(These answers do not apply to Social Security cases. For information on those cases, please see our
Social Security page.)
- What kinds of cases do you take on appeal? I will consider taking any civil (i.e., non-criminal) appeal.
- Do you represent only defendants or only plaintiffs? Only fathers or only mothers? No. I will consider representing any party in a civil appeal.
- What is your fee for doing an appeal? I generally charge $190.00 per hour for my work on appeals. The number of hours spent on a case depends on the complexity of the case, whether the party I represent is the appellant or the appellee, and any circumstances unique to the case. I am open to considering other fee arrangements.
- Will you need a retainer? Yes. I will need a retainer before starting work on your case. The amount of the retainer we request varies, depending on the circumstances of each case.
- How soon do I have to do something? If you are the appellant (the party filing the appeal), you must generally file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the date of the Order from which you are appealing. If you are the appellee (the other party is filing the appeal), you must file your brief within 30 days of the date the appellant's brief is filed. Please do not wait until the time period is almost up before contacting us or any other attorney.
- What happens in an appeal? Attorneys for both sides file briefs, and the appellate courts review the briefs to arrive at a decision. Sometimes, the court on appeal will hold oral argument to hear the attorneys explain the case and answer questions from the appellate judges. New evidence is not allowed.
- When will I have a decision? The Indiana Court of Appeals decides cases more quickly than any appellate court in the United States. After a case is fully briefed, the Indiana Court of Appeals typically hands down a decision within three to four months. The Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Tax Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit may take anywhere from two to 18 months to make a decision.
- Is there a filing fee? Yes.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
Indiana Supreme Court
Indiana Court of Appeals
Indiana Tax Court |
$100
$125
$250
$120 |