Our Team

Meet Attorney Jennifer Hanley, Founder of the Hanley Adoption Law Group…

Jennifer graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. After working for several years in the private child welfare field, she obtained her J.D. from Indiana University School of Law- Indianapolis and went on to work as a Deputy Prosecutor in the Juvenile Division.

Jennifer then served as Chief Counsel for the Indiana Department of Child Services for 17 years. Today she uses her vast experience, professional connections, and detailed knowledge from that position to serve the best interests of children and the families who want to adopt them.

She has extensive experience in contested adoptions, termination trials, and in creating cooperative adoption agreements between adoptive and birth parents. Jennifer has also earned a reputation for her willingness to take on the tough cases.

Jennifer understands the lifelong blessing that adoption can have on multiple generations. Her father was adopted, and although it was unusual for the time, his mother decided to maintain an ongoing relationship with his birth family.

In Jennifer’s own words, “My entire professional career reflects my desire to leave a mark on the world and make a difference in the lives of families and children. I love my job! What an honor to be a part of such a significant time in families’ lives.”

Meet Attorney Melinda Gentry

Melinda received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and graduated with a J.D. from the Indiana University Mauer School of Law. Before finding her passion in child welfare and adoption, Melinda worked for fifteen years as an attorney both in litigation and for the state government.

She also worked for the Marion County Department of Child Services for over eight years. Melinda served in multiple roles, including leading a team of twenty attorneys while Chief Counsel of the Legal Division.

Her experience and familiarity with the system offers a unique understanding of the people and processes involved. She is respected by her peers as an effective leader, a talented negotiator and a skilled litigator.

As Hanley Adoption Law Group’s authority on adoption assistance, Melinda serves as an advocate to help children receive needed benefits and financial support after adoption.

Melinda considers herself fortunate to have found a place at Hanley Adoption Law Group:  “I love being part of a team that fells like a family while doing work to serve families.  It is a privilege to be a small part of each unique journey to adoption.”

Meet Attorney Melissa Middleton

Melissa attended the University of Oklahoma, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and her J.D.  After law school, Melissa worked briefly in a private practice focusing on complex litigation.

A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Melissa then went on to work for her Tribe.  She served as the Director of Legal and Compliance of the Indian Child Welfare Department for the third largest Native American Tribe.  Melissa has experience litigating child welfare and adoption matters in jurisdictions throughout the United States.

After representing the Choctaw Nation for ten years, Melissa and her family relocated to Indiana, where she joined the team at Hanley Adoption Law Group.  Adoption and foster care are dear to Melissa’s heart as she and her husband are adoptive parents.

Melissa is licensed to practice law in Indian, Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma courts.  At Hanley Adoption Law Group her focus is……..

Meet Our Staff

Sandy Moldt – Assistant

Andrea Regan – Adoption Coordinator

Blaine Crabtree – Administrative Assistant

Maxine Shaikhadeh – Intern