Litigation

When negotiation isn’t enough, we bring deep transactional knowledge and proven courtroom experience to business, estate, real estate, and contract disputes. Indianapolis clients get clear strategy and focused advocacy in Indiana’s state and federal courts — not just billable hours.

When Prevention Fails, We Fight for What You're Owed

Litigation starts where prevention ends. A contract falls apart, a business partner acts against the agreement, a property deal goes sideways — and the structures that were supposed to prevent this didn't hold. When that happens, you need an attorney who understands the transaction underneath the dispute, not just the courtroom procedure that follows.

The services below cover the disputes we handle most often for Indianapolis businesses and individuals. Whether the goal is a negotiated resolution, mediation, or trial, strategy starts with understanding what you're trying to protect — and what a realistic outcome looks like.

Business Disputes

Resolve partnership disagreements, breach of contract claims, and corporate conflicts through strategic negotiation or aggressive courtroom advocacy when settlement fails.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about litigation and dispute resolution in Indiana.

How long does litigation typically take in Indiana?

It varies widely. A straightforward breach-of-contract case that settles during discovery may resolve in four to eight months. A complex business dispute heading to trial in Marion County Superior Court can take 18 months or longer. Federal cases in the Southern District of Indiana follow a tighter scheduling order but still average 12 to 18 months through trial. We give you a realistic timeline at the outset and adjust it as the case develops.

What are the alternatives to going to trial?

Most civil disputes in Indiana resolve before trial. Mediation — a structured negotiation guided by a neutral third party — settles a significant share of business and real estate disputes. Arbitration is faster and binding, but you give up the right to appeal. Some contracts require one or the other before anyone can file suit. We evaluate which path gives you the best combination of speed, cost, and control, and recommend accordingly.

What remedies are available for breach of contract in Indiana?

Indiana courts can award compensatory damages (the money you lost because of the breach), consequential damages (foreseeable losses that flow from it), and in rare cases, specific performance — an order requiring the other side to do what they promised. Punitive damages are generally not available for breach of contract alone. The contract itself often dictates available remedies, including whether the prevailing party recovers attorney fees. That’s why the contract language matters as much as the dispute.

What should I bring to the first meeting with a litigation attorney?

Bring the contract or agreement at issue, any written communications (emails, texts, letters) related to the dispute, a timeline of key events, documentation of financial losses, and any correspondence from the other party’s attorney. The more complete your file, the faster we can assess your position and give you a realistic evaluation of your options.

What are the statutes of limitations for common civil claims in Indiana?

Indiana imposes strict deadlines. Written contracts: 10 years (IC § 34-11-2-11). Oral contracts: 6 years (IC § 34-11-2-7). Property damage and fraud: 6 years. Personal injury: 2 years. These are hard cutoffs — miss them, and the court dismisses your claim regardless of its merit. If you think a dispute may lead to litigation, consult an attorney while the clock still gives you options.

How are litigation costs and attorney fees structured?

We typically handle litigation on an hourly basis with regular invoicing so you always know where the budget stands. Some matters — particularly collections and certain contract disputes — can be structured with a contingency or hybrid arrangement. We discuss fee structure at the first meeting and put it in writing before any work begins. No surprises.

When does it make more sense to settle than to go to trial?

Settlement makes sense when the cost and uncertainty of trial outweigh the difference between what you can get now and what a judge might award later. We quantify that comparison for you — the likely outcome, the time to get there, the litigation expense, and the business disruption. Sometimes the best business decision is a negotiated resolution. Sometimes the facts demand trial. We tell you which is which.

How does the collections process work in Indiana?

It starts with a formal demand letter, which resolves a meaningful percentage of collection matters. If that fails, we file suit and seek a judgment. Once a judgment is entered, Indiana law provides enforcement tools: wage garnishment (IC § 24-4.5-5-105), bank account levies, and proceedings supplemental to identify assets. For business debts, we can also pursue personal guarantors. The process is methodical, and having an attorney behind the demand changes the calculus for the debtor.