How much does it cost to hire Kathleen for a divorce case?

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

Does Kathleen offer a free consultation?

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

How long do divorce cases in Ohio typically take?

Simple divorce 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. Kathleen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Kathleen take my case if I'm outside Columbus?

Kathleen is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kathleen 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 Kathleen?

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. Kathleen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Kathleen accepting new divorce clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Kathleen A. Ballenger, Divorce Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Retired - C.P.A. InactiveatKessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.

Columbus, OH

Practicing divorce in Columbus since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 3 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Divorce Elder Law Estate Planning Estate Tax Family Law General +5 more →

Are you Kathleen A. Ballenger?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Kathleen A. Ballenger is a retired - c.p.a. inactive based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Divorce, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Kathleen has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Columbus, OH
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Divorce · Elder Law · Estate Planning

Handles Divorce, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Columbus, OH.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Kathleen A. Ballenger

Kathleen concentrates on divorce, elder law, estate planning, estate tax, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kathleen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Divorce cases in Columbus, Ohio

Kathleen takes divorce matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Columbus, Ohio

Kathleen takes elder law matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Columbus, Ohio

Kathleen takes estate planning matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Estate Tax cases in Columbus, Ohio

Kathleen takes estate tax matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Columbus, Ohio

Kathleen takes family law matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Kathleen A. Ballenger — Over 47 years of Ohio divorce experience

Certified Public Accountant, Ohio, 1986 (Inactive).

Kathleen's approach to divorce cases

Certified Public Accountant, Ohio, 1986 (Inactive).

The kind of cases Kathleen takes

Kathleen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce, elder law, and estate planning matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Kathleen A. Ballenger's legal education and bar admissions

Capital University
J.D. Taxation · 1979
The Ohio State University
B.S. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Kathleen's state bar admissions

Ohio
1979 · ACTIVE

Kathleen studied at J.D. Taxation in Capital University and B.S. in The Ohio State University.

Law school and academic background

Kathleen completed J.D. Taxation in Capital University and B.S. in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kathleen runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Kathleen A. Ballenger

Kathleen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Kathleen A. Ballenger's office in Columbus

Kathleen's primary office is at 7650 Rivers Edge Drive, Columbus, OH, 43235-1342. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.

7650 Rivers Edge Drive

Columbus, OH 43235-1342

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Kathleen A. Ballenger — 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Kathleen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing divorce attorneys in Columbus.

4.9

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kathleen A. Ballenger claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Kathleen A. Ballenger — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Kathleen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathleen'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; Kathleen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Columbus, Ohio

A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce 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 Kathleen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every divorce 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. Kathleen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Kathleen A. Ballenger

How much does it cost to hire Kathleen for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kathleen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kathleen offer a free consultation?
Kathleen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathleen's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Kathleen's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple divorce 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. Kathleen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kathleen take my case if I'm outside Columbus?
Kathleen is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kathleen 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 Kathleen?
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. Kathleen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kathleen accepting new divorce clients right now?
Kathleen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Divorce attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio

Kathleen handles divorce matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Kathleen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.