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Ryan Hodge Cassman

Divorce and separation Attorney at Carmel, IN

4.5   11 reviews
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State IN
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Active In Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Ryan

Learn Ryan’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas

Ryan focuses his practice on representing individuals in divorce, collaborative divorce, custody, adoption, guardianship and support matters. His practice also includes drafting and negotiating premarital agreements, and with other attorneys at Coots, Henke and Wheeler, assisting clients in preserving their business interests and investments, pre and post divorce. Ryan has significant experience with appeals and has argued before the Indiana Supreme Court.

 

In addition to traditional family law representation, Ryan offers alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative divorce.  He serves as collaborative divorce counsel and is a member of the Central Indiana Association of Collaborative Professionals (“CIACP”).  Ryan is a registered family law mediator, and on the executive committee of the alternative dispute resolution section of the Indianapolis Bar Association.  Ryan has been appointed by judges to serve as a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of their child(ren).

Although most family law cases resolve through informal settlement or mediation, when a case must be tried, Ryan is able and eager to do so and enjoys being in the courtroom.

Ryan is a leader in the family law community.  In 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, he was named an Indiana SuperLawyer "Rising Star," after being nominated and selected by his attorney peers within the legal community. The "Rising Star" recognition is awarded to the top attorneys in Indiana under the age of 40, and no more than 2.5% of eligible lawyers are selected to the list. In 2009 Ryan was named president of the Family Law Section of the Hamilton County Bar Association.  Ryan has been a guest speaker on WIBC to discuss legal issues concerning divorce and family law.

Since 2009 Ryan has authored the Indiana divorce and family law blog, "All Things Family Law-Indiana Divorce and Family Law Blog". Follow Ryan's family law related updates via Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

In addition to his commitments to the legal community, Ryan serves on the board of directors of Ed. Services Co., LLC and is an active member of the Carmel Dad’s Club.  Away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and cycling. 

Photos and videos

Contact Ryan

Coots, Henke & Wheeler
255 E. Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN, 46032

Reviews

4.5 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
Posted by Andrew | April 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Effective - No Nonsense
I hired Ryan to represent me for a divorce and relocation case. I would recommend his services without hesitation. He is well versed and has a diverse skill set. While the inevitable goal of a divorce service leaves very little to celebrate, I am extremely thankful for his education, experience, and competence in this arena.
Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable & Professional – Outstanding performance!
I don’t write reviews for public posting but the posting of “a Family client of Feb 26, 2013” compelled me in this case. Mr Cassman handled the last two years of my extremely difficult and messy 5 - 6 years span custody – support matter at Marion County of Indiana. I have gone through multiple attorneys for the same case. And my experience ranges from deceit by some of these attorneys, bias, stereotypes to gross injustices among the many. Mr. Cassman rescued my situation. It may be important to note that Mr. Cassman accepted to handle my case at the time other law firms (at least three) believe the case cannot be redeemed. Each of these family law firms blamed previous attorneys for the mess. Interestingly, to Mr. Cassman, the injustices and the status of the matter represent why he should take up the matter. Mr. Cassman did not only redeemed the matter but won the case. The other party also lost on appeal! He is honest and very professional. If you need a knowledgeable person to represent your interest while protecting the interests of your minor (if any), this is your attorney. I strongly believe credit should be given when due, Mr. Cassman did a great job. And I would like to encourage you to post your comments about Mr. Cassman you consider him to represent your interest. He did extensive research on my case. His fees are comparable, it’s not the least in Indiana but certainly not close to the highest.
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Posted by Mike | October 23, 2012
One of the Best in the Area
Having been involved in a lengthy divorce/custody proceeding (3 years and still going) that has encompassed almost every issue a family law case could entail, I might be in the best position to critique Ryan's abilities. I am a father who was awarded full custody in a state and county where that is fairly uncommon, so needless to say, I cannot say enough good things about Ryan. He's been with me thru the lowest of lows, highest of highs and everything in between. He's knowledgeable, professional and patient. I think the last characteristic is probably the most important when it comes to the practice of family law. I really struggled to think of anything negative in his abilities. The only thing I could think of is maybe the response time in communication was a little slower than I preferred, however, I will qualify this by saying that I am also an attorney, so my response time expectations may have been at times unreasonable. Overall, if you are looking for one of the best family law attorneys in the area, you cannot go wrong with Ryan.
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Posted by John | October 19, 2012
Outstanding
Ryan is the ultimate professional. I had absolutely no idea what to expect with my divorce and he answered any and all questions I gave him. He is very patient and keeps you on track with what is important. My case could have headed south; however, with his calm demeanor and ability to relay information back and forth between me and opposing counsel, the case settled without a hiccup. I would recommend Ryan to anyone looking for a knowledgable, sensible, and seasoned attorney.
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Posted by Alex | September 21, 2012
Pleased client
I did not know what to expect, but Ryan helped me through my divorce. I appreciated how Ryan explained things to me and always answered my questions. He was an advocate for me and I am happy I had him on my side. I have no hesitation about recommending Ryan.
Posted by Paul | September 12, 2012
Knowledgable divorce attorney
Ryan represented me during my divorce. Face to face meetings were productive, and good use of both of our time. Ryan was responsive to both emails and phone calls. I felt he watched out for my best interest in use of his time. The divorce should have been "easy", but when a few curve balls were thrown, Ryan had sound advice and access to very good experts. Ryan's demeanor was always professional and pleasant. I would recommend Ryan to a friend.
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Posted by Todd | September 12, 2012
Excellent Experience With Ryan
Ryan handled my divorce a couple years back and did an outstanding job. He was very fair and honest. He also responded back to my phone calls and emails very promptly and has a great deal of knowledge to share and help me out of my situation. I would highly recomment him to anyone who is going through a divorce.
Posted by James | September 12, 2012
Excellent Attorney
Mr. Cassman is an extremely professional and knowledgeable attorney. I went through a difficult divorce which included a lengthy day of mediation. Ryan was prepared and guided me through the process, looking at all angles. I am very happy with his service and the outcome. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need.
Posted by Fara | September 11, 2012
Awesome attorney
Mr. Cassman was my attorney for almost 3 years while dealing with an extemely difficult spouse and hence case. Mr. Cassman remained professional, extremely patient and continued to advise me properly. I can honestly say I was glad to have had him on my side. I felt compelled to write a review after reading the last one. We all know divorce is not pleasant but do we really have to take our frustrations out on our attorney?
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Posted by Barbara | September 12, 2012
My review
Ryan assisted me with the adoption of my granddaughter. The case took about a year and it was successful. As much as I liked Ryan as my attorney I did not like the company he worked for at the time.
Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2013
Unprepared for Hearings
I was a client of Ryan Cassman. He represented me in a family law matter. Plainly stated I did not like that he put off trial preparation until the last minute, was unprepared for hearings, sent an associate instead of appearing himself and grossly underestimated his fees and expenses, estimating $2,500-5,000 and actually billing nearly $19,000. In my opinion Cassman appeared uncomfortable in the court room and an Indiana Odyssey Case Management System search indicates that many of his cases settle in mediation.
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Response from Ryan Cassman December 13, 2013
Thank you for your feedback. I've taken this feedback into consideration. I'd like the opportunity to discuss this with you offline. As it was left anonymously, please contact me at 317-844-4693.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Coots, Henke & Wheeler
  • 2011 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Hollingsworth & Zivitz
  • 2007 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Coots, Henke & Wheeler
  • 2002 - 2007
  • Intern
  • Indiana Federal Community Defenders
  • 2001 - 2001
  • Law Clerk
  • Coots Henke & Wheeler
  • 2000 - 2002
  • Law Clerk
  • Ayres Carr & Sullivan
  • 2000 - 2000
View all work experience

Education

  • Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2002
  • Indiana University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1997

Legal Cases

  • •Phillips v. Delks, 06A05-0612-CV-744(Ind. Ct. App. 2008)
  • •Travelers Cas. and Sur. Co. v. U.S. Filter Corp., 49A02-0604-CV-289
  • Baber v. State, 29S04-0601-CR-0005 (Ind. Ct. App. 2006)
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Collaborative Solutions
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
  • Volunteer Attorney
  • 2011 - Present
  • Hamilton County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • 2009 - Present
  • Indianapolis Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • 2003 - Present
  • Hamilton County Bar Association
  • 2002 - Present
  • Hamilton County Guardian Ad Litem Program
  • GAL Volunteer
  • 2002 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • N/A
  • Boone County Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Bench-Bar Steering Committee
  • 2016 - 2016
  • Hamilton County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • President
  • 2009 - 2015
  • Ed. Services Co., LLC
  • Board of Directors
  • 2003 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2014
  • Distinquished Fellow
  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • 2014
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2012
  • Executive Committee - ADR Section
  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Public Service Committee
  • Hamilton County Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Superlawyer Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2011
  • Certified Family Law Specialist
  • Family Law Certification Board of the Indiana State Bar Association
  • 2011
  • SuperLawyers Rising Star
  • SuperLawyer
  • 2010
  • Indiana Rising Stars 2009
  • SuperLawyer
  • 2009
  • Certified Domestic Relations Mediator
  • ICLEF
  • 2009
  • President
  • Hamilton County Bar Association- Family Law Section
  • 2009
  • Delegate, Hamilton County
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • 2007
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Annual Indiana Familly Law Institute - ICLEF
  • New Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
  • 2012
  • Annual Family Law Institute: Electronic Evidence
  • Discovery in Family Law
  • 2009
  • Indianapolis Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Electronic Discovery in Family Law
  • 2008
  • Indianapolis Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Depositions and Discovery
  • 2007
  • Association of Professional Investigators
  • Use of Professional Investigators in Divorce Cases
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (0)
Endorse Ryan
Adoption Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Ryan is an extremely competent trial attorney. I highly reccomend Ryan for your family law matters."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.