Kirsten Ess
Attorney
When facing a contentious divorce, dealing with the complexities of child custody or support issues, or navigating the often-overwhelming landscape of family law in Indiana, you need more than just legal representation. You need an attorney who truly understands the emotional and personal stakes involved and who will fight tirelessly to protect your interests and secure your future. This is precisely what clients can expect from Kirsten Ess.Â
With over 21 years of experience in family law, Ms. Ess is a dedicated advocate who combines a deep empathy for her clients with aggressive, results-driven legal strategies. Whether you are facing a high-conflict divorce, negotiating complex child custody arrangements, or need assistance regarding a protective order, Ms. Ess’ expertise in these critical areas ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. She is committed to securing the best possible outcome for her clients, providing not only legal guidance but also the reassurance and support you need during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Kirsten Ess: World-Class Education Powering a Premier Legal Career in Indiana
Kirsten Ess’ educational journey reflects a commitment to excellence from the very start. As a National Merit Finalist in high school, she demonstrated a strong foundation for academic success. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington, where she graduated with honors and further solidified her dedication to academic achievement.
Ms. Ess continued her pursuit of excellence at Notre Dame Law School, where she graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2003. While at Notre Dame, she distinguished herself by achieving an impressive 95% on the LSAT and was prepared to take on the legal profession from day one. Upon graduation, Ms. Ess passed the Indiana Bar Exam and was admitted to practice law in October 2003, ready to apply her prestigious educational foundation to her legal career.
Premier Family Law Litigator and Protective Order Attorney with Two Decades of Years of Legal Excellence
Kirsten Ess has a distinguished legal career that spans over two decades. She has extensive trial experience, representing clients in numerous felony cases, including everything from misdemeanor offenses to serious charges such as murder. Her work involved countless jury and bench trials, depositions, and motions, making her a seasoned litigator with a deep understanding of both court and out-of-court legal work.
In 2019, Kirsten founded Ess Law in Indianapolis. With her extensive legal background, she quickly became a trusted advocate for individuals navigating complex family matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, and more. As the founder of Ess Law, Kirsten was able to combine her courtroom expertise with a compassionate, client-focused approach, ensuring that her clients received the best possible legal representation during difficult times.
In 2024, Kirsten joined Keffer Hirschauer LLP as Of Counsel, bringing her wealth of experience in both family and criminal law to a broader range of clients. At Keffer Hirschauer, she continues to advocate for clients in family law and protective order matters, combining her legal acumen with the resources and support of a leading Indiana law firm.
Notable Achievements
- Extensive experience as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for the needs of children in family law cases.
- Nineteen years of felony trial experience, providing a strong foundation for litigation in both family law and criminal cases.
- Dedicated to community involvement, including past service on the EmberWood Board, supporting substance abuse treatment for low-income and homeless individuals.
- Volunteer work at the Legal Aid Society and various community organizations.
Dedicated Indiana Family Law Attorney:
The best family law attorneys in Indiana are not only skilled litigators but also have a deep understanding of how various legal matters intersect and impact one another. Kirsten Ess brings this comprehensive approach to her family law practice, assisting clients with complex issues such as divorce, child custody, and child support. With over 15 years of legal experience, she offers compassionate, holistic representation that prioritizes the best interests of her clients and their families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Ms. Ess is dedicated to guiding her clients through the entire family law process, from initial consultations to final resolution. She ensures that each client feels supported, confident, and informed throughout their journey. Her areas of expertise include:
- Divorce & Separation – Providing strong, compassionate representation for clients going through divorce or legal separation, whether the process is amicable or contested.
- Child Custody – Helping parents navigate complex child custody matters, crafting arrangements that focus on the child’s best interests while protecting parental rights.
- Child Support – Assisting clients with establishing, modifying, or enforcing fair and equitable child support arrangements.
- Child Visitation – Working to develop visitation schedules that foster healthy and meaningful relationships between parents and children.
- Paternity – Assisting in the establishment of paternity to protect parental rights and obligations.
- Spousal Maintenance – Ensuring fair and equitable spousal support arrangements that meet the financial needs of both parties.
Ms. Ess’ approach to family law combines a strong courtroom presence with a compassionate understanding of her clients’ needs. Whether facing a contested divorce, negotiating child custody, or seeking assistance obtaining child support, Kirsten Ess is dedicated to providing the tailored guidance and representation that her clients need to secure the best outcomes for their future and the well-being of their families.
Leading Indiana Protective Order Defense Lawyer
Facing a protective order can profoundly impact your personal and professional life. Whether you’re seeking protection from domestic violence or defending against unfounded allegations, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of Indiana’s protective order laws and is committed to safeguarding your rights. This is where Kirsten Ess excels.
With over two decades of legal experience, Ms. Ess has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of protective orders in Indiana. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive representation for clients involved in protective order proceedings, ensuring that each case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Kirsten’s areas of expertise in protective order defense include:
- Defending Against Protective Orders: Vigorously challenge protective orders to protect your rights and reputation.
- Navigating the Legal Process: Guiding clients through the complexities of the protective order process, from filing to hearings.
- Protecting Parental Rights: Ensuring that protective orders do not unjustly impact your relationship with your children.
- Addressing Violations: Defending against allegations of violating protective orders, which can lead to serious legal consequences.
Ms. Ess’ approach combines a thorough understanding of the law with a compassionate commitment to her clients. She works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes, whether you’re seeking protection or defending against an order. Her dedication to justice and client advocacy makes her a trusted choice for those facing protective order issues in Indiana.
If you are facing a protective order or need assistance in this area, contact Keffer Hirschauer LLP at (317) 648-9560 to schedule a consultation with Ms. Ess. Her extensive experience and client-focused approach will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Kirsten Ess: A Trusted Family Law and Protective Order Advocate Across Indiana
Kirsten Ess embodies the qualities of a dedicated and accomplished Indiana family law attorney:
- Extensive Experience in family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders.
- Peak Professional Performance honed through years of courtroom experience and client advocacy.
- Clear Communication Skills that help clients understand the legal process and the strategies tailored to their cases.
- Supported by a Skilled Team of attorneys and staff at Keffer Hirschauer LLP, all committed to excellence and client success.
Clients and colleagues alike recognize Kirsten Ess as an attorney wholly dedicated to using her talents and experience to protect her clients’ best interests. Whether you’re facing a divorce, dealing with child custody issues, or in need of protective order defense, Ms. Ess offers seasoned, compassionate representation throughout Indianapolis and across Indiana. Her results-driven, client-focused approach provides the clarity and confidence you need during challenging times.
To learn more about how Kirsten Ess and her legal team at Keffer Hirschauer LLP can support you, schedule a consultation by calling (317) 648-9560 or by completing the online contact form.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law (including Divorce, Child Custody, and Child Support)
- Protective Orders
- Guardianships
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Paternity
- Spousal Maintenance
Litigation Percentage:
- 100% Litigation Practice
Bar Admissions:
- Indiana Supreme Court, 2003
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 2003
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 2003
Education:
- Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana
J.D., 2003 - Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
B.A. in Psychology, with Honors, 2000
Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Indiana State Bar Association, Member
- Indianapolis Bar Association, Member
- American Bar Association, Member
- National Association of Family Law Attorneys, Member
- National Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers Association, Member (CANNOT FIND)
- Guardian Ad Litem Association, Member
- Legal Aid Society, Volunteer Attorney
Past Employment:
- Ess Law, Indianapolis, IN – Owner/Attorney, 2019-Present
- Marion County Public Defender Agency, Indianapolis, IN – Attorney, 2004-2019
- Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Indianapolis, IN – Volunteer Attorney, 2004
- Gilroy Kammen and Hill, Indianapolis, IN – Independent Contract Attorney, 2003-2003