Robbin Trowbridge Benko
I not only work for you but with you through every stage of the process!
I have been a resident of Chesterton for 40 years. I am a mother to three boys, though tragically, my oldest son was murdered in 2001. You can find more about this by searching my name or my son's name, John Trowbridge, online, where you can also learn about the laws I have written and the programs I have initiated.
I am deeply involved in my community, volunteering for the Porter County Veterans Court and the American Legion, where I served as the past Auxiliary President. I have also been volunteering at my local nursing home for a decade and have created scholarship programs for high school seniors. Additionally, I enjoy pitching horseshoes – I am truly a hometown girl at heart!
I am passionate about fighting injustices, which has led me to write new laws, lobby for them, and successfully see them passed.
In my Family Law practice, I prioritize care, compassion, and careful listening. I believe you know your story better than anyone, and I take the time to listen to you and help you understand the legal and non-legal steps you can take. When it comes to dealing with opposing lawyers, I can be cooperative or assertive as needed. I don’t play games.
I have faced many challenges myself, including being in an abusive relationship with no legal support and raising my boys alone. I have experienced many of life's trials, including the devastating loss of my son.
As a parent and grandparent to Oliver, who is 8 years old, I relate to the daily struggles of managing finances, caring for children, and handling the small but important details of life.
I offer free consultations, which can be conducted over the phone or in person. I am also available on weekends and after "normal" hours, as I believe you shouldn’t have to miss work to meet with a lawyer.
As you can see, I am not your typical lawyer; I genuinely care about what’s happening in your life.
- Purdue University - Purdue University North Central
- B.A. | Psychology and Sociology
- Honors: Winner of the Hyde Park Forum
- Activities: Soccer coach
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- Valparaiso University School of Law
- J.D. (2004) | Law
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- Honors: Honor papers.
- Activities: Women’s Prayer Group
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- Author and lobbyist for reform statutes involving violent offenders who claim to be legally insane.
- Nevada Law Legislators
- Current
- My oldest son was jumped and stabbed to death while vacationing in Las Vegas Nevada. The person who murdered him had spent the previous 2 weeks on a “drug bender” ingesting heroine, cocaine, meth, and a number of other hard core drugs. His defense was that he was mentally insane because he was under the inducement of these drugs. Unfortunately, Nevada’s laws were very outdated. Because of his bizarre behavior in jail while coming down from his drug induced stupor the jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity. After 6 months of detox and proper medication he was deemed to no longer be insane and was going to be released after 6 months of imprisonment. I would not sit back and allow this to happen. I spent 4 years writing new laws and creating programs for violent offenders. I was able to keep him locked up for 14 years. Nothing compared to taking a life but much better than 6 months. The new laws are called John’s Law. Named after my son, John Edward Trowbridge.
- Licensed GAL
- Guardian Ad Litum
- Current
- Attorney
- Law Office of Robbin Trowbridge Benko
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- Mediator
- Valparaiso Legal Clinic
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- Attorney
- Prosecuting Attorneys Office
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- Clerk
- Judge Julia Jent
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- John’s Law
- Nevada State Legislators
- State Bar of Indiana # 30285-64
- Member
- Current
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- Indiana
- Indiana Supreme Court
- ID Number: 30285-64
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Free Consultation
I will take the time to listen to what you have to say and explain the legal process while laying out a plan of action to protect your rights! Once I get an idea as to how much legal work that needs to be done I will quote you a price and if necessary work out a payment plan. -
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Under strict guidelines, I’m willing to consider taking payments for the retainer fee.
- Family Law
- Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
- Q. My soon to be daughter in law's mother refuses to hand over her birth certificate. She was born in a different state.
- A: She should be able to get a copy of her birth certificate from the county health department where she was born Birth certificates are public records. She may have to pay a small fee - $5 or so.
- Q. If I have physical custody and we both have split joint legal custody, is he allowed to leave state and not tell me?
- A: He is obligated to tell you were he will be taking your child especially if your child is “being left” with the gf. He is required to inform you why is your daughter being left with the gf. Where is he? Look in your court documents to see if the parents were given “right of first refusal”. What that means is if one parent can’t be with the child during their parenting time the other parent gets the first offer to have the child before getting a baby sitter or leaving child with a gf. If that language is not in any of your records I would file for a modification of parenting time. In that motion for modification you’ll state 1.) you want the court to emphasize that dad cannot ... Read More
- Q. Can cps keep my grandson from me because of a closed case I had 5 years ago and a drug felony that's 5 years old
- A: Let CPS and the court know that you are willing to have a hair follicle drug test done to prove you no longer are on drugs.
If CPS won’t work with you on this send an e-mail to the judge saying you’re willing to take a hair follicle drug test to prove you’re not participating in drugs.
If you have a lawyer, that lawyer can make a motion for you to be in your grandson’s life. You didn’t say where this parents are. That’s important. And if your wanting guardianship of your grandson that’s very different than wanting visitation with your grandson. If this is all CPS - push back! A truthful, sincere letter to the judge should help. What county is this in? Who is the jud ... Read More