2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 16
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Fort Wayne Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
= Featured Provider
- Child Custody
- Child Support
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Joshua D. Byanski, Attorney At Law, represents individuals going through a divorce in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. It covers all legal issues surrounding divorces, such as child custody, support, and guardianships. It helps clients understand their rights and advocates for their interests. The practice also handles the filing of post-decree modifications in case of life changes after the court order. Principal attorney Joshua Byanski also works as a deputy prosecutor at the Dekalb County Prosecutor's Office.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Joshua Byanski - Principal | Active | 7 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
Why choose this provider?
Law Office of Yvonne M Spillers handles the family law matters of clients in Fort Wayne. It represents individuals in high-conflict or uncontested divorce. Its staff members also promote parents' and grandparents' rights in cases like child support, custody, or visitation. They seek protective orders for victims of domestic abuse. Spillers work as a guardian ad litem and victim advocate, offering assistance to children in need of service. In addition, she helps clients considering child adoption.
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Child Custody
- Child Support
Why choose this provider?
Andrews & Crell, Attorneys at Law, caters to individuals and families in Fort Wayne and nearby areas. One of its practice areas is family law, including divorce. The firm represents couples during litigation proceedings and helps them resolve various issues involving child support and custody, spousal maintenance, and asset and debt division. Its team also takes on matters related to parent relocation and guardianship. Managing partner David Crell is the president of the Wells County Bar Association.
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
- 5.0 / 5 (7)
- 5.0 / 5 (4)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Child Custody
- Child Support
Why choose this provider?
Beers Law Office LLC is a firm that handles divorce matters for clients in Fort Wayne and nearby locations. Its lawyer, Rick Beers, has been practicing law for more than four decades. He assists clients in the complex and long process of divorce. He also deals with other family law-related cases, such as child support, paternity, prenuptial agreements, guardianship, visitation, and annulment. Additionally, he litigated wrongful death and personal injury matters. Rick Beers is a real estate broker who has experience teaching pre-licensing classes in real estate.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Rick Beers - Principal | Active | 48 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
- 4.2 / 5 (5)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- ––
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Shambaugh Kast Beck & Williams LLP is a Fort Wayne-based law firm with multiple practice areas. Its team of attorneys handles all facets of divorce, including parenting plans, child custody, spousal support, and divorce modification. It also offers collaborative divorce for clients who want to settle issues out of court. With roots tracing back to the 1920s, the law office has built a group of lawyers that works on legal matters involving employment, probate, and personal injury law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Benjamin Williams - Partner | Active | 21 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
- 4.3 / 5 (18)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Paternity
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Christoff & Christoff Attorneys is a law firm offering its services to clients in Fort Wayne and its surrounding areas. It aids clients going through the divorce process, covering issues such as guardianship, adoptions, name changes, legal separations, child custody, and qualified domestic relations orders. They also offer legal guidance and representation for cases concerning corporate law, real estate, personal injury, estate law, and social security disability. The firm's partners, Joseph A. Christoff and Catherine S. Christoff, are both members of the Allen County Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Joseph Christoff - Partner | Active | 34 yrs |
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- ––
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Stephen P. Rothberg is a Fort Wayne family law office that has been operating for over 50 years. It handles different types of divorce and legal separation cases, including uncontested divorces and divorces involving complex property and ownership rights. The firm provides mediation and alternative resolutions to help couples create agreements on marital asset divisions. Should that fail, its legal team represents clients in court to secure their rights to child custody and spousal support.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Stephen Rothberg - Principal | Active | 54 yrs |
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Divorce
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Mediation
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Michael D. Ghilardi has been offering family legal assistance in Fort Wayne. It guides clients in family law matters such as adoption, alimony, divorce, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. The firm also helps divorcing couples reach an agreement on child access such as custody, support, and visitation. In addition, it assists in juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings. Founder Michael Ghilardi is allowed to practice law in the states of Indiana and Michigan.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Michael Ghilardi - Partner/Founder | Active | 12 yrs |
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Bonahoom Bobilya Attorneys is a Fort Wayne-based law firm that provides clients assistance with family and business legal services. It assists clients with divorce proceedings, providing timely advice and guidance tailored to specific situations and needs. One of the firm's partners, Dan Bobilya, is well-versed in handling complicated marital estates that involve business properties. The firm also assists with probate administration, wills, trusts, succession planning, and other legal issues that affect families.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Dan Bobilya - Partner | Active | 23 yrs |
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- ––
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Megan L Close, LLC, is a Fort Wayne-based firm that handles family law matters. Its namesake and attorney, Megan Close, helps clients navigate the divorce process. She also counsels them on issues concerning child support and custody and paternity. Additionally, the legal professional guides clients through the procedure of stepparent adoptions. Close, who used to work as a prosecutor, was admitted to the bar in 2018. She is associated with the Allen County Inns of Court.
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
- 5.0 / 5 (2)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- ––
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Lebamoff Law is a practice that has been serving the legal needs of clients in Fort Wayne and the neighboring communities for more than 25 years. It provides legal representation to individuals who want to divorce their spouses. It also handles family-related issues, such as child custody and support, visitation, alimony, property division, and paternity. Lebamoff Law's other practice areas are criminal defense, trust and will preparation, and probate administration. The firm's lawyer, Justin Lebamoff, has been admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana's U.S. Federal District Courts.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Justin Lebamoff - Principal | Active | 29 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
(+1 additional source)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Child Custody
- Child Support
Why choose this provider?
Guido Law Office LLC advises and represents clients in the Fort Wayne metro and the surrounding communities. It helps individuals navigate the process of divorce and helps them resolve related issues, such as child custody, support, and parenting time. The firm also works on other family law cases, including adoption, guardianship, paternity establishment, and prenuptial agreement. George Guido, the managing partner, has been practicing law for over a decade. He is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2004, Nathan L. McElroy Attorney at Law delivers legal solutions to the residents of Fort Wayne and its surrounding areas. It provides representation services in family law matters like divorce, child and spousal support, custody, visitation rights, and support modifications. In addition, the firm helps families with issues involving paternity, guardianship, and adoption. McElroy's other practice areas include personal injury, auto accidents, medical malpractice, criminal defense, and bankruptcy law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Nathan Mcelroy - Principal | Active | 20 yrs |
Nathan McElroy - Principal | Active | 20 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
- 5.0 / 5 (9)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Adolf Law Office is a law firm based in Fort Wayne. One of its two practice areas is family law, which covers divorce. The company represents clients' rights and addresses divorce-related issues that concern property division and spousal maintenance. It also helps clients establish parenting time schedules, create custody orders, and enforce child support orders. In addition, the law firm helps people file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is headed by Anthony Adolf, a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Anthony Adolf - Principal | Active | 28 yrs |
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Divorce
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 1952, Leonard Hammond Thomas & Terrill is a firm serving clients in Fort Wayne. It represents individuals in divorce cases and related matters such as high-asset settlements, child support and custody orders, and property division. It also handles other family law cases, such as adoption, paternity, domestic partnership, post-dissolution issues, and protective orders. Its other areas of practice include criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning, and civil litigation. Partner attorney Randall J. Hammond is a board member of Allen County Child Advocacy Center.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Randall Hammond - Partner | Active | 43 yrs |
Mark Thoma - Partner | Active | 41 yrs |
Philip Terrill - Partner | Active | 59 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
- 4.4 / 5 (50)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
- Alimony
- Mediation
Why choose this provider?
Beckman Lawson Lawyers has been providing legal representation for clients in Fort Wayne since 1919. The firm represents clients in family law, estate planning, and professional liability claims. Some of the family law matters that it handles are divorce, child custody, and paternity. Its family law attorney, Heidi Koeneman, is a domestic relations mediator who has been practicing law since 1997. She is also well-versed in cases concerning child relocation, child support, and adoption.
Attorney Information
Attorney Names | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Matt Elliott - Partner | Active | 25 yrs |
Reputation:
We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
- Avvo
- 4.0 / 5 (4)
- 5.0 / 5 (2)
Professionalism:
We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
- Responsiveness
- Friendliness
- Helpfulness
- Detail
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 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Wayne, Indiana?
For non-emergency requests, contact the Fort Wayne Police desk at 260-427-1222.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Wayne, Indiana?
You may get an incident report from the desk of the police station located at 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108. Contact 260-427-1222 or 260-427-1340 for more information.
What are nesting arrangements in a Fort Wayne divorce?
Nesting arrangements after a divorce in Fort Wayne allow children to remain in the family home while each parent splits time between the home and their own respective residences. It helps children stay in the same school district, keep in touch with their friends, and minimize disruptions to their routine even though their parents are divorcing.
What is the waiting period for divorce in Fort Wayne?
The minimum waiting period for divorce in Fort Wayne is 60 days after the date of filing. During this period, couples can put together a plan for property division, parenting time, and support. If the divorce is uncontested by neither party, it can be submitted to the court for approval without having to appear for the final hearing. Laws in Indiana allow the waiver of final hearings in an uncontested divorce.
Will pension get divided in a divorce in Fort Wayne?
Yes. Retirement accounts such as pension plans, which are payments at retirement, and 401k, which are lump sum tax-deferred accounts, will be divided 50/50 in a Fort Wayne divorce. As a general law in Indiana, anything with value will be subject to being divided in a divorce. These can include home equity, bank accounts, cars, and properties.
Where are marriage dissolution petitions heard in Fort Wayne?
Marriage dissolution petitions in Fort Wayne are heard in Room 208 of the Allen County Court House, which is located at 715 S. Calhoun Stree in Fort Wayne. The court is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and closed on holidays. For more information on court services, call the specialist clerk at 260-449-4998.
What is joint legal custody in a divorce case in Fort Wayne?
Joint legal custody is used to describe the shared parental decision-making arrangement of divorced couples in Fort Wayne. Under this arrangement, the mother and father make major life decisions for their children. These include deciding on educational matters, religious upbringing, and medical treatment. Additionally, joint legal custody has nothing to do with parenting time.
What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?
The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:
- File the divorce petition
- Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
- Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
- Make financial disclosures
- Request discovery from your spouse
- Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
- Go to trial if necessary
- Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
- Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts
How much does it cost to get a divorce?
The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.
How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?
Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.
- Know your budget
- Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
- Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
- Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
- Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
- Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.
Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?
It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.
How to prepare for divorce?
It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:
- Interview attorneys
- Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
- Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
- Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
- Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
- Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
- Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
- Get support from friends and family
What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?
Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.
What is divorce mediation?
When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.
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