Wayne County Estate Planning Lawyers

I graduated from Earlham College in 1990 with a bachelor of arts degree in English and French literature and from IU McKinney School of Law in 2000 with a doctor of jurisprudence degree. I has been practicing law in Richmond ever since with a commitment to community advocacy.

I was recently nominated Vice President of the Indiana State Bar Association with confirmation expected in October of 2020. Since 2005, I have been active with the ISBA, serving on its Board of Governors in various capacities.

I served as President of the Indiana Bar Foundation (2018-2020), with my Board tenure there beginning in...

I have been serving the legal needs in Muncie and surrounding areas since 2001. The areas of law in which I practice are estates, estate planning, real estate, business, elder law, guardianships and adoptions. I also serve as a Domestic Relations Mediator and as a Guardian Ad Litem.

Dedicated trial advocacy starts with finding an attorney with your best interests in mind. Ralph E. Sipes, an attorney based in Anderson, Indiana, has been doing just that for more than 34 years. After clerking for the Indiana Supreme Court for the late Chief Justice Richard M. Givan, he earned the position of managing partner at Busby, Austin, Cooper, & Farr, and has practiced as a solo practitioner since 2008.

Offices are located on the Atrium level of the Union Building, 1106 Meridian Street, Suite 107, in Anderson, Indiana

Amy is an associate attorney at Allen Wellman McNew Harvey LLP located in Greenfield, Indiana. Her practice consists of estate planning, Medicaid planning, Medicaid applications, estate administration and probate, business formation, and litigation. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association Elder Law Section.

Amy grew up in Shelby County and is a graduate of Morristown Junior/Senior High School. Amy graduated Franklin College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. In 2018, Amy graduated from Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University and was admitted to the practice of law...

After years of working at law firms ranging in size from three attorneys to over 150 attorneys, Kirk provides big city service with small town personability. He strives to advise his clients in the most cost effective and efficient ways. Kirk likes to think creatively and look for not so typical, but practical, solutions. Not one to hide behind his desk, he likes to get out there and get things done.

- Admitted to practice law in Indiana and the U.S. District Court of the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana since 2001.
- Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Star lists in 2011,...

Mr. Karnes was born in Norfolk, Virginia and he graduated from Tabernacle Baptist School, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mr. Karnes received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-law from Bob Jones University in 1996. He received his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, magna cum laude in 2001. Mr. Karnes was a Note Development Editor on the Indiana Law Review and participated in National Moot Court Competition. He has also completed a 40 hour civil mediation training and received the Francis J. Feeney, Jr. Tax award.

Mr. Karnes’ professional memberships include the Muncie...

EDUCATION
Indiana Bar Admission – Admitted on October 16, 2017, Juris Doctorate, May 2016
Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis Indiana

Master of Business Administration, May 2012, Indiana Wesleyan University; Indianapolis, Indiana, Concentration in Accounting

Lean and Green Belt Certificate in Six Sigma, June 2011 Villanova University; Online

Bachelor of General Studies, December 2009 Ball State University; Muncie, Indiana
Minors: Biology and Chemistry

Education & Associations Katie graduated with honors in the top of her class from Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2007 where she received her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Written & Oral Advocacy. She received a Traynor Honor Society award and participated and excelled in Moot Court and Negotiation competitions. Since law school she has been published in Motherly, Indy’s Child, Carmel Monthly and Zionsville Monthly. Katie is licensed to practice law in California, Florida, Nevada, Texas and Indiana. She is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the United States District...

Marion County and all surrounding counties, Probate Lawyer, focusing on contested disputes involving: estates, trusts, probate, guardianships in all Indiana state and federal courts. Administrative Law Judge, Indiana, 1974-83. Frequent Special Judge, major felony jury trials (1992-2011, 2016-2018). Frequent Indiana Supreme Court Hearing Officer, attorney discipline matters 2013-2020. Frequent court-appointed estate, guardian and trust fiduciary. Mediator. Admitted, United States Supreme Court, 1991-2024. Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, (1999-2024). Martindale-Hubble Rating, AV (1999-2024).

Michael Smith advises clients with starting up new businesses, buying and selling businesses, negotiating contracts, resolving internal disputes among the owners of businesses, and protecting the rights of businesses and business owners through litigation. He is particularly experienced in creating and advising limited liability companies (or LLCs). His practice also includes tax exempt, nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3)'s. He also represents clients in appeals, both civil and criminal. Mike was born and raised in Tennessee, but he has been a Hoosier for most of his life. He moved to Indiana in 1978 after receiving a B.E. in chemical engineering...

Looking for legal representation but don't know where to start?

At DeVries + Kelly Law Office, we provide "Large Firm Diversity and Small Firm Care." We can assist you in many of your legal needs while still giving you the one-on-one service that you desire as we work through the legal issues facing you. And, if we cannot assist you, we will refer you to firms that we believe will provide excellent representation for you.

Whether you have a moving violation, driver's license suspension problem, criminal charge, family law issues, or small estate planning need, then...

When you hire Valerie Horvath get ready to be surprised when she returns your phone calls and emails promptly! Valerie is available for modification of custody, modify child support, child custody, protective order, parenting time, and grandparents' rights cases.

Valerie practices family law - divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, paternity - and criminal defense. Valerie has significant experience in domestic violence, all types of partner abuse, narcissism, protective orders and stalking.

Valerie was a judicial officer in both criminal domestic violence and civil protective order courts for 7 years. Before that, she was a deputy...

Adam Lutzke has vast experience in the area of family law. Since he was admitted to practice law in 2010, he has focused his career primarily in the areas of divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and guardianships. Adam received a Lead Counsel Rating in the areas of divorce and family law in 2015 by the Lead Counsel Review Board, and was recently selected as one of the Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 for family lawyers in the state of Indiana for 2016 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Along with having handled...

Born in Subic Bay, Philippines on a United State Naval Base, Angela Field Trapp moved to South Bend, Indiana with her family in 1981. Angela attended Penn High School in Mishawaka, IN. Angela resides in Fishers, IN with her family.

Clients need an attorney who understands their needs and who can be an advocate for them, while providing competent legal services. That is where I come in. My name is Felicia Locke, an attorney in central Indiana focusing on the legal needs of everyday people.

At Locke Law Firm, we focus in the areas of elder law, probate and estate administration, family law and real estate law.

We believe that everyone deserves fair and affordable legal representation. We are committed to helping our clients get through the tough moments in life. We are committed to advocating your best interests.

Amber K. Boyd is a versatile professional with strong experience in managing complex litigation matters. She founded Amber K. Boyd Attorney at Law in 2013, where she manages a team that is committed to providing clients with the best service possible. Ms. Boyd has deep expertise in estate planning, probate, and probate litigation. Her goal is to deliver effective, efficient, and strategic service to her clients.

Ms. Boyd is a member of the Marion County Bar Association, the Indianapolis Bar Association, and the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Division She is also a board member of the Marion County...

Tracy is a 1994 graduate of the Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington. She also received her undergraduate degree in Business-Marketing from Indiana University - Bloomington. Tracy has been admitted by the Supreme Court of Indiana to the Indiana Bar and to the U.S. Southern District Court. She participates as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the Allen County Bar Association. She is a former President of the Fort Wayne Estate Planning Council, Co-Chair of the Probate, Tax and Trust section of the Allen County Bar Association, and Board Member of Early Childhood Alliance. She is...

Leah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington. After graduating from law school, Leah became a member of the Michigan Bar where she clerked for a Judge in the Circuit Court. After returning home to Indiana, she became a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, the Allen County Bar Association where she formerly served as Chair of the Probate, Tax, and Trust Section and the State Bar of Michigan. Leah is on the board of Healthier Moms and Babies and is...

Mark focuses his law practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, business formation and succession planning, business transactions, contracts and real estate law. Before beginning his legal career, Mark worked at Northwestern Mutual Life, where he implemented life and disability insurance plans for clients. After leaving Northwestern Mutual, Mark attended law school, where he earned Dean’s List recognition five times. Mark started his legal career at the Indiana Department of Revenue as an Inheritance Tax Attorney, where he audited inheritance tax returns and fielded telephone calls from attorney, CPA’s and trust officers on complex...

Lisa practices in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administrations, and probate disputes. Lisa is a problem solver. She strives to provide peace of mind for clients. Whether a client is setting up an estate plan, administering the estate or trust of a loved one, or seeking resolution of a probate dispute or litigation, Lisa enjoys helping clients find solutions.

Lisa is the Managing Partner of the Indianapolis and Carmel based, full service law firm, Harrison & Moberly, LLP, one of Indianapolis’s oldest firms. She is happy to meet with clients at either the...

At Adler Law LLC, Michael J. Adler is committed to protecting and furthering the interests of individuals and businesses in a variety of legal matters. From his Indianapolis office, compassionate elder law lawyer Mr. Adler brings over 15 years of experience and substantial trial work to his practice, along with a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and dedication. Mr. Adler maintains strong ties to the community as a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and a Vigo County Trial Deputy Prosecutor. In addition to assisting young families and senior citizens as an Indianapolis estate planning lawyer, he also is highly skilled...

Danica graduated from the IU Kelly School of Business with a major in Business Management and went on to obtain her Law Degree from the Indiana University at Indianapolis. During law school, Danica worked for Dean Andrew Klein while he helped the 7th Circuit Court revised, edit and draft its new standard civil Jury Instructions. Danica began her legal career with a firm in downtown Indianapolis, where she was exposed to almost every facet of the law from zoning and land use, to federal criminal defense, to business litigation and estates.

Danica focuses her practice at Webster & Garino LLC on...

JAMES A.L. BUDDENBAUM is a partner with the Indianapolis office of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP, where he concentrates in corporate law, acquisitions, business transactions, utility, real estate, employment, and complex insurance, and other business litigation.

Mr. Buddenbaum is experienced in representing all types of utilities—electric generation and transmission utilities, rural distribution cooperatives, sewer, water, gas and telecommunications utilities—before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and state and federal courts. He regularly negotiates large energy, utility and other business asset sale and purchase agreements and real estate transactions. He has successfully presented more than one hundred zoning and land use matters...

I pride myself on being responsive to my client's needs. My clients reach out to me for help with their businesses, development projects and personal needs. When they do, they are reaching out because something has come up that is beyond what they are comfortable handling alone. By responding quickly, I can help my clients avoid making difficult decisions without good advice. I enjoy working with my clients to handle help them grow and protect their businesses for today and for tomorrow. I particularly enjoy real estate development, having grown up in a family that developed residential subdivisions and built...

Romy has been practicing law since 2014. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 2011 and his legal education from Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Romy has been selected by his peers as a Rising Star from 2020-2023. Romy began his legal career as a Criminal Defense attorney in Lafayette, IN from October 2014 to May 2016. He then made the transition to Family Law with a firm in Hamilton County until August of 2021. Romy also spent time in Shelby County practicing primarily family law. He will continue his career here at Banks & Brower...

Highly experienced in estate planning, Trisha's practice encompasses wills and trusts, the avoidance or reduction of estate, inheritance, and generation-skipping taxes, various techniques for making gifts to individuals and charities, life insurance, disability, and distributions from retirement accounts. She also consults business owners regarding the choice of entity issues, valuation issues, buy-sell agreements, and business succession issues.

John Barce has over twenty-five years of experience assisting businesses and individuals with their legal needs in the areas of business law, federal and state taxation, charitable planning, estate and business succession planning. He has working alongside businesses to handle their intellectual property needs and biotechnology licensing. John handles mergers and acquisitions for businesses of all sizes by negotiating and structuring the agreements, helping with financing issues and resolving closing and post-closing issues.

Carla graduated summa cum laude and with Honor’s from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, with majors in both English and Latin. She then obtained her Law Degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. During law school, Carla served as an Articles Editor and Associate Member with the Indiana Law Journal and was a member of the Women’s Law Caucus, Public Interest Law Foundation, and Children’s Law Discussion Group. Carla began her legal career with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana as a Law Clerk for the Honorable David F....

Christine L. Bartlett joined Ferguson Law in 2011. A lifelong Bloomington resident, Christine attended Indiana University for undergrad, where she majored in Art History and Sociology. She obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Indiana University Mauer School of Law. While attending law school, she served as a Managing Editor on the Federal Communications Law Journal. Christine has served on the Monroe County Apartment Association Board since 2013 and is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association.

Mr. Lewis is an experienced bankruptcy attorney and founder of the Indianapolis law firm Lewis Legal Services, P.C. The firm is a general civil practice law firm that focuses on consumer rights, Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation and Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganization. Mr. Lewis is licensed to practice law in Indiana and Illinois and an Indiana-certified civil mediator. Mr. Lewis lives in Indianapolis.

William J. Webster practices as an attorney in Westfield, Indiana, serving clients throughout the State of Indiana. For nearly a decade, William has assisted individuals and businesses in protecting the things that matter most. He offers clients practical solutions for their estate, business, and family needs.
William is a lifelong resident of Hamilton County and resides in Westfield with his wife, Robbie, and four children, Dayton, Corbin, Bryce and Austin.
William obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Marian University, a Masters in Business Administration from Valparaiso University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of...