Practice Areas

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Bankruptcy
• Business Organizations
• Construction Law
• Contracts
• Criminal Law
• Debtor/Creditor
• DUI/DWI
• Elder Law
• Family Law
  • Adoption
  • Child Support
  • Custody & Visitation
  • Divorce
• Guardianships
• Land Use & Zoning
• Landlord Tenant
• Litigation & Appeals
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Probate & Estate Administration
• Real Estate Law
• Social Security Disability
• Traffic Violations
• Wills

Alternative Dispute Resolution - Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the process of resolving legal conflicts without going to trial. Our firm is in the forefront of this area, advising clients on arbitration, international dispute resolution, mediation, mini-trials, and private judging. We have extensive expertise in determining when a form of ADR is in the best interest of clients and meets their needs better than traditional litigation.

Bankruptcy - Bankruptcy is designed to help consumers eliminate their debts or repay them under the protection of the bankruptcy court. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a "liquidation" bankruptcy. Property is sold or liquidated to pay off as much of your debt as possible, while leaving you with enough property to make a fresh start. Chapter 13 is the most common type of bankruptcy for consumers - you repay your debts over three to five years.

Both kinds of bankruptcy have numerous rules---and exceptions---about what kind of debts are covered, who can file, and what property you can and cannot keep. Our firm will make sure you understand these rules and advise you on which type of bankruptcy is best for your unique financial situation.

Business Organizations - We provide a wide variety of services to our business clients from assisting in selecting the type of organizational entity under which to operate, preparation of agreements, sale and purchase of businesses, obtaining financing and funding for business operations, and employee relations, to dissolution.

Construction Law - Our firm represents owners, contractors, construction managers, developers, design professionals, and suppliers in all aspects of the construction process, including bidding and document preparation, contract negotiation and formation, contract performance, financing and warranty issues, mechanics liens, and claims and dispute resolution.

Contracts - We draft contracts in virtually all areas of civil law, and are highly experienced in negotiating and drafting contracts, litigating contract performance disputes, and evaluating the appropriate remedies for breached contracts.

Criminal Law - From the moment of arrest, through trial, our firm will put the extensive trial and jury experience of our attorneys to use in your defense. We spend the time necessary to make sure that we have developed the best defenses possible prior to discussing settlement or going to trial.

Debtor / Creditor - We have experienced attorneys who can pursue a variety of remedies to assist creditors in obtaining collection of their just debts.

DUI / DWI - If you are facing drunk driving or drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney making sure your constitutional rights are protected. We have extensive experience representing people arrested or charged with all types of driving offenses such as drunk driving (DUI / DWI).

Elder Law – We handle issues specifically related to the elderly population, including advice and assistance for matters related to health, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, contracting with in-home caregivers and financing long-term care. Through the creation of specific instruments such as Medical Power of Attorney, Guardianships and Living Wills and Trusts, we help clients maintain control of their lives and continue their independence through their senior years.

Family Law – We handle all types of family law including:

Adoption - Adoption laws are complex and require guidance from an experienced attorney. We have handled adoptions for many years. In addition to making you a parent, adoption also places many legal and financial responsibilities upon you and your family. Let us advise you fully on the requirements and legal effects of your prospective adoption.

Divorce - The breakup of a marriage is often one of the most stressful times in a person's life. We have a wealth of experience in helping clients through this painful experience and making certain that they receive their fair share of the marital assets.

Child Support - As part of a divorce proceeding or a paternity action, the family court will make a determination as to the appropriate amount of child support to be ordered for the care of the child. Unless you walk in with an experienced attorney who is familiar with the law, child support may be set either too high or too low. We have years of experience dealing with both initial child support determinations and subsequent modifications.

Custody & Visitation - Child custody, support, and visitation decisions are some of the most important aspects of a divorce proceeding for individuals with children. In determining how parental responsibilities are to be shared, a couple must determine the primary and secondary residence of the children, whether rotating custody is appropriate, and what the visitation schedule will be. Count on our familiarity and experience with Indiana’s Parenting Guidelines to help guide you through this process.

Guardianships -A Guardianship is a Court supervised proceeding where a guardian is appointed or selected by the Court to act on the behalf of an incapacitated person or a minor. When a guardianship is necessary, we will guide you through the process.

Land Use & Zoning - State, county, and municipal restrictions and regulations on real property use and property development are increasing in complexity. We offer experienced representation in this ever changing area of law.

Landlord Tenant - Commercial and residential leases touch both contract and real estate law. Both landlords and tenants have legal duties and rights that are expressed in leases or implied through common law and statutes. If you have a question about your lease, property, tenant, or landlord, please contact us for assistance and advice.

Litigation & Appeals – We are knowledgeable and conscientious whenever it becomes necessary to engage in trial. We provide a wide array of services to our clients whenever disputes require vigorous courtroom advocacy.

Motor Vehicle Accidents – We understand the complex scientific and engineering principles often necessary to unravel just how an accident occurred and who, if anyone, was at fault.

Personal Injury - We represent individuals and their families who have been injured or killed as the result of the negligent or wrongful conduct of another person or company. We understand the impact an unexpected personal injury can cause in a person's life. Such injuries cause lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering that impact both the injured individual and their families. We take the time to listen, assess, and analyze each case to ensure that our clients receive a resolution to their case that effectively compensates them for the injuries they have suffered.

Probate & Estate Administration - The planning for and administration of an estate requires the services of a knowledgeable attorney. We deal with the complex network of laws governing gifts, estate planning and trusts and we use that knowledge to help clients fulfill their short and long-term goals.

Real Estate Law - Our firm represents individuals in proceedings and transactions that deal with real property - land and the structures attached to it - including purchase and sale, construction, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, quiet title actions, and closings.

Social Security Disability - Social Security Disability is insurance you have paid for during your working years. If you become disabled, Social Security Disability Insurance provides income until your condition improves, and guarantees income if your condition does not improve. We will provide the knowledge and legal expertise to make the Social Security Disability process less confusing, less intimidating, and more convenient for people with disabilities. For more information on Social Security Disability, please see our page dedicated to Social Security Disability.

Traffic Violations - Traffic violations such as speeding, illegal lane usage, reckless driving, failure to yield, and following too closely can result in license suspensions and higher insurance rates. Depending on the violation and how it is resolved, you may be fined, referred to a special program, or sent to jail. We have experience helping people charged with a traffic violations and we know what protections are available to you.

Wills - A will is a person's declaration of how they want their property dispersed after death. Because there are complex regulations regarding the validity of any will, it is important to hire an attorney with knowledge and experience. We keep apprised of the changes in the law to be sure your wishes can be honored after your death.

Zerbe Garner Miller & Blondell LLP
15 West Center Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Phone 812-537-0001
Toll Free: (866) 848-8686
Fax 812-537-5889
Email law@zerbegarnerlaw.com

Cincinnati Office:
312 Walnut St.
Suite 1600
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202