FAQ’s
Family law can be extremely involved and complex. Making uninformed decisions can have devastating consequences for you and your family. It is best to seek the guidance of an attorney who knows the law inside and out, and can defend you and your family’s rights. The most important thing in a family law case is protecting your future and that of your children.
Unfortunately, there’s no set answer to this question. Fees vary quite a bit from case to case, depending on length, complexity, and how hard the other side contests the issue. Generally, when you come in for a consultation, we can give you an estimate of the total cost, including attorney fees and court costs (fees you pay directly to the courts). You’ll be asked to pay some money up front (a retainer) if we decide to work together.
Yes, Berry & Karl, LLC accepts credit card payments at no additional cost to you.
The consultation is an initial meeting where you meet with an attorney to discuss your case and decide whether to work together. You can make an appointment on our website or call to set one up. Please understand that setting up a consultation is not the same as actually being represented by an attorney. The consultation helps us make the decision together about whether to proceed formally together with your case as attorney and client.
Where you go (the venue) for your case depends on where your case is filed. Berry & Karl, LLC, represents clients in the Cincinnati area, including some Northern Kentucky counties. When we meet for a consultation, we’ll be able to identify the probable venue for your case.
If, after a consultation, we decide to work together formally, then we will communicate via phone and in-person primarily. You may be asked to email documents or answers to questions from time to time. The important thing to remember is that if we represent you, we will stay in close contact throughout your entire case. When you’re a Berry & Karl, LLC client, we’re in this together.
Yes. If you are represented by Berry & Karl, LLC, your attorney will be present with you in the courtroom and other formal proceedings. We will also appear with you in settlement conferences, early neutral evaluation proceedings and sometimes at mediation sessions. We’re in this together. That means you don’t have to go to an unfamiliar courthouse and figure anything out on your own. Your attorney will be right there with you.
A divorce can be contested or uncontested. A contested divorce will be filed with the courts and usually involves a lack of agreement on part of both parties involved. In a contested divorce, both spouses are required to appear in court. An uncontested divorce is like a dissolution of marriage in that both parties generally come to an agreement, even if only partially, before filing anything with the court. An uncontested divorce also allows for only one party to appear in court if the other cannot.
A dissolution of marriage involves both parties reaching a full agreement on issues prior to filing their case with the courts.