Deborah Farmer Smith

Deborah Farmer Smith is a highly experienced family law attorney and partner at Cohen Garelick & Glazier, with nearly four decades of dedicated service to clients across Indiana. She focuses her practice on all areas of family law, including complex property division, child custody, parenting time, support, and post-decree modifications. Deborah is known for her thoughtful legal advice, practical guidance, and empathetic approach, helping clients navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions with both clarity and care.

Deborah earned her B.S. in Education, cum laude, from Butler University in 1976, and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law in 1983.

Deborah is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Registered Domestic Relations Mediator in Indiana. Her expertise extends beyond litigation into alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, arbitration, and collaborative practice. She has successfully mediated hundreds of cases, providing clients with efficient and effective solutions outside the courtroom.

Recognized as a leader in her field, Deborah has received numerous honors, including being named one of the Top 25 Indiana Women by Super Lawyers and a recipient of the Gale M. Phelps Award from the Indiana State Bar Association. She is also listed in “Best Lawyers” for her exceptional legal work in family law.

Deborah Farmer Smith’s professional involvement is extensive. She has served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Certification Board and held leadership positions within the Indiana State Bar Association, including as its first Counsel to the President and Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section. She is also a Past President and Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation and an active member of the Hamilton County Bar Association.

Clients rely on Deborah for her deep legal knowledge, strong advocacy, and compassionate support. Whether through litigation or mediation, she remains committed to helping families find the best path forward.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cohen Garelick & Glazier
• Member, Indiana State Bar Association
• Member, Hamilton County Bar Association
• Fellow, Indiana Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Indiana

Education

• Indiana University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Butler University
  BS in Education

Awards & Badges