Chittenden, Cara M.

Cara M. Chittenden visit superlawyers.com

Cara M. Chittenden
Associate Attorney
Offices: Indianapolis, Carmel, and Noblesville, Indiana

Cordell & Cordell attorneys practice family law exclusively, which allows them to solely concentrate on one particular area of law.

That focus is important and what’s necessary considering the high stakes involved in domestic relations cases, according to Cara M. Chittenden.

One of her cases involved the mother denying the father's court-ordered parenting time. The judge found the mother in contempt, and Ms. Chittenden's client was finally able to see his children.

"Obviously it was good to have the judge rule in my client’s favor, but it also reiterated everything that we work for at our firm in terms of our philosophy of father's rights," she said.

Ms. Chittenden said being a family law attorney is the best way to meld her interests in serving others in a time of need while using her law degree at the same time.

"You're establishing relationships with your clients on a personal level in a way that allows them to get through the most difficult time in their life while using your professional skills," she said. "I am dedicated to working side by side with my clients and navigating the course of their case to reach their desired goals, while striving always to instill the confidence they need to get through this ordeal with respect and integrity."

Licenses

Ms. Chittenden is licensed in Indiana, U.S. District Court Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, and 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Juris Doctor cum laude from Indiana University School of Law.

Associations

Ms. Chittenden is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association; Indianapolis State Bar Association – Family Law, Litigation, and Animal Law Sections; Animal Legal Defense Fund; and DCI.

Experience

Prior to joining Cordell & Cordell, Ms. Chittenden worked in Insurance Defense Litigation in Indianapolis, primarily focusing on cases involving municipal liability and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 litigation. Also, she worked for a family law firm, handling dissolution, custody, and adoption issues.

Ms. Chittenden has also served as a Judge Pro Tem in family courts.

Awards

In 2012, Ms. Chittenden was named Indiana Rising Star for Family Law by Super Lawyers.

Volunteer Work

Ms. Chittenden has handled pro bono cases for Indiana’s Heartland Pro Bono Council and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. While in law school, she received the Norman J. Lefstein award for pro bono service.

Ms. Chittenden is a volunteer at the Indianapolis Zoo and also is a former Advisory Board member of Friends of Ferdinand, an organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of retired racehorses.

Other Qualifications

Ms. Chittenden has given a presentation on ethics for fellow attorneys. During law school, Ms. Chittenden was an Articles Editor on the Indiana International and Comparative Law Review, a member of the Moot Court Board, and the Order of Barristers.

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