Yoder Family Lawyers

One of the most enjoyable parts of being a lawyer is combining my genuine interest in others with my passion for helping people and fixing situations.

Most people seem to have headaches in a few key areas. That’s why I focus on the fields of family law (divorce, visitation, guardianships, etc.), business law (business formation, law suits, breach of contract, etc.), real estate law and personal injury (car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and other acts of negligence).

My Experience
I started my career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I “paid my dues” in busy courtrooms and...

J. Michael Loomis is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended Homestead High School. He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with a B.A. in Forensic Studies in 1978. Mike graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1981. Mike served as an aide to U.S. Senators Richard G. Lugar and J. Danforth Quayle from 1981-1983. Mike practiced law in Fort Wayne from 1983-1984 with CAPPELLI & LOOMIS, focusing on business and real estate. In December, 1984 Mike and his wife moved to Indianapolis, where Mike served as a Marion County (Indianapolis) Deputy...

Facing a divorce or family law matter such as a divorce or any matter involving your children is never easy. It is natural to feel like the weight of the world is against you and you may be looking for a way to ease the stress and worry. Working with a compassionate and caring family law attorney can make all of the difference. Kim Kessinger is a dedicated Senior Associate Attorney with Stange Law Firm, PC. She can represent clients throughout Marion County, IN and the surrounding areas from the firm’s Indianapolis, Indiana office. Kim earned her Juris Doctorate from the...

Christopher L. LaPan practices exclusively as a family lawyer, civil litigator, and mediator. He received his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University in 2009, and is admitted to practice law in the Indiana Supreme Court and the United States District Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. He also holds a Masters Degree from Purdue University. Chris is formally trained in collaborative lawyering, and is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. His ability to successfully navigate even the most contentious and complicated divorces to creatively advocate for his clients inspires a fluid transition from being together...

Shawn attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2008. While in law school, she served as a member of the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association, a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, and as an Associate Member of the Mock Trial Board. Prior to studying law, Shawn obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Business Communication from Concordia University in Fort Wayne. During her time in undergraduate school, she served as the Campaign President for Toys for Tots. Shawn is licensed and ready to...

Jim Hanson has a diverse background that provides him with context to find solutions to complex challenges. Jim has significant experience with Criminal Law and Family Law as well as both legal and practical experience with Business Law, Real Estate, Probate and General Civil Litigation. Jim served as a Korean linguist with the United States Army. This experience allows Jim to more easily navigate cultural and language barriers when resolving legal issues.

Experienced and trusted attorney focusing on Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support.

Maria works with the family and domestic law team assisting clients with dissolutions, adoptions and guardianships. The team also is experienced at handling custody and child support issues, paternity issues and acting in the role of a guardian ad litem.

Our firm represents small businesses and families in a wide variety of areas. Some of our main practice areas are litigation, estate planning, general corporate, real estate, probate/will disputes, elder law, and family law.

I am passionate about solving legal problems and helping clients get the outcomes they want.

With nearly two decades of experience, Emily approaches issues in a practical and compassionate manner for clients. In her domestic and family law practice, Emily Szaferski concentrates on dissolutions, adoptions, paternity matters, custody disputes, child support issues, and guardianships. She handles various types of adoptions including private, agency and foster adoptions, adoptions that involve the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and the finalization of international adoptions.

I am a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law, a member of the National Lawyers’ Guild, and a private practice attorney representing clients in Indiana State and Federal Courts concentrating in Personal Injury Practice, General Civil Litigation and Family Law.

Dan is a native of Fort Wayne. With almost 30 years of experience, he has developed a diverse practice. He has extensive experience in family law, estate planning and probate, real estate, personal injury, business formation contract drafting, civil litigation and creditor’s rights. Dan is a registered family law mediator and has received training in collaborative law.

Thomas L. Stucky practices primarily in the area of family law and as a mediator on family law related matters. His practice also includes collection and creditors rights, as well as a general civil litigation practice, real estate transactions, preparation of wills and trusts, and handling of minor and adult guardianship matters.

Tom has also been trained in collaborative lawyering. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in 1978 and Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University in 1981 and is admitted to practice law in the Indiana Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Northern...

Dave Joley is a Fort Wayne native, graduating from Bishop Dwenger High School in 1996. He is admitted to practice law in the Federal Districts of Northern and Southern Indiana, as well as the State of Indiana. His practice areas include Worker’s Compensation, Personal Injury, and Family Law, with a concentration in Criminal Defense.

Mr. Joley is a previous member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, NORML, past member of Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American Inns of Court, Benjamin Harrison Chapter, as...

Jennifer has a diverse practice ranging from high conflict custody matters and complex divorce actions to collections. She regularly represents clients in Child of Need of Services actions, both as private counsel and Guardian Ad Litem. Jennifer is a registered domestic relations mediator. She is tough but fair, and strives to be at least one step ahead of the other side.

Mr. Churchward’s legal career began at the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s office where he tried cases in both the Misdemeanor and Felony divisions. While serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, he was exposed to a wide variety of cases ranging from violent crimes to misdemeanor and financial offenses, during which time he gained invaluable experience that he applies to his current practice. in 2000, Mr. Churchward took a position as an associate attorney at Leonard, Hammond, Thoma and Terrill and immediately began working for his clients with the same dedication that he displayed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney....

Jennifer Naue attended IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After living in Indianapolis for a few years, Jennifer Naue practiced in White County and Benton County before making the move to Kosciusko County to be closer to her family. Jennifer invested in the community and strives for excellence in her legal representation. Jennifer Naue practices primarily in Kosciusko County and Marshall County, but for certain legal issues she can provide legal services across Indiana. Upon admission to practice law, Jennifer Naue began her legal career as a staff attorney for the Department of Child Services. After working for the State...

Over 25+ Years experience. Lots of trial experience
Aggressive

Attorney Heidi R Cortez was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she still has family. She graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences with an emphasis in Biology. While obtaining her degree, she interned at Marion County Coroners Office. She went on to obtain her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law – Houston. During law school, she interned with the Harris County Prosecutor's Office in Houston, Texas. Additionally, she was a legal assistant at the Law Office of Perry Bass in Houston, Texas. After graduating from law school...

Heather is a compassionate family law attorney with a focus on helping clients navigate complex legal issues during emotionally difficult times. Her practice is dedicated to helping clients with a range of family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, custody, parenting time, child support, pre and postnuptial agreements, relocations, post-decree modifications, and stepparent adoptions. Understanding that each client's situation is unique, Heather takes a personalized approach to every case. She appreciates the sensitivity of family law matters and the importance of providing legal counsel while also offering emotional support and understanding. Heather firmly believes that negotiated agreements are often the best solution...

Attorney Bryan L. Ciyou, an Eagle Scout, lives each day on the bedrock principle of the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared.” This way of life – his mantra – was then forged on the anvil of hardships endured during his significant humanitarian aid work in places like Haiti and Central America. In these countries, making a plan and executing it, and always being prepared, was not a choice but a necessity in order to survive daily life.A few years later, Mr. Ciyou attended Indiana University, Indianapolis, completing the honors program and graduating with a bachelor of arts, with distinction, in...

An Indiana native, Robert J. Nice has practiced law in Indiana for three decades. With a legal career that began in 1985, he focuses his practice in the areas of Real Estate, Small Business, Business Litigation, General Litigation, Legal Malpractice, and Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury.

Following law school at Villanova University, Robert Nice was employed as an associate with a large Indianapolis law firm for six years before establishing his own firm in 1992. As the Managing Partner of The Nice Law Firm, LLP, he now rises to the challenge of operating five offices located throughout central Indiana. He is adept...