FAQ
Questions about being in a lawsuit
I’ve just been served. What do I do first?
Note the date you were served and call a lawyer that week. The deadline to answer a complaint is short, and missing it can mean a default judgment against you.
Do you represent people who sue, or people who are sued?
Both. Merritt represents plaintiffs and defendants, and businesses and individuals, in contract, ownership, property and construction disputes.
Do you take cases outside Louisville?
Yes, across the state and in Southern Indiana, in state and federal court. Most first meetings can happen by video.
What does a first meeting cost?
Ask when you call; the fee, if any, is set before the meeting so there are no surprises.
Will my case go to trial?
Probably not. Most civil cases settle or are decided on motions. Every case is prepared as if it will be tried, because that’s what makes a fair settlement possible.
How long will it take?
A letter can resolve things in weeks. A filed case commonly takes a year or more to reach trial, depending on the court’s calendar.
Can the other side make me pay their lawyer?
Usually each side pays its own lawyer. A contract clause or a specific law can change that, so it’s one of the first things to check.
Will I work with Merritt or someone else?
With Merritt. A paralegal helps with documents and scheduling, but the lawyer you meet is the lawyer on your case.
What papers should I bring to a first meeting?
The contract or agreement, any letters or court papers, and the emails or texts that matter. A short list of dates helps more than you’d think.
Should I talk to the other side while this is going on?
Be careful. Anything you write can become evidence. Keep it polite and short, and ask before you agree to anything.
A question this page doesn’t answer?
Call or write, and you’ll get an answer from the lawyer herself.