
Michael Josef Cheerva, ADR Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Appellate, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratAvery & Cheerva, LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing adr in Indianapolis since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Josef Cheerva?
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Quick answer
Michael Josef Cheerva is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avery & Cheerva, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- ADR · Appellate · Family Law
- Handles ADR, Appellate, and Family Law matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Josef Cheerva: Michael Josef Cheerva is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avery & Cheerva, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Indianapolis
Michael concentrates on adr, appellate, family law, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Appellate
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Family Law
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General
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Juvenile
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ADR cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael takes adr matters in Indianapolis, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Appellate cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael takes appellate matters in Indianapolis, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael takes family law matters in Indianapolis, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael takes general matters in Indianapolis, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael takes juvenile matters in Indianapolis, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael Josef Cheerva, adr attorney serving Indianapolis
Michael Josef Cheerva is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avery & Cheerva, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Michael works from Indianapolis, Indiana and takes on adr matters across the region.
Michael Josef Cheerva is a lawyer practicing family law, alternative dispute resolution (adr), appellate practice and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Wabash College in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at Avery & Cheerva, LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
How Michael handles adr matters
Michael Josef Cheerva is a lawyer practicing family law, alternative dispute resolution (adr), appellate practice and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Wabash College in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at Avery & Cheerva, LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and family law matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Indiana University
J.D. · 1985
Wabash College
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Indiana
1985 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Wabash College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Wabash College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Indianapolis (Member: Executive Committee, 1992-1999 Secretary-Treasurer, 1995 Chair, 1997 Family Law Section), Indiana State (Member, Family Law and Appellate Practice Sections) and American (Family Law Section) Bar Associations
membership
Indiana State Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
Michael Josef Cheerva's office in Indianapolis
Michael's primary office is at One N. Pennsylvania, Suite 405, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Avery & Cheerva, LLP
One N. Pennsylvania, Suite 405
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Josef Cheerva — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Indianapolis.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Josef Cheerva claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Josef Cheerva — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Josef Cheerva
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple adr 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Michael handles adr matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Indiana
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





