The US~Observer is continuing our investigation into Bryan Ciyou and Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
By Michael Quiel
Investigative Reporter
Indianapolis, Indiana – When the US~Observer originally began an investigation into one of Bryan L. Ciyou’s clients (client one) we sent them an exploratory article for fact checking purposes. Ciyou subsequently called the newsroom and was openly dismissive, referring to the write-up as a “smear piece” and declaring it would be “one-sided journalism.” Ciyou’s call to the US~Observer only served to enhance our investigation.
History
When we questioned client one he responded to an alluded-to-accusation against him by the complainant by telling the US~Observer he would provide program completion certificates for substance abuse treatment, anger management classes, and multiple 30-day drug screens. Client one has delivered nothing to date, in fact in a second phone conversation dealing with why he had not delivered the certificates he stated, “My Attorney instructed me not to.” This client also stated that what he has had to pay in Attorney fees is asinine!
Now, Ciyou has apparently instructed this client to threaten a lawsuit against the US~Observer — a national newspaper. Far from deterring coverage, these aggressive and highly confrontational tactics only strengthen the US~Observer’s determination to expose potential misconduct in the legal profession and to find out the real facts against Ciyou’s client.
Another Complaint
“He didn’t file any documents, nothing.” That is how Ashley Eilene Franklin (client two) describes the work performed by Indianapolis family law attorney Bryan Ciyou after she reportedly paid him nearly $40,000. Franklin is now suing Ciyou and Ciyou & Associates, P.C. for legal malpractice (Marion Superior Court, Cause No. 49C01-2511-CT-052294).
Franklin was highly critical of Ciyou’s representation, stating bluntly, “I have lost my child because I trusted this lawyer to do his job, but all I got in return was a payment demand.” She describes Ciyou as rude, dismissive, gaslighting, and constantly demanding more money while delivering almost no results.
Franklin’s blunt assessment captures the growing pattern of complaints against Ciyou: repeatedly failing to produce critical documents, ignoring legitimate requests for evidence, and stonewalling opposing parties in high-conflict custody and divorce cases.
The spouse of Franklin reports the same obstructive tactics, stating that despite repeated demands, Ciyou has failed to provide required financial disclosures and that “the ongoing stonewalling has made it impossible to settle the divorce.”
Another Complaint
Client three, who wishes to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, contacted the US~Observer with similar complaints of inadequate representation and overbilling after reportedly paying almost $50,000 to Ciyou in a custody matter without him ever attending a hearing.
Yet Another Complaint
Mark A. Roach (client four), acting as opposing party (pro-se) in an ongoing Hendricks County case accuses Ciyou of failing to produce critical evidence. In a Motion for Mistrial, Roach stated that Ciyou’s client swore under penalties of perjury that Roach suffered a “traumatic brain injury.” Roach stated, “Respondent has asked petitioner’s counsel, Bryan Ciyou on numerous occasions to see what verified medical records they have of respondent. To which there has not been any production/viewing of such medical records.”
Like all Indiana professional corporations, Ciyou & Associates, P.C. is required to carry malpractice insurance under Admission and Discipline Rule 27(g).
Families in child custody and divorce cases are at their most vulnerable. They deserve an attorney who actually produces evidence and works toward resolution. According to the complaints against Bryan Ciyou’s this is not what a good number of his clients are receiving.
The US~Observer investigation into Bryan Ciyou and Ciyou & Associates, P.C. continues…
If you are a current or former client of Bryan Ciyou and have experienced similar issues with document production, stonewalling, missed deadlines, or incompetent case handling, contact us confidentially at 602-960-4609 or submissions@usobserver.net.
US~Observer welcomes information from all parties. Further updates will be provided as developments occur.
