Melissa L. Middleton

Melissa Middleton is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a 2007 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She founded Middleton Law LLC to provide skilled, principled legal representation to families, professionals, and clients navigating complex legal matters in Indiana and across the United States.

Ms. Middleton is admitted to practice law in Oklahoma and Indiana, as well as in the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana and the Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma. She also represents clients in tribal matters, in state, federal and tribal courts nationwide. With nearly two decades of legal experience, her practice focuses on Federal Indian Law, Indiana family law, adoptions and guardianships, CHINS and DCS matters, professional licensing defense, and general civil litigation.

A significant portion of Ms. Middleton’s national practice involves Federal Indian Law and the Indian Child Welfare Act. She has served as an ICWA expert since 2010, providing ICWA compliance guidance, expert witness services, litigation support, and consultation to attorneys, courts, tribes, and child welfare agencies throughout the United States. Her experience includes representing tribal governments and working directly within tribal child welfare systems, as well as assisting legal professionals in navigating complex jurisdictional and compliance challenges unique to Native American law.

In addition to her national Indian law practice, Ms. Middleton represents Indiana clients in family law matters including adoptions, guardianships, custody disputes, dissolution of marriages, protective orders, name changes, and child welfare cases involving DCS and CHINS proceedings. She also advises and defends licensed professionals facing investigations, disciplinary actions, and administrative proceedings before professional licensing boards.

Clients value Ms. Middleton’s direct communication style, thorough preparation, and practical legal strategies. She takes a client-centered approach to every case, ensuring clients understand their options and feel supported throughout the legal process. Whether advocating for families, protecting professional licenses, or providing national ICWA expertise, her focus remains on effective representation, ethical advocacy, and meaningful results.

Ms. Middleton is based in Brownsburg, Indiana, and remains actively involved in her community through leadership and service. She currently serves as President of the Brownsburg Education Foundation and volunteers with local youth organizations, including softball programs and Girl Scouts. This commitment to education, mentorship, and community involvement informs her client-centered approach to advocacy and reinforces her belief in service both inside and outside the courtroom.