Office | Columbia City, IN
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About Shilts & Setlak, LLC

Helping Good People Through Tough Times

Award Winning, Nationally & Locally Recognized Fort Wayne Divorce and Family Attorneys Provide Trusted Counsel in Trying Times

COMMITTED TO GUIDING THE PEOPLE OF INDIANA THROUGH DIVORCE, SEPARATION, CHILD CUSTODY AND OTHER FAMILY LAW ISSUES

As a legal team devoted exclusively to family law cases at Shilts & Setlak, LLC, we take pride in offering families in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas the compassionate and committed counsel they deserve during difficult times. As seasoned attorneys, we embrace reasonableness and cooperation, knowing that negotiation and mediation offer the most affordable and least stressful means for settling divorce and family law issues. However, if we do need to litigate any case, we are thoroughly prepared to fight for your best interests in court — and win.

WHAT SETS SHILTS & SETLAK, LLC APART FROM OTHER FORT WAYNE FAMILY LAW FIRMS

Our legal team, led by a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist and two state-registered family law mediators, has both the breadth and depth of experience to guide you through your divorce and family law matters. We ensure that your divorce, child custody and parenting time, spousal and child support, and asset division matters, among others, are resolved as amicably and efficiently as possible.

Although Attorney Perry D. Shilts has been practicing law for over 40 years, he still takes pleasure in his work, which is focused solely on divorce. He is proud to be able to help good people get through difficult times, both as an attorney and as a family law mediator. Mr. Shilts is board-certified in family law, has held leadership positions in the Indiana State Bar Association, has been a speaker on a number of family law topics both locally and statewide, and has received many accolades for his legal skills.

Attorney Mike A. Setlak, a co-owner of the firm and family law mediator, has more than 15 years of litigation experience. He is dedicated to the practice of family law and he focuses on helping his clients work toward successful agreements or trial efforts.

Shilts & Setlak, LLC Offers:

Substantial credentials — Attorney Perry D. Shilts is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell® for 20 years, an Indiana Super Lawyer and a registered family law mediator. He has also been designated nationally as “Superb” by Avvo each year since 2013 and as a Top Divorce Lawyer in Fort Wayne in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, while these awards were issued. Attorney Mike A. Setlak has been designated as “Superb” by Avvo, as a Top Lawyer in Fort Wayne in 2014 and 2015, and BV® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell. He is also a registered family law mediator and an arbitrator with the Allen County Circuit Court.

A collaborative approach — As your advocates, we are committed to educating you on the legal process involved in your case and ensuring you understand the Indiana laws that govern it. The more you know, the better prepared you are to make sound, workable decisions that resolve your family matter as quickly and painlessly as possible and that allow you to move forward with your life sooner than might otherwise be the case.

Exceptional commitment to client success — We work with you to set realistic expectations, keep you involved in your legal process, and guide you toward making the best decisions, not only about how your divorce case proceeds but also about how the next years of your life are going to unfold.

How we guide you toward building a brighter future

At Shilts & Setlak, LLC, we know that every divorce or family law matter is different, each with its own set of circumstances and unique concerns. As family law attorneys with over 80 years of combined experience, we also know that a generic and detached approach cannot effectively address the complex and emotionally charged issues inherent in any divorce or family law matter. This is why we work closely with you, listening to your concerns, advising you based on your individual situation, and keeping you deeply involved in the unfolding legal process.

While we provide you with information, advice and advocacy, the decisions in your case are ultimately yours — they chart the course of your life and affect the lives of those you love for years to come. With our help, divorce and other family law issues need not be seen as an ending but rather as a beginning, full of promise.

Contact an established and respected Fort Wayne family law firm

Our attorneys at Shilts & Setlak, LLC have over 80 years of combined experience representing families in routine, uncontested, highly contested, or complex family law disputes. As a boutique law firm, we exclusively handle divorce, child custody, child support and other family law matters for good people who are seeking relief and for good people defending against overreaching or improper relief, and we work closely with you before, during, and even after your case has ended.

 

Awards

Reviews for Shilts & Setlak, LLC

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 100 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
85%
4 stars
13%
3 stars
1%
2 stars
0%
1 star
1%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
August 17, 2025
Hired Attorney Andrea M. Cross

We were facing a complicated and emotionally charged child support situation, and Andrea Cross was truly a lifeline. From our first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping our family navigate the legal system. She took the time to understand the nuances of our case, explained our options clearly, and advocated fiercely on our behalf. What stood out most was her responsiveness and professionalism. No question went unanswered, and we always felt informed and supported. Thanks to her diligence and strategic approach, we reached a resolution that felt fair considering our situation. If you're dealing with family law issues—especially ones as complex as child support—I can't recommend Andrea Cross highly enough. She brought clarity, confidence, and peace of mind during one of the most challenging chapters of our lives.

 
Family Law
Posted by Lilia
August 02, 2025
Hired Attorney Andrea M. Cross

My lawyer was always available to answer my questions and concerns. Andrea put me at ease throughout the legal process. It made this emotion and time consuming legal process easy to go through. I would 100% recommend her.

Divorce
Posted by Connie
December 25, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

Mr. Setlak represented me in a dissolution matter in 2024. He gave me good advice & kept me informed all at a reasonable cost. If you're looking to find a good attorney, you should definitely contact him. Thank you Mr. Setlak

Divorce
Posted by Karly
December 18, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

Mike helped me with my dissolution in the summer of 2024. He was very prompt at meeting with me, and explaining the process. He and his staff are great at keeping clients in the loop, and I was never left with questions or concerns. Highly recommended!

Child Custody
Posted by Megan
October 01, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

I wanted to come out and write a review because about 10 years or so ago Mike represented me in a modification case and I was thinking about how amazing my children have lived since the last order. My oldest is almost graduated and I have two happy kids that have lived a good life. What goes down on paper and is signed matters. I'm grateful our order finally stuck and we could live things out peacefully since then. Immediate satisfaction is great, but Mike's support had lasting long term positive impact on my family. So thanks Mike and I hope you've made it to some Cubs games! Megan O.

 
Child Custody
Posted by Stephanie
September 17, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

Mike went above and beyond! I had a very difficult custody battle. He truly cares about his clients and cares about saving you money. Mike is a very good person and an amazing lawyer. I will be forever grateful that he was there fighting for me at one of the hardest times of my life.

Family Law
Posted by Kyle
August 18, 2024
Hired Attorney Richard W. Karcher

Working with Richard was the best move I made. Extremely knowledgeable with family law. He was very professional and responsive to all my concerns and questions. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable family lawyer.

Child Support
Posted by Deja
August 04, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding service provided by Shilts & Setlak in handling my child support case. From our very first meeting, Michael demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, knowledge, and compassion. Navigating the complexities of family law can be overwhelming, but Michael and his team made the process so much easier. They were always available to answer my questions, provided clear and concise explanations of my options, and consistently kept me informed about the progress of my case. Their attention to detail and thorough understanding of family law ensured that my child’s best interests were always the top priority. I highly recommend Michael Setlak to anyone in need of a family law attorney. Their professionalism, integrity, and client-focused approach make them an exceptional advocate. Thank you, Shilts & Setlak LLC for your unwavering support and for making a challenging time in my life much more manageable!

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
May 13, 2024
Hired Attorney Richard W. Karcher

Working with Richard Karcher has been the most easiet thing I've ever done. He took my case personal and never took no for an answer he will stand his ground and not give up until the case is won. I will back him and this firm 1000x over even when money is tight they are still in you're corner fighting and fighting. Richard single fought tooth and nail.

 
Divorce
Posted by Sean
April 09, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael A. Setlak

I had the provide of having Michael Setlak on my side for my dissolution case in 2023. During our initial consultation, he was very straight forward with me. From the start, Mike was on my side and did everything he could to get a fair case set up for my kids and me. When there was a lack of communication from the other side, Mike made sure to continue and get the answers needed. He was always an email or phone away when things did not make sense or to get more details. Mike wrote my MSA and emphasized having him write to make sure my kids and me would get what we need and deserve. I am very pleased to have had Mike work with me.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 55
    • Divorce
    • Adoptions
    • Agency Adoptions
    • Alimony
    • Assisted Reproductive Technology
    • Child Advocacy
    • Child Care
    • Child Custody
    • Child Custody Mediation
    • Child Protection
    • Child Dependency
    • Child Support
    • Child Welfare
    • Childrens Rights
    • Cohabitation Agreements
    • Day Care
    • Divorce Arbitration
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Divorce Taxation
    • Domestic Relations
    • Family Arbitration
    • Foster Care
    • Gay and Lesbian Family Law
    • Grandparents Custody
    • Grandparents Visitation Rights
    • Independent Adoptions
    • International Adoptions
    • International Child Custody
    • International Family Law
    • Interstate Adoptions
    • Interstate Child Custody
    • Interstate Support
    • Juvenile Dependency
    • Marital Agreements
    • Marital Property Settlements
    • Matrimonial Law
    • Military Divorce
    • Name Changes
    • No Fault Divorce
    • Non-Traditional Family Law
    • Orphans Court Practice
    • Palimony
    • Parental Rights
    • Parenting Time
    • Post Divorce Modification
    • Paternity
    • Premarital Agreements
    • Private Adoptions
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
    • Spousal Support
    • Step Parent Adoptions
    • Termination of Parental Rights
    • Third Party Custody
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • Visitation Rights

  • Annulment
  • Civil Unions
  • Collaborative Family Law
  • Property Law 2
    • Community Property Law
    • Marital Property Law
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Torts 1
    • Domestic Torts
  • Agency and Distributorships 2
    • Equitable Distribution
    • Marital Property Distribution
  • Family Mediation
  • Fathers Rights
  • Criminal Law 1
    • Juvenile Law
  • Legal Separation
  • Bankruptcy 1
    • Matrimonial Bankruptcy Law
  • Same Sex Marriage
  • Surrogacy Law
  • Other 1
    • Post Nuptial Agreements

Contact Shilts & Setlak, LLC

4.8
175 reviews

116 N. Main StreetColumbia City, IN 46725U.S.A.

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Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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