Jana’s practice focuses on family law, where she helps clients navigate divorce proceedings and disputes involving custody, parenting time, and child support. Jana also works with individuals and families on their estate planning needs, as well as guardianships. In addition, Jana has substantial experience handling personal injury cases and evictions.
Before joining Beckman Lawson, Jana served as a public defender for several years, exclusively handling Children in Need of Services (CHINS) matters. Her extensive background in CHINS work allows her to advocate for parents while working collaboratively with the Department of Child Services (DCS) to achieve family reunifications.
Jana has also served as a public defender in the Family Recovery Court, a problem-solving court that supports parents whose substance abuse issues are the primary reason for being involved in CHINS matters.
Jana is a registered Domestic Relations Mediator. She further serves as a Parenting Coordinator, helping parties in high-conflict cases focus on resolutions that promote the best interest of the child.
Jana has two children and three Labradors. When she is not cheering for her children at their various sporting events, she enjoys teaching ice hockey lessons, having played several years herself.
community involvement
Jana enjoys being active in her community and is involved in several roles. She holds a seat on the ICLEF Board of Directors, and she is the Women’s Section Co-Chair for the Allen County Bar Association. Jana also serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee for Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana, and she volunteers in the Allen County Superior Court on Involuntary Commitment/Mental Health hearings.
education
B.A. Hospitality Management, Purdue University at Fort Wayne
A.S. Organizational Leadership, Purdue University at Fort Wayne
J.D., Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis
court admissions
Admitted to Indiana State Bar – 2010
U.S. District Courts for Indiana (Northern & Southern)
