fee required for late rescheduling

Customer Reviews

There’s nobody better than this law group!
Melissa made the process a lot smoother. She was very professional and stood by all of her promises. I highly recommend her and the team. There’s nobody better than this law group! I’m very satisfied with the results.

I felt supported and confident working with Melissa

I had a great experience working with Melissa. She was easy to work with, informative, and took all of my needs into consideration. I felt heard, supported, and confident throughout the process. Highly recommend!

2. The Law Office of Deidra Haynes

the-law-office-of-deidra-haynes

Website: https://www.dnhlawllc.com/

Address: 9785 Crosspoint Blvd #104

Contact: +1 317-785-1832

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Deidra Haynes positions herself as a “Voice for the Voiceless,” and you can really feel that passion in her work. She uses her own life experiences to relate to clients who feel vulnerable or unheard. 

Her strategy is research-driven and quite aggressive when it needs to be. If you are looking for a collaborative, peaceful divorce, her office is excellent at navigating those cooperative paths. 

They also have a specific focus on fathers’ and grandparents’ rights, which can be hard to find. When I spoke with her intake team, the process felt very empathetic and stress-free from the start. 

On the downside, her high-energy advocacy is a significant financial investment. While many clients say she is worth every penny, her services might be a stretch for those on a very tight budget. 

Pros

  • Relatable real-life experience
  • Aggressive courtroom advocacy
  • Specialized fathers’ rights focus
  • Compassionate intake process

Cons

  • Premium service investment

Customer Reviews


Erin fought hard and delivered the results I hoped for
Erin did an outstanding job representing me. She was prepared, professional, and truly fought for what was right. Thanks to her work, the court granted me the results we wanted. I’m extremely grateful for the outcome and highly recommend her to anyone needing strong and effective legal representation.

I’m grateful to Deidra for helping me gain primary custody
I’m very thankful to Deidra Haynes for helping me with my child custody case. She was very professional, supportive, and always explained everything clearly. Because of her hard work, I was able to get primary custody of my children. I truly appreciate her dedication and kindness. Highly recommend her to anyone who needs a caring and honest family lawyer.

3. Ciyou & Associates, P.C. – Attorneys At Law

ciyou-associates-p-c-attorneys-at-law

Website: https://ciyoulaw.com/
Address: 320 N Meridian St #600
Contact: +1 317-349-0755
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This firm is the place to go if your case is incredibly complex or involves niche issues like mental health concerns. They are even known for influencing Indiana law through successful appellate work. 

Bryan Ciyou  is the founder and lead attorney of Ciyou & Associates, P.C., with nearly 30 years of experience practicing family law. He’s often brought in as “successor counsel” to take over complex cases when other lawyers can’t move them forward.

One major benefit is that they are bilingual, providing services in both English and Spanish, so clients can communicate clearly and feel fully understood throughout their case.

They are also very transparent about their fee structure and provide detailed cost breakdowns upfront. During my inquiry, I found the team to be exceptionally thorough in explaining the potential outcomes of high-conflict disputes. 

One thing to keep in mind is the $250 consultation fee. Unlike some firms that offer free chats, you will need to pay at your first meeting. 

However, the level of high-level legal skill you get in return is difficult to match elsewhere in the city.

Pros

  • Bilingual English/Spanish staff
  • Successor counsel specialists
  • Appellate court experience
  • Transparent cost estimates

Cons

  • $250 consultation fee


Customer Reviews

Bryan turned my worst case around and delivered a win

I had many consults before I finally retained. Even the experienced attorneys I spoke with said to use Bryan. I had one of the worst cases with a horrible ex. Bryan was able to turn it around, be aggressive and actually WIN. The skill is unmatched . Highly recommend Bryan Ciyou, you will not be disappointed.

I finally felt heard and supported with Bryan Ciyou

Bryan Ciyou and his team at Ciyou & Associates are exceptional. They truly listened, took time to understand my case, and clearly explained every option without pressure. Once I chose my path, they fought endlessly and delivered results that honestly blew me away. After disappointing experiences with other attorneys, working with Bryan restored my faith. I’ve never felt so supported and heard. Highest recommendation!

4. Eskew Law

eskew-law

Website: https://www.eskewlaw.com/
Address: 255 Alabama St 3rd Floor
Contact: +1 317-203-8455
Hours: Open 24 Hours

Eskew Law prides itself on avoiding “cookie-cutter” legal strategies. With over 75 years of combined experience, the team focuses on building deep, personal relationships with their clients. 

They want to know your specific feelings and interests before they build a plan. 

Notably, I also found that they are quite accessible since they are technically open 24 hours for inquiries. You get to meet directly with an attorney right away, which helps set clear expectations. 

They also handle criminal defense and personal injury, making them a versatile choice for families facing multiple legal hurdles. 

Plus, their trial experience is extensive, so they aren’t afraid to go before a judge if a settlement isn’t fair. 

The main downside is that they keep their focus pretty narrow. They don’t handle things like corporate or intellectual property law, so if you need help in those areas, you’d have to go to a different firm.

Pros

  • Personalized case strategies
  • 75+ years combined experience
  • Direct attorney consultations
  • 24/7 availability for contact

Cons

  • Not for corporate law needs


Customer Reviews

I trust Eskew Law after a decade of great service
I have been utilizing this firm for almost a decade for my family’s legal issues. I have literally had a great experience with all the staff. I highly recommend Eskew law to expeditiously get the ball rolling on your cases. They go far and beyond the call of duty to assist in any way they can . Everyone in that office is professional and genuinely concerned for their clients. !!!

We trust Eskew Law as our longtime legal partner
We’ve worked with Mr. Eskew and his incredible team for years, and they have consistently delivered above and beyond our expectations. Their professionalism, dedication, and clear communication make every interaction seamless and reassuring. Whether it’s navigating complex legal matters or simply offering advice, Eskew Law Firm has always been a trusted partner. We truly appreciate their commitment and always recommend their services!

5. Cane Legal, LLC

cane-legal-llc


Website:
https://www.canelegalindy.com/
Address: 9465 Counselors Row # 200
Contact: +1 317-550-5602
Hours: 

  • Mon-Thu: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • Fri: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Attorney Nakeina S. Cane brings a unique perspective to family law because of her background as a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. This prosecutorial insight helps her anticipate courtroom moves that others might miss. 

She is also an adjunct instructor, so she stays very sharp on the latest legal theories. 

Interestingly, her firm offers flexible mediation options, including Zoom sessions, which are a lifesaver for busy parents. 

I specifically looked into her estate planning services and found the process to be surprisingly easy and compassionate. In addition to family matters, she offers flat-rate packages for business trademarks. 

This clear pricing is refreshing in an industry known for hidden costs. However, her practice is very strictly focused on the Indianapolis area. 

If your legal issues move outside of Indiana’s jurisdiction, she won’t be able to represent you. For local residents, though, her blend of litigation experience and academic knowledge is a powerful asset.

Pros

  • Former prosecutor experience
  • In-person and Zoom mediation
  • Flat-rate trademark packages
  • Academic legal background

Cons

  • Geographic limitations

Customer Reviews

Attorney Cane made estate planning feel easy and reassuring

Attorney Cane was incredibly professional, thorough, and compassionate. She made the estate planning process for my parents feel seamless and approachable. Something that can often feel heavy or overwhelming instead felt light and proactive. She’s truly amazing at what she does!

Attorney Cane guided me confidently through mediation and divorce
Cane Legal assisted me in mediation with my now ex-husband. Attorney Cane was very thorough in covering all the important aspects in a divorce with young children. I was very happy with the services she gave us and have recommended her to friends going thru similar issues.