Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
82 Client Reviews
$ 350-350 per hour
PRO
Michael A. Setlak
also known as Mike Setlak
Virtual Consultation Available
About Michael
Biography
Mike began practicing law in 2002 in Fort Wayne and the surrounding counties. Mike has focused his scope of legal practice to all issues involving family law, which include dissolution (divorce), post-dissolution modifications, child support matters, parenting time, custody, paternity, guardianships, and adoption. Mike and his law partner Perry Shilts have been named as Top Lawyers in Fort Wayne in the divorce area of law.
In Mike's family law practice he strongly emphasizes the benefits of working toward a well-crafted settlement (usually time and money). While Mike encourages his clients to work toward a successful agreement, he also understands that some matters will just not settle (for various reasons), and that it is necessary to take the matter to trial. With his fourteen-plus years of litigation experience, Mike is confident in his abilities inside the Courtroom and the preparation that is required to assist his clients in meeting their goals. Mike is committed and focused to provide his clients, along with Perry's clients, the attention they require and deserve. After meeting with Mike, you will understand and appreciate the dedication he has for you and the willingness and desire to see that your legal needs are met.
In addition to Mike's family law practice, he also is a licensed family law mediator and arbitrator. As a mediator, Mike is always working to assist the parties and their attorneys in working toward a well crafted settlement agreement with the hope of keeping them from having to take the matter to court.
When Mike is not assisting his clients, he is spending time with his wife and his two daughters. He is also an avid outdoorsman and escapes to the tranquility of woods and water during his limited free time. In addition to enjoying nature, Mike loves to attend baseball games and to support his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. In addition to following the Cubs, Mike roots for and backs all Chicago sport teams.
Follow this link to hear commonly asked questions of Mike on the Business Leader Spotlight radio spot:
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
70%
Family
25%
Adoption
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021
Licenses
Licensed in Indiana for 23 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Shilts & Setlak, LLC
(260) 497-8954
Fax
10311 Dawson's Creek Blvd., Suite C, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825
www.shiltslaw.comMichael A. Setlak's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 33 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Gene | January 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Good Attitude, Good Attorney, Good Service, Good Guy
I researched thoroughly before selecting a family law attorney to handle my divorce. The two primary sites I found for attorney rankings were www.martindale.com and www.lawyers.com. They allow you to search by specialty, location, and other categories. I found it helpful to search for family law atto...
Posted by Stephanie | September 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Loyalty, Honesty, Humility
Mike represented me above and beyond in over a year long custody battle . He is an amazing person as well as an amazing lawyer. He truly cares about his clients and saves money any way he can. I have had many lawyers through the years and have never been defended and taken care of like Mr. Setlak a...
Posted by Sean | April 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Lawyer
Michael Setlak represented me in my dissolution of marriage in 2023. Mike made sure to keep me well informed and made sure I was getting what I wanted and needed for my kids and myself. Mike was professional and straight forward with everything from the start. Mike wrote my MSA and pushed for me to h...
Posted by Christopher | March 2, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great representation
Mike represented me with mediating, negotiation and in court hearings for my divorce. He always gave me great advice, listed possible outcomes and kept me informed. All at a reasonable costs. He kept me level-headed and grounded going into any court hearings and every time we left we were better off ...
Posted by Mary McCarthy | October 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
10/10 Recommend
Mike helped me in a custody case that was very difficult, I truly believe he has his clients best interest. I felt protected and didn’t have to worry as he got the job done beautifully. He is understanding and easy to talk to which is important with a lawyer. I will only recommend Mike Setlak from no...
Michael A. Setlak's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike has been a great mentor for me as a new attorney, helping me navigate the family law waters. He works hard for his clients, and I've greatly enjoyed learning from him. He is knowledgeable and brings a great attitude to the practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a very good lawyer and represents his clients well. Mike and I have had many family law cases against each other and he has always handled himself professionally, while still acting as a strong advocate for his client."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I send all of my client's in the Fort Wayne area with family law needs to Mike."
"I have worked with Mike as opposing counsel on several divorce cases. He is always professional to opposing counsel and the court. He represents his client's interests with competence. He is experienced and knowledgeable in the family law area."
"Mike is extremely knowledgeable in Family Law and is comfortable both in and out of the courtroom. He treats both clients and colleagues with professionalism and respect. I highly recommend Mike in all areas of Family Law."
"Mike is a great divorce and family law attorney, who provides excellent service for his clients with compassion and skill. I would highly recommend Mike for any family law or divorce matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. I hired Mike several years ago as an associate in my firm. He and I had opposed each other for the preceding 5 to 6 years on a number of cases and I was impressed with his advocacy and attitude. Since he started with my firm, he has worked very hard for our clients as I expected and has received a great many compliments from other lawyers, judges, and most importantly, his clients. Strong, yet reasonable and realistic, representation. He is now a partner in the firm."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred close friends to Mike and they have been thrilled with him. Mike is a great choice for family law matters."
"Mike's common sense approach to solving family law issues wins appreciation from clients and respect from the court and attorneys. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"I have found Michael to be a straight shooter who does an excellent job of advocating for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Richard Karcher
Family lawyer
Ashley Gonzales
Family lawyer
Emily Szczepkowski
Family lawyer
Paul Sturm
Family lawyer
Natalie Fierek
Workers compensation lawyer
Robert Bellinger
Family lawyer
Ashley Hand
Family lawyer
Jennifer Young
Family lawyer
Katherine Ridenour
Family lawyer
Sherry Hartzler
Family lawyer
Andrew Simmons
Estate planning lawyer
Ann Trzynka
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Perry Shilts
Divorce and separation lawyer
Gregory Miller
Criminal defense lawyer
Stephen Griebel
General practice lawyer
Bart Arnold
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Squiller
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top Lawyers Recognition, Fort Wayne Monthly Magazine
2013
BV Rated- Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Contribution of 50+ Pro Bono Hours, Northeast Indiana Volunteer Lawyer Program
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Partner, Shilts & Setlak, LLC
2011 - 2015
Partner, The Shilts Law Office
2007 - 2012
Adjunct Professor, Indiana University Purdue University - Fort Wayne
2002 - 2011
Associate Attorney, Van Gilder & Trzynka, PC
Associations
2019 - Present
Northeast Indiana Volunteer Lawyer ProgramBoard Member, Officer
2018 - Present
Allen County Bar Association, Family Law SectionExecutive Committee
2016 - Present
Benjamin Harrison American Inn of CourtMaster
2013 - Present
St. Thomas More SocietyMember
2011 - Present
Indiana State BarMember
2002 - Present
Allen County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - 2010
Allen County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Lawyers SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Masters v. Masters
Reversed by the Indiana Supreme Court
DeCloedt v. Wagaman
Affirmed
Maurer v. Cobb-Maurer
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the Trial Court as requested.
Hobbs v. Hobbs
The Indiana Court of Appeals, in an unpublished decision, affirmed the trial court and remanded the matter for my request for attorney fees.
Education
2002
Indiana University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Purdue University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2021
ACBA CLE
Step-parent Adoption
2020
ACBA CLE
Grandparents Rights and Visitation
2018
2018 Allen County Bench Bar
Bankruptcy & Family Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will I lose my house since my ex husband filed bankruptcy ?
14 Feb 2019
Q&A
Can my wife move our kids out of our house with her during a separation if I oppose it?
10 Apr 2014
Q&A
What forms do I file in Indiana for step parent adoption with non-custodial consent?
24 Mar 2014