Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only accept cases from the Indianapolis area?

While much of our practice is in Marion and the surrounding counties, we accept cases from anywhere in Indiana.

What are the fee arrangements?

Most family law cases are billed at an hourly rate, although some uncontested family law cases are billed at a flat rate. Criminal cases are billed at a flat rate and the fee depends on the type of case. Please call us at (317) 781-1080 to find out more about fees.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (317) 781-1080 to discuss your case and schedule an appointment.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. The initial consultation is free. If you would like a subsequent consultation, we will charge a fee based on the attorney's hourly rate. If you miss your appointment without providing at least 24-hours notice, there is a $25 fee to reschedule.

What happens during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation with the attorney is a way for you to explain your legal issue and for the attorney to then explain, based on the information provided, what your options are, what your rights are, how the attorney might handle your case, and what the fee arrangements will be. There is no obligation to hire the attorney after the consultation, as we expect that you might meet with other attorneys. However, if you choose to hire us, you may do so after the consultation or come back at a later date and do it.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, personal checks (which may be subject to bank verification), cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).

What should I wear to court?

At a minimum, you should dress in business casual attire. However, we strongly encourage men to wear a suit and tie (or jacket and tie) and women to wear a conservative dress or a suit. You should never wear casual clothing (such as jeans, shorts, or t-shirt) to court. There is a certain formality to the courtroom and a judge might find it disrespectful to the court to wear casual attire. In addition to giving the judge a negative impression of you, wearing casual clothes to court might also elicit a verbal reprimand from the judge.

Does Indiana allow for grandparent visitation?

Yes. Indiana Code 31-17-5 allows for grandparent visitation. If this is something you are interested in pursuing, please call us to find out more.

What information should I gather before calling about a sentence modification?

It is helpful if you can gather as much of the following information as possible: the individual's DOC number, what the individual was convicted of, the individual's release date, whether the individual went to trial or took a plea, and the terms of the plea (if applicable).

Why should I hire an attorney instead of handling my case on my own?

While handling your case on your own (called "pro se litigation") is allowed, there are significant advantages to hiring an attorney. The laws, terminology and court procedures are complex and attorneys are experienced with all of these matters. Additionally, once your case is closed, it is difficult and costly to fix any mistakes or oversights that could result from pro se representation. Some judges will also hold pro se litigants to the same standard to which they hold attorneys, which could make the process even more time consuming and overwhelming. By paying an attorney, you are paying an experienced professional to work diligently on your behalf, which means you have less to worry about.

Do you handle adoptions?

Yes, we will handle adoptions.

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I have a question that I think should be listed in your FAQ. How do I let someone know about it?

You can email suggestions or feedback to admin@winkleryorklaw.com.