How much does it cost to hire Colby for a alimony case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Colby walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Colby offer a free consultation?

Colby charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Colby's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Colby's current terms during booking.

How long do alimony cases in Indiana typically take?

Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Colby gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Colby take my case if I'm outside Valparaiso?

Colby is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Colby will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Colby?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Colby will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Colby accepting new alimony clients right now?

Colby's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Colby A. Barkes, Alimony Attorney in Valparaiso

Quick answer

Colby A. Barkes is a partner based in Valparaiso, IN. The practice focuses on Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Colby has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC.

Based in: Valparaiso, IN
Experience: over 20 years
Known for: Alimony · Bankruptcy · Car Accidents

Handles Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents matters from Valparaiso, IN.
Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Colby A. Barkes

Colby concentrates on alimony, bankruptcy, car accidents, chapter 11, and chapter 13. Each area below outlines the kind of case Colby handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Alimony cases in Valparaiso, Indiana

Colby takes alimony matters in Valparaiso, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colby agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Valparaiso, Indiana

Colby takes bankruptcy matters in Valparaiso, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colby agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Valparaiso, Indiana

Colby takes car accidents matters in Valparaiso, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colby agrees to represent you.

Chapter 11 cases in Valparaiso, Indiana

Colby takes chapter 11 matters in Valparaiso, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colby agrees to represent you.

Chapter 13 cases in Valparaiso, Indiana

Colby takes chapter 13 matters in Valparaiso, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colby agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Colby A. Barkes — Over 20 years of Indiana alimony experience

Colby A. Barkes is a partner based in Valparaiso, IN. The practice focuses on Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Colby has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC.

Colby A. Barkes is an Attorney and Partner in the firm’s personal injury, civil litigation, employment law, and domestic relations sections. He represents individuals and businesses in complex litigation matters and employment disputes, as well as handling all aspects of family law matters.

Before joining the firm in 2012, Colby was an employment and civil litigation attorney in Lake County, Indiana, where he worked on defending and prosecuting cases involving auto and trucking accidents, premises liability issues, civil rights disputes, and employment disputes. He has conducted and assisted in numerous jury and bench trials, written briefs to the Indiana Court of Appeals, and assisted in appeals to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Admitted to practice in both federal (Northern and Southern District) and state courts in Indiana, Colby graduated magna cum laude from Valparaiso School of Law in 2006 and from the University of Indianapolis in 2003. He was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2007 and is also currently admitted to practice in the Northern District of Illinois.

Born in Goshen, Indiana, and a graduate of Goshen High School in 1999, Colby has lived in Valparaiso since 2003. He regularly attends St. Paul Catholic Church and has previously coached wrestling and football in Goshen, Indiana.

Associations & Memberships

• Porter County Bar Association

• Lake County Bar Association

• Indiana State Bar Association

How Colby handles alimony matters

Colby A. Barkes is an Attorney and Partner in the firm’s personal injury, civil litigation, employment law, and domestic relations sections. He represents individuals and businesses in complex litigation matters and employment disputes, as well as handling all aspects of family law matters. Before joining the firm in 2012, Colby was an employment and civil litigation attorney in Lake County,…

The kind of cases Colby takes

Colby reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, bankruptcy, and car accidents matters in Valparaiso and the surrounding Indiana area.

Credentials

Colby A. Barkes's legal education and bar admissions

Valparaiso University School of Law
J.D. · 2006
University of Indianapolis
B.A. History · 2003

Jurisdictions

Colby's state bar admissions

Illinois
2007 · ACTIVE
Indiana
2006 · ACTIVE

Colby studied at J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.A. History in University of Indianapolis.

Law school and academic background

Colby completed J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.A. History in University of Indianapolis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Colby runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Colby A. Barkes's office in Valparaiso

Colby's primary office is at 56 Washington Street, Suite 401, Valparaiso, IN, 46383. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC

56 Washington Street, Suite 401

Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Colby A. Barkes

Colby has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Colby A. Barkes — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new alimony attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Colby usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Colby charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Colby's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Colby will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in Valparaiso, Indiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Colby

Colby discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in alimony practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Colby confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Colby's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many alimony practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Colby A. Barkes

How much does it cost to hire Colby for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Colby walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Colby offer a free consultation?
Colby charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Colby's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Colby's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Colby gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Colby take my case if I'm outside Valparaiso?
Colby is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Colby will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Colby?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Colby will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Colby accepting new alimony clients right now?
Colby's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Alimony attorneys serving Valparaiso, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana

Colby handles alimony matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified alimony attorneys in that community.

Colby A. Barkes, Alimony Attorney in Valparaiso, Indiana