The Firm is headed by Bryan Ciyou, who has almost thirty (30) years of experience in most all areas of private practice. For the last twenty (20) years, Mr. Ciyou has handled complex domestic relations matters of all types, ranging from high-conflict custody cases to high-net-worth divorce estates.
Additionally, Mr. Ciyou has handled some of the most factually and legally complex domestic cases that arise, such as interstate custody disputes to parental abduction cases under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Mr. Ciyou also has vast experience with domestic cases where a party has mental health issues, such as narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse problems.
A unique aspect of Mr. Ciyou’s practice is taking on cases as successor counsel. He is often the second or third attorney on factually complex cases or those with obscure legal issues.
Mr. Ciyou’s reported appellate cases in the Indiana Court of Appeals and Indiana Supreme Court have shaped and changed Indiana’s domestic law on a wide array of topics. Mr. Ciyou has argued before all Indiana state appellate courts and the federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Finally, Mr. Ciyou is admitted to the United States Supreme Court bar and has filed for certiorari with SCOTUS.
Mr. Ciyou writes and teaches extensively to other attorneys on a state and national level.
Kimberly A. Kessinger earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 2007 and also holds a 2004 Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University. Before turning her practice focus to domestic relations, Kim developed broad legal skills by acting as corporate litigation counsel and an administrative law judge.
This diverse practice background provides Kim with a unique depth of legal experience to deftly handle complex domestic relations to Ciyou & Associates, P.C. Ms. Kessinger’s practice ranges from high-conflict custody matters–including those with interstate and international dimensions—to high value marital estates. As such, she is also able to manage domestic cases with companion CHINS matters, criminal cases, and civil protective order litigation.
Stephen B. McGrady brings over a decade of legal experience to his practice, where he focuses exclusively on advising and advocating for individuals throughout their family law matters across the State of Indiana. Mr. McGrady attended Illinois College and earned his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law before returning to the rural Indiana community where he grew up to begin his career as a criminal prosecutor. He later practiced in the worker's compensation arena before turning his full attention to family law.
With hundreds of hearings and courtroom appearances under his belt, Mr. McGrady is a skilled and tenacious advocate, known for his commanding presence before the court and the quality of his written work. He is deeply committed to the attorney-client partnership and ensures that every client feels heard, informed, and ready for what lies ahead.
As the father of four young daughters, Stephen has a personal understanding of the emotional weight that family law matters carry. He is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for his clients and their children.
Riley Pelton is a lifelong Hoosier and a seasoned litigator who has spent his career doing what many attorneys avoid, showing up in court. At his previous firm, Riley appeared before a judge nearly every single day, building the kind of real-world courtroom experience that simply can't be taught. He has tried bench and jury trials across both criminal and civil courts and has practiced in courthouses in nearly every county throughout the State of Indiana.
Riley has represented a wide range of clients, from individuals navigating life-changing legal matters to companies facing complex litigation. His background in criminal law gives him a distinct edge in family law matters, where the two areas frequently intersect.
Riley graduated from Wabash College, where he was a four-year letterman in soccer, and earned his J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the Indiana Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
A Chicago transplant turned Hoosier at heart, Bri serves as the Paralegal Manager at Ciyou & Associates, P.C., where she oversees firm operations, manages the paralegal department, and assists attorneys in some of the most complex family law litigation throughout Indiana. Bri earned her bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Legal Studies and has built her career handling sophisticated domestic relations matters involving high-net-worth individuals, business valuations, executive compensation, complex asset division, and contested custody disputes. Throughout her career, she has assisted in numerous multi-day and week-long trials, managed cases involving multiple closely held businesses and substantial marital estates, and supported litigation at every level of the Indiana court system.
Her experience extends beyond traditional family law matters. Bri has assisted with international custody disputes arising under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, helping coordinate complex cross-border litigation involving foreign jurisdictions and international legal procedures. She has also played a significant role in appellate litigation, assisting attorneys in cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals that have contributed to the development of Indiana family law jurisprudence. In addition to her work within the firm, Bri serves as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children involved in high-conflict family law proceedings. This experience provides valuable insight into custody and parenting disputes and reinforces her commitment to protecting the well-being of children and families navigating difficult transitions. Bri’s unique combination of litigation experience, leadership, and operational expertise allows her to serve as a trusted resource for attorneys, clients, and staff alike.
Known for her strong courtroom presence, strategic thinking, and unwavering attention to detail, Bri approaches every matter with professionalism, determination, and a commitment to excellence. She understands that family law cases often involve some of the most important decisions a client will ever face and is dedicated to ensuring that each client receives exceptional support throughout the legal process. Outside of the office, Bri enjoys watching the Pacers, reading, and yoga.
Morgan has dedicated her legal career to assisting individuals and families through complex and often emotionally challenging legal matters. With more than six years of experience in the legal field, she has developed extensive knowledge in both family law and criminal law, providing comprehensive support to attorneys and clients throughout all stages of litigation. Morgan earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. Her educational background provides a unique perspective in family law matters, allowing her to better understand the personal, emotional, and interpersonal dynamics that often accompany legal disputes. Combined with her legal experience, this foundation enables her to approach each case with both analytical precision and compassion for the individuals involved.
Throughout her career, Morgan has worked closely with attorneys on a wide range of family law and criminal law matters, assisting with case preparation, discovery, document drafting, trial preparation, and client communication. She has substantial courtroom experience and has played an active role in supporting attorneys during hearings and trials, helping ensure that cases are thoroughly prepared and efficiently managed. Her ability to balance the procedural demands of litigation with exceptional client service makes her a valuable resource to both clients and the legal team. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and client-centered approach, Morgan is passionate about helping clients navigate difficult circumstances while ensuring that every case is handled with care and integrity.
Outside of the office, Morgan enjoys reading, watching her favorite sports teams, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her cats.
A lifelong Indiana resident, Courtney recently relocated to Indianapolis and is proud to serve clients throughout Central Indiana. She earned dual bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Huntington University, providing a strong academic foundation in legal systems, government, and advocacy.
Courtney brings more than four years of legal experience to her role as a paralegal. Before transitioning into a paralegal position, she worked extensively as an intake specialist, where she was often the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal assistance. This experience gave her a unique perspective on the client journey from the initial consultation through case resolution and developed her ability to identify client needs, gather critical information, and ensure cases are organized and strategically managed from the very beginning.
Throughout her legal career, Courtney has primarily worked in personal injury law, assisting attorneys with case management, client communication, document preparation, and litigation support. Courtney is excited to be working in family law and utilizing those skills to helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with confidence and clarity.
Growing up in a family of attorneys, with both her father and brother practicing law, Courtney developed an early appreciation for the legal profession and the impact dedicated legal representation can have on people's lives. She is passionate about building strong relationships with clients, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. Her approachable demeanor, combined with her legal knowledge and client-focused mindset, allows her to serve as a trusted resource for clients during some of life's most challenging transitions.
Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys playing tennis, reading, spending time with her bunny, exploring Indianapolis, and catching up on her favorite television shows.
