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05 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Melissa Denton at Ascher & Denton Family Law. While I reflect on the last year, with the changes, challenges, and court battles, I hope that Melissa Denton knows the monumental impact she and her staff made on my family’s lives. Our current reality would look very different right now without her support and guidance. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for her and her team, who were all professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and best of all, personable. They have worked tirelessly with me to fight for the best interests of my family! If you are unsure who to call for matters of family law, call Ascher & Denton; you will not regret it!
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12 Jan, 2022 by Cassandra
Melissa has been an incredible attorney to have over the past 5 years. She has helped me win my case every time. Her and her office have always been responsive and courteous to my needs and concerns. I highly recommend Melissa for getting things taken care of correctly the first time!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Amy
There is not enough I can say for all Melissa has done for me and my children. I hired Melissa after having 2 other local attorneys. I won’t mention their names, however I don’t feel with them they always had the best intentions of my children involved. From the start with my consultation, Melissa always had not only my protection legally /finamcially at the top, but the protection of my children first and foremost. It had taken me three years and two attorneys before Melissa came and finished my case with the amount of money she told me she would. She actually finished my three year long case in just 6 months. If you are from an abusive relationship and are wondering where to go next and who could help you finish a long horrible process, I would definitely consult Melissa to help you. I do believe she is an angel for me and my kids...there just aren’t any more words or better way to put it. Thank you Melissa
Amy and the M&Ms
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10 Aug, 2018 by Kathy
Mr. Gaudin was simply amazing in our custody case! He was brilliant in so many ways. Our children were so blessed to have him represent us! He is extremely knowledgeable in many areas of custody and adoption, not to mention his professionalism, awesome personality and extreme dedication to his clients.
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03 Aug, 2018 by Michael
Our adoption case was not exactly the easiest. What started out as too good to be true, turned into just that. We set out to adopt a little girl 7 years old. We sought advice from Mr. Todd Gaudin as he was the premiere adoption lawyer in our area. Upon meeting Todd and his staff, we agreed to hire him and move forward. Todd is such a warm, delightful person.
As we got further into the adoption, and initial visits, it became very clear that this was not going to be a normal adoption.
At one point, I was asked to make a trip to Pennsylvania in order to move the adoption forward. Without any hesitation, Todd said he would go with me.
We hopped in the car, drove 17 hours and arrived at our destination only to find, the guardian had made some changes in the plan and decided to call off the adoption.
Todd and I stayed in Pennsylvania for several days, as we fought to reinstate the adoption.
It amazed me how selfless Todd was and is. He left his family in Louisiana to come with me to Pennsylvania so that I could build my family.
Todd exhausted every avenue he knew of in Pennsylvania, but in the end we were outgunned and outnumbered by out of state laws and judges. We were forced to go home without our little girl.
A month went by, and the guardian decided that she had made a mistake. She offered to us the little girl again. Of course we jumped right back into the adoption without question. And of course we went right back to working with Todd.
Honestly, I cant imagine an outcome other than what we got, had we ever used the services of anyone other than Todd Gaudin.
As we returned to Pennsylvania to get the little girl, we were informed of the many laws in place for the Protection of children called ICPC. We were informed by the Maryland State ICPC that we could return to Louisiana. Half way home, we were informed by the state police of Pennsylvania that they would like question us regarding kidnapping the child. The Guardian and Birth father had cooked up a story, and accused us of kidnapping her.
As you can imagine, Todd was the first person we called. Todd settled the matter very quickly, but we were asked to no longer continue our journey home to Louisiana. So, we were forced to stay with friends in Tennessee for 35 days.
During this time, Todd fought, clawed, and eventually won our little girl to us.
Through our experience, I witnessed so many sides of people that I never knew could really exist. Todd was like a spirit guide. Always showing us the way, and walking us through all trouble.
We owe our family to the heart of Todd. His never ending pursuit to do the right thing, and do it correctly is how we eventually won our little girl. Todd and his staff were delightful warriors. We never felt alone, or that we needed a different lawyer. Todd was it, and will always be it. He is family now, and a friend.
We thank God every night for Todd and his unwavering heart to get us our little girl.
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04 Jun, 2018 by Metashar
My Family had a great experience with Attotney Todd Gaudin from the beginning to the end! Attorney Todd gave us all the legal equipment that we needed for out of state Adoption through the interstate Domestic process. Thanks Attorney Todd! We will never forget you!
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02 Nov, 2021 by Janine
Lora is an incredible lawyer. She represented me through a very emotional case and did so with grace, educating me and informing me on what was happening every step of the way. She was extremely professional and worked to create an agreement that appeased both parties, ultimately landing on a happy ending. We can't thank Lora enough!
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22 Oct, 2020 by Nick rogers
We recently worked with Mike to build our estate plan. We came into this with very little background knowledge and Mike took the time to explain everything in great detail. By the end we felt very comfortable that we understood the plan and how everything was constructed. We would definitely recommend Mike.
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14 Sep, 2020 by Marietta mcleod
Mike assisted us with a real estate transaction as part of a trust. We were very happy with his service and his professionalism, and were very satisfied with the results. We would gladly use him for future transactions and would recommend him to our family and friends.
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25 Apr, 2019 by Brittany
I have been very pleased with Kylie! She is not only knowledgeable and thorough but compassionate and caring. I can always count on Kylie to ease my nerves and answer my questions! Kylie always puts the needs of my son before anything else and I absolutely love it! Kylie anticipates every situation and helps me feel confident in all of the decisions that are made. I 100% recommend Kylie!
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05 Apr, 2019 by Melody
Kylie worked for us to get temporary and then permanent custody of our nieces and nephew! She was available via email or phone when I needed her to be and always explained the next step!
She is passionate and cares about the outcome and she believes the kids come first!
As stressful as our situation was, I never once was concerned that our lawyer wouldn’t come through for us! As far as I am concerned the is the best in town!
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27 Oct, 2016 by Kaitlyn
Kylie Marie Riggins was amazing and honest. She did everything I needed and more.
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02 Aug, 2019 by Diana
Allison was very hands on, she acted quickly and understood my situation completely. I highly recommend her, she delivered positive results and accommodated all my request. She's compassionate in her work and everything went so smooth! I thought my case was going to be difficult being out of state, but Allison handled everything very professionally. Blessed to have found her!
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21 Mar, 2019 by Oj
Allison has helped me several times and I would recommend her to anyone. She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I have used Allison Strauss several times over the last 8 years and I have never been disappointed. I will continue to use her services as I know I can count on her to listen and understand my needs.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Heidi
Lisa Kenn exceeded all our expectations. As parents, we both have legal experience and did some research to help our daughter find the best divorce lawyer in a very difficult, messy divorce. From the very beginning our daughter always felt like Lisa Kenn was on her “team,” and that enabled her to operate under extreme anxiety because she knew Lisa Kenn always had her back. This allowed my husband and I to function as supportive parents (which our daughter needed) because we trusted Lisa Kenn would handle the legal end. What a gift she has been in our lives during this really difficult time. Her personal attention, communication, and knowledge of the family law specialty was excellent. I highly recommend Lisa Kenn.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Zhuobin
My divorce lasted for almost a year. From the very beginning, Lisa provided not only legal consultation but also emotional support and encouragement, which helped me immensely through this tough time.
The communication between us was always fantastic. Lisa replied to her emails very quickly and explained the case details in a way that was very easy to understand.
I just feel very lucky to have her as my divorce attorney and with her help, I was able to get out of that marriage and move on happily with my life.
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18 Dec, 2021 by Virginia
I am so very fortunate to have found Lisa. She is just the real deal!! Knowledgeable, competent, funny and direct, she guided me through the most difficult situation I have ever experienced. Simply put Lisa is the best. I am eternally grateful to her and would contact her in a heartbeat if I ever find myself needing family law again, I have already given her name to a co-worker.
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28 Jul, 2020 by Julie
Our adoption journey was long and complicated, but then we met Susan and Janet who went out of their way to help us and now we have the family of our dreams. We can’t say enough about their expertise, sincerity, empathy, and knowledge of the adoption process. We highly recommend them!
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24 Jul, 2020 by Shannon
Susan and Janet were both VERY helpful, kind and caring...making this process very easy and pleasant. We did our finalization through Zoom, which was fantastic! The judge was super nice, friendly and spoke to each person on the zoom meeting. During the zoom meeting Susan was very supportive, helped facilitate the meeting and kept us all on track. I would definitely recommend her firm. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!
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07 Jul, 2020 by Maria
We hired Susan to help us with the adoption of our grandson, we are the paternal grandparents. From our first consultation thru the end of the adoption Susan was a phone call or email away. She made it clear that she was here to help us in anyway possible. She did that, always making sure we understood what she was saying and answering endless questions with honesty and professionalism. We would highly recommend Susan to anyone needing help with the adoption process.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Stacy crow
Megan and her associate Kayla were not only extremely knowledgeable but also compassionate and poured their hearts into our two girl’s cases. Don’t let those pretty faces fool you, these two are bull dogs that give 110% in fighting for justice for children!!!
They took on the DCF establishment which helped us adopt our special needs child with an adoption subsidy that met her needs!! Every child deserves a family!!
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08 Oct, 2018 by Pat
In what was easily the most difficult situation/scenario we could have envisioned as we entered into a contested adoption for our daughter, Megan served as a pillar of strength, hope and most importantly unparalleled legal advice.
She did a fantastic job of balancing the heightened sensitivity and emotion of the situation with the professional, well-organized and meticulous expertise necessary to obtain the desired result (which ultimately culminated with the birth father agreeing to an open adoption half-way through Megan’s deposition).
She was extremely detailed in keeping us apprised of developments as they occurred and used her wealth of experience to provide invaluable insights and recommendations in crafting an initial strategy and modifying/revising her approach based on the evolution of the matter.
We cannot thank her enough for her efforts and would highly encourage anyone in need of representation to utilize Megan and the rest of the team at Martin Pringle.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I endorse Attorney Megan Monsour. Adoption and surrogacy are collaborative processes and frequently involve attorneys licensed in different states. I have worked with Ms. Monsour many times in the last five years and always had excellent experience with her. She is professional and knowledgeable. She has an impeccable reputation and demonstrates commitment to the best legal and ethical practices.
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07 Sep, 2020 by Martin
My husband and I ran into some very difficult legal complications 1 week before our adopted-baby-to-be was born due to our status as Canadians living in the US on work visas. Although we had satisfied all the requirements to adopt, we were notified at the last minute that due to recent changes in adoption law, our adoption would be considered international (despite living in California since 2016 and purchasing a home a week before this took place). The agency handling our adoption told us they could no longer help us and recommended finding an international adoption lawyer.
Along came Irene, who right from the start was reassuring, friendly, and professional. Irene took up our cause and reached out to the agency that dropped us and convinced them to have their legal team collaborate with her to create a case for the courts that argued in our favor. Irene is someone you want in your corner because she has a lot of friends in high places, many of whom she contacted in order to streamline our case. After working with Irene for just 3 weeks, and only 2 weeks after the birth of our son, we were able to take him home with us to California.
Since our return, Irene continues to check in on our son. The cost of her services is remarkably inexpensive for the expertise, compassion, and resourcefulness that Irene brings to the table. Thank you "Auntie" Irene - we will forever be in your debt!!!
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09 Feb, 2015 by James
I am returning to the States after 10 years of living abroad in Costa Rica. I am a US citizen but I am bringing my wife and daughter from Coast Rica with me. Irene is assisting us in this process. She has provided to date excellent services. She is extremely knowledgeable of the process and makes us all feel at ease with her professional handling of our petitions. I would highly recommend Irene Steffas for your needs in the area of immigration.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Mj
My husband and I, in a very round about way, found ourselves embarking on a journey adoption from Sint Maarten, a country with no current path to adoption. We found out mid way through we needed to work through a Hague approved attorney or agency. There were no agencies working in Sint Maarten so we immediately started looking for an attorney. We are SO happy we were able to find Irene and her team. Irene was VERY frank from the get go. She didn't sugarcoat anything which we appreciated so much. We had been told this and that and were given false hope a lot throughout this process and were very discouraged, so to have someone so open and honest about the hurdles we would need to get through was so refreshing. Irene was able to outline all of the steps her team would take to see this through. She was open with the fact that it wasn't a sure deal, but that they would take steps to analyze the entire situation before moving us forward and would do anything in their power to help us adopt these boys. They have taken point on some of the paperwork and processes that were bogging us down and causing a lot of frustration, she and her team clearly know how to navigate the adoption legal system. They've always kept in tight communication throughout the entire process. I've never felt like I can't reach out to Irene directly if I had questions and she has always been so responsive (along with her team). Our adoption isn't complete yet, but things are looking good. I would absolutely recommend Irene to anyone who is looking to adopt, especially in a situation where you may be paving the way. It's clear she is passionate about her work and her clients and I will be ever grateful we made the choice to partner with her and her team in this process.
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18 Sep, 2017 by Chris
Bo represented me in pursuing a modification to an inadequate visitation schedule with my children and I would not hesitate to call upon him again. If you're looking for an experienced attorney with integrity, one who will be well prepared and is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast, you should definitely consider giving him a call.
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23 Feb, 2017 by Adam
Bo Gregg is without a doubt, the best overall divorce lawyer. He is the most thorough, professional, and knowledgeable person I have had the privilege to meet. Bo can make you feel like you are his brother and will advise you like you are his own son. If you ever find yourself needing a family law professional to trust, he is without question the person to call. There is not enough characters to express my gratitude, nor scale to measure him on. Excellent person, professional, and family man. He will do what is right in the most difficult of situations.
His staff is outstanding as well!!!
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23 Feb, 2017 by Roger
I retained Mr. Gregg in late Spring of 2015 and have just now, in February of 2017, concluded the difficult divorce case he has handled for me. "Bo" is the kind of attorney that you don't hear enough about; the kind of professional that would give lawyers a sterling reputation were they all able to consistently demonstrate the integrity, the demeanor, and the ability to clearly communicate the sometimes difficult truths about family law in the manner that he does. The team he works with at the Wright Law Firm have the expertise, the depth of knowledge and experience, the manpower, and the class it takes to handle extremely tough issues while retaining the decorum you should expect and deserve from a law firm. I highly recommend that you consider Williard "Bo" Gregg should you be seeking counsel in matters of family law.
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19 Sep, 2018 by Kerry
I was referred to Jim when the attorney that handled my divorce was uninterested in helping me resolve issues with my ex not following the decree, I have since consulted with him on a couple of issues. He is knowledgeable, responsive, supportive, straightforward and effective. I am so grateful that I've had him as a resource. I highly recommend him.
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04 Mar, 2017 by Mary sharp
This lawyer is reviewing my situation to see if he can reopen my case for me which I hope he can.
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18 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a very complicated case that took after hour calls and situations resolved. Mr Buchanan was always there to get these issues resolved even after hours and in the end justice was served correctly! I continuously send everyone asking for a lawyer in his area of expertise towards him because I feel he is the best and truly a stand up individual!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tayla tingstad
Attorney Taylor Goldschmidt and her team Brandy and Kelley are absolutely amazing! They are knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. They helped me navigate my divorce process and custody situation. There were many times when I called in tears, and they comforted me and discussed strategic next steps. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend Holstrom, Block & Parke.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Jane calloway
Please if your looking for someone in Family Law, don't walk, RUN to Holstrom, Block and & Park. Taylor Goldschmidt was my personal attorney and Brandy Maness my paralegal. They did such an AMAZING job!! Taylor and Brandy made it so easy that you just have to give them the information that they need, then they do the rest!! They respond in a timely manner and unbelievably quick of the turnaround times of what document is requested/needed. I'm so blessed I found Taylor. She is very reliable and efficient. I totally recommend you hire Taylor Goldschmidt and her team. You won't regret it. She will be the only attorney that always comes up in my head when anyone asks if I know any attorney!! Thank you Taylor and Brandy for all you did for me and my daughter!!!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Chris k.
02 Oct, 2017 by Pichamon
I worked with a divorce attorney before. I didn't know I could have been more protected until I found Arelis. I wish my previous attorney could have protected me more. Actually, I wish I found Arelis sooner and hired her as my attorney back then. This is the second time I had to go back to court because my ex wanted to stop paying child support.
Going through a divorce is very stressful and emotional beyond words can describe. Arelis helped calming me down as I was so lost, nervous and stressed. I didn't even know how to protect myself and my kids because emotions were too overwhelming. Anything to do with court process could be intimidating. Going through all the emotions, I lost my thoughts, didn't know where to begin, what to do and didn't even know what questions to ask. Arelis presented all my options out in a way that I could easily understand. She got me covered in the areas that I did not even think of. Most importantly, she showed me that she cared about my case and wanted to help!! If you feel emotionally exhausted while going through a divorce & want someone who you can TRUST to fight for you, your rights and protect you, I HIGHLY recommend Arelis Hughes. I'll forever appreciate her, her heart & knowledge to help people!!
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29 Sep, 2017 by Jane
She is very specialized and has a lot of experience in the family law. She helped me get through the most difficult time and always gave me very good and particle advise. I like her passion about the work and her care about the client. I would strongly recommend her. She is the best attorney!
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25 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Arelis was fantastic. She is very knowledable, efficient and empathetic. My divorce was tricky; it lasted 15 months and involved thousands of piles of paperwork. Arelis made the process as least painful as possible. She is easy to talk to, she gives great advice and she knows her stuff. I would absolutely recommend Arelis.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Carol to anyone dealing with DCS. After spinning my wheels for almost a year with DCS doing any and everything requested I felt like I was getting no where and terrified of losing my boys. After retaining Carol she spent a few days with me initially, really learning about my case Inside and out. She truly cared and has a passion for what she does. She told me not to worry that my boys would come home to just stick with her. She knew exactly how to handle DCS and in such short time came to an agreement to work on a plan for boys to return home. She is a firecracker and will let your voice be heard. I had been pushed around for a year by DCS jumping thru every hoop 20x and finally felt like I was being treated fairly once Carol came in the picture. My only regret is not retaining her sooner because then things would have gotten worked out a whole lot sooner. Thanks again Carol, me and my boys will forever be thankful!!
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29 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs carter was of great service to me very straight forward and and i felt very comfortable knowing that she would be there to represent me in my time of need for legal services
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15 Oct, 2015 by Trista
It has been great working with Carol because she is someone who actually cares. She took time to meet with me out side the courts on several occasions. She has been helping me for some time, and is very knowledgeable.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I have been through four attorneys in the past, attorney Pugh is my fifth one. So far so good, I cannot ask for a better lawyer. My case is not over yet but I know with the help of God, I will be back again on this site to give him another 5 Star ⭐.
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20 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
i have been fighting for 10 years in court and since 19 years old there has NEVER BEEN AN ATTORNEY that has ever shown compassion like MR. Pugh. i have 4 kids and litterally live month to month i scrape all i can for my kids and as vindictive as there father has been ive never been able to crawl out of the rock after meeting MR. PUGH i have some kind of hope the court system will finally see the truth within the lies that has been made in my case BETTER LATE THEN NEVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP.......
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06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Pugh is very professional and knowledgeable in his craft. He listens to his clients and takes the time to be invested in the cases he's working on. I could not be happier with his performance in the court room. Such a positive attitude and very matter of fact. I would and do reccommend him to anyone needing someone that they can say and know unequivocally that he has your best interest in mind. Thank you so much Mr. Pugh!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Mrs. Brown handled my case better than I could have ever hoped for. Communication was timely answering any questions or concerns I had along the way. I would highly recommend Mrs. Brown
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18 Dec, 2018 by Julio
Two and a half years ago our very happy and peaceful life in retirement came to a very sudden halt. We were asked to drive 4-5 hour from our home in order to ensure the safety and welfare of our baby grandson. The Juvenile Court of Hall County, GA gave my wife and I temporary guardianship of our 10 month old grandson. Three weeks later when we returned to court it became clear to us that we would need a very good Lawyer in order to continue to do what was in the best interest of our grandson. I asked a few people for the name of a good family law attorney in Gainesville, GA. One name was always at the top of their list. It was Susan Brown, JD. Susan turned out to be "a godsend" and the best family lawyer I had seen in over 65 years of my professional life. Susan was a smart, experience attorney who had a gifted knowledge of Georgia family Law. I very highly recommend Susan Brown to help you with any family law matters. Thank you Susan
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02 Aug, 2018 by Katharina and jay
We were tying to adopt our great niece and our niece was not happy about it. Susan set things into play that were beneficial in the end. She knew what she was doing and we have our great niece. Susan always responded to our questions and explained what was going on. You want Susan on your side for an adoption!!
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16 Sep, 2018 by Pooja
Kathy helped with a long drawn, contentious divorce. She was tough but fair, compassionate and always presented the pros and cons in any given situation, allowing and guiding me in making the right decision. She was able to resolve all the problems and get me divorced in a timely manner.
Thank you for everything you have done.
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28 Feb, 2018 by William
I hired Kathryn Hilbush as my divorce attorney, and I lucked out by doing this! My life had been turned upside down by a force to be reckoned with, my now ex-wife, I kid you not, I never had contact with my local police, courts, townships and a whole lot of people I never knew existed, until my divorce. Kathryn Hilbush was professional and guided while helping me through the courts and all the insanity that I was going through with my now ex-wife. If I had to specific, professional !
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28 Feb, 2018 by Jenna
I was freaked out by my ex for the custody and child support. Ms. Hilbush calmed me down and explained what was bs and what was not. We went to court and was he shocked when he lost. I would recommend her to anyone who is scared like I was.
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18 May, 2021 by Michael
Specifically her work for me had been in conjunction with her representing my wife in a very messy and scary divorce from her previous husband, a sadistic narcissist who was stalking, harassing, and slandering her at every turn. He would threaten anyone who helped my wife with legal action, which included trying to get a protective order against me to keep me away from her and our two minor children. Laura represented me in that matter, and it was quickly and summarily dismissed.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
My son is a disabled veteran and faced some divorce and criminal issues. We hired Scott Weight to represent my son. Scott introduce us to Laura because of her background and experience with the intricacies of military issues. We found Laura to be very knowledgeable, dedicated, and committed to our sons representation. She was blunt and bold, and it was obvious she cared about her client and what was right, not just winning or making money.
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16 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Laura literally saved my life. I won't get into details, but I had a very sticky family situation and criminal case that she compassionately handled and went the extra mile constantly to resolve. I am alive with a happy family thanks to Laura. Also important to note is that Laura is extremely affordable compared to other lawyers. I am a college student and was able to afford her fees. I would give her 10 stars if I could
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Ashley and her staff were so kind and helped me through my separation and divorce. I had lots of questions and she was able to answer each of them in a helpful manner. Her and her staff worked with me through the process and helped it move a lot more efficiently even with the kinks that were thrown in the mix. I'm very grateful for her and her teams help and ensuring the best route for me and my daughter.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I recently hired Ashley to help me through the painful and complicated mess we call divorce. As a man I was very concerned with coming out of this process being taken advantage of as it is my understanding men typically do not fare well. Ashley was caring, very knowledgeable, and a joy to work with. She was very proactive and offered solid beneficial advise and suggestions. I am thrilled that I chose her to represent me and cannot say enough good things about her and her staff!!!
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22 Mar, 2017 by Megan
I recently hired Ashley-Nicole Russell to help with my separation. Both she and Cassidy Johnson went above and beyond my expectations and made a difficult situation less stressful. They made me feel comfortable talking to them and answered any and all questions quickly. They worked with my schedule and their office staff was always very friendly and helpful. Ashley-Nicole Russell is very honest and knowledgeable and when I made decisions based on emotion she was quick to get me back on track in doing what was best for the children. Not only do they work hard for their clients, they truly care about them. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell.
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04 Jan, 2023 by Rebecca
As a client, I highly recommend Liz and her staff. As naive, scared, impatient and much more; that I was Liz and her amazing staff were more than just my attorney. They kept me on course when I had doubt and they stayed the course. Liz, was fare and extremely upfront when it came to cost and to what "our" action plan would be. She was extremely professional, honest, and knew her stuff. She explained and educated me the pros and cons of each step we took "together" before we took the leap. I was well prepared for the good and the not so good. However, we came out way beyond I ever expected. We WON in the end. I, luckily haven't had to deal with attorneys much , but I would definitely refer, recommend, and continue to use Elizabeth Meneray Law firm. 5 ⭐️
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10 Nov, 2020 by Andrew
Liz showed genuine human empathy and fought for the truth for me. I hired her seeking custody of my children and my ex dragged it out costing me a fortune. Liz did everything that she could to not only put me in the best position for my case, but also to help alleviate the financial burden of this process. She is kind and doesn’t throw fits to argue her points like most lawyers do. She also treated me like a fellow human being rather than just a client or a number. I highly recommend her.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Jennifer
I hired Mrs. Meneray from Florida to represent me with my child custody modification case in Louisiana. I was very skeptical since I was out of state. She was not only honest but also gave me all my options prior to court. She made me feel very comfortable while facing my biggest fear. I would, without any reservation, hire her again. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING experience. Thank you for all you did for me.
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21 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Jay is attentive and thorough. He responds promptly and follows up with all parties in a timely manner. His attention to detail has made me comfortable during this process.
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26 Aug, 2019 by William
Jay wrote up an amazing agreement to protect my pension & keep our assets separate. Great guy & very knowledgeable
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25 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
My girlfriend and I are expecting our first baby, and I wanted to know what my parental rights were. I had gone for a consultation with Jay Baum, and he was very thorough and helpful in advising me. He might be rough around the edges, but he was extremely upfront and truthful with me on every question I had. I would definitely hire him in the future, if needed, and I highly recommend him to any of my friends who are in the same situation. I appreciate all the help.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Sometimes when you hope that you hired a good lawyer it turns out not to be the case and you regret it. I have had that with other attorneys and i feel like I was doing all of the work. I hired Attorney Webb and she was not a good lawyer- she was a great lawyer and was thinking of things that I never anticipated! Super lawyer!
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18 Jan, 2022 by Dylan
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I would give her more stars if I could because she goes above and beyond. I’ve hired and fired multiple lawyers for sneaky stuff they tried pulling on me. Miss Stephanie is the best. She fights hard for you !
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14 Dec, 2021 by Amanda
Beyond satisfied with Stephanie no complaints she’s phenomenal and extremely detailed and dedicated to what she does best
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26 Aug, 2024 by Latisha
Attorney McCarl took the time and was patient with me in my divorce case. She was thoughtful and caring throughout the whole process.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Brittney
I retained Attorney Jessyca McCarl for child custody. We wanted to relocate to a different state. The very first time that I spoke to Attorney McCarl, she was very informative and knowledgeable. I felt that I could trust her with my case.
My case was an uphill battle, but Attorney McCarl did not give up. She fought very hard for my children and I. That did not go unnoticed. More importantly, I never had to reach out to Attorney McCarl to ask her about my case. She always kept me up to date on my case. If I had any questions, she always answered them truthfully.
My children are a priority in my life, I trusted Attorney McCarl with my case, and she delivered.
Attorney Jessyca McCarl has good vibes, a strong work ethic, she is very professional, and I can tell that she loves her career. I have no doubt that Attorney McCarl will continue to thrive, grow, and help families, like she helped mine.
I will always remember her. We will now be moving to a new state, and we cannot wait to begin the next chapter in our lives.
Thank you again Attorney McCarl, you are the absolute best!
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11 Apr, 2022 by Heather
Jessyca was so incredibly helpful during our time together. She helped me through the divorce process and made sure to clearly explain every step along the way. She was compassionate, kind, and understanding. I am so thankful for her knowledge and expertise. Highly recommend working with Jessyca!
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01 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Joanna was an excellent partner through the divorce process. She expertly guided me through some very challenging moments and was understanding, patient, and responsive. She perfectly navigated the personal side and the process side. I was grateful to have her on my side throughout!
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28 Dec, 2020 by Roy
After my first attorney basically disappeared, I asked Joanna to help with a pre-nup. She was fantastic--prompt in responding, affordable, and did great work. She's also amazingly personable. I highly recommend.
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18 Dec, 2020 by Ryan
If you are in the market for someone with Joanna's skills, the chances are you are in a stressful, likely heartbreaking, juncture in your life. When I found myself at that juncture, I wanted an attorney that was highly competent, had plenty of grit, and could still be sensitive to the intracasies of a painful family dynamic. Joanna has these qualities in spades. Look no further for your counsel.
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21 May, 2021 by Margarietta
Mr. Michael went above and beyond. I had sent a email to Mr Shorstein on a Sunday morning, within 20 minutes he responded to my email. After a couple exchanged emailed he made me feel a lot better about the adoption process. Michael explain the process to my husband and I. We felt as ease and great confidence knowing that everything was going to be ok.
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10 Mar, 2021 by Sheldon
Michael Shorstein has been our attorney through two adoptions. His knowledge of adoption law and the adoption process gave us a lot of confidence and certainty that our adoptions would be finalized. He remained calm and patient when we were worried and gave us sound advice. Adoptions can be difficult to navigate and having a knowledgeable attorney proved to be so important in both of our adoptions. Michael Shorstein is a trusted advisor with a great passion for adoption.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Robert
I consulted with Michael Shorstein about a family law matter. Although he ultimately informed me he would not be able to represent me, he was kind enough to provide guidance and assistance at no charge.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Sheila
Natalia was the epitome of what an excellent lawyer is. She was polite, professional and caring every step of the way. She answered all emails in a prompt manner and always took the time to talk to me if I was in the office even if it was only her paralegal assistant that needed to see me that day.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I met with Natalia when I knew it was time to get legal advice regarding custody and a review of the parenting plan that was in place when my ex was threatening to take me to court. Natalia was warm, reassuring, and drew me a very clear picture of the legal path ahead. I walked away feeling confident and certain that I was in good hands if I needed her to move forward with my case.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Kim
Ms. Scott was able to meet with us quickly in a time sensitive matter and made sure we were able to clear up the situation and get more than we expected in an agreement before we had to go before a judge. Highly recommend her.
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30 May, 2024 by Anonymous
As an attorney myself, I come across a gentleman like Don every once in a while. The legal profession is a better place because of people like him. Kind, considerate, passionate, knowledgable, with a touch of humanity necessary for dealing with difficult issues and circumstances. I highly recommend him!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Bruce
He was a great help, and is very knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and walked us through the process of getting guardianship of our foster son, we recommend him to anyone who need help with adoption or guidance in gain guardianship.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
We hired Don for help with the process and finalization of a private domestic adoption. He was always quick to respond and highly knowledgeable on the subject. We would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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31 May, 2024 by Shelley
He’s a very compassionate, caring, sweet man. I have not had the pleasure of working with.Gere His office manager, I would assume but looking forward to it!!!
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03 Jul, 2019 by Lynn morgan
26 Dec, 2017 by Richard
I found my bankrupcy experience with Mr Tom Miles one of the best in my 82 years. In addition his asst, Gere was the nicest person and was very helpful in all aspects of this experience. Their knowledge in this area helps them make your experience go without a hic-up.I can't say enough nice things.
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12 Dec, 2022 by Sheena klausch
Emerald and her team worked really hard on my case. They are amazing! This law firm shows so much dedication and care to its clients. I am very happy I made the right decision on choosing Williams & Varsegi, LLC to represent me. I've dealt with other law firms in the past and trust me nothing compares to this one. They are very professional and hard-working team that actually cares.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Alex
Emerald Williams is a great lawyer that kept every promise she made me when we first met for my consultation. Emerald exceeded my expectations and helped me quickly expedite my divorce. She was efficient, responsive and knowledgeable. I highly recommend to work with Emerald Williams.
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14 May, 2019 by Maria
I had a great experience with HVW Law Group. I am extremely pleased with Emerald' services. Emerald was the third attorney I hired during my child custody case.
The first attorney I hired sent somebody I did not even know and who knew nothing about my case to my first court hearing. He did not even tell me he was doing this beforehand. The second attorney did not answer my calls in a timely manner, did not keep me inform of the status of the case, and I found him to be overall non-empathetic and just plain non-caring starting from right after the first consultation once the retainer was paid.
When I found Emerald I really thought all the attorneys were going to be like that. I felt scared, alone, and confused dealing with one of the most important situations in my life. Emerald was amazing from day one. She took the time to answer all of my questions even when I asked the same question repeatedly, she kept me up to date on absolutely everything that was going on, she answered all my phone calls in a timely manner (usually right after I called), she was always looking out for my best interest and fighting for my rights, she was kind, understanding, and compassionate. She even went above and beyond with communicating and discussing things with my ex even for simple matters when I just did not have the emotional capability to do it myself. She held my hand through the whole thing which lasted almost two years. There's is simply no words to describe how thankful I am to Emerald for what she's done for my family and I. I truly believe the outcome of my case would not have been the same without her. I highly recommend her services.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Js
Sheri guided me through a difficult and challenging process with expertise, compassion and integrity. Would highly recommend her practice to anyone seeking to grow their family.
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09 Jul, 2021 by Mark beck
Sheri is patient, kind and an expert in her field.
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24 Apr, 2021 by Susan henderson
Sherri was my lawyer for the adoption of my daughter. She is very professional. Easy to talk to. Laid back. She is willing to work with a busy schedule. Easy to get ahold of. Almost everything was done via telephone and email. I only had to meet in person once. All covid precautions were practiced. Sherri was dressed presentable. She wore a mask and offered to meet outside to minimize the risk of covid spread. I highly recommend Sherri for your adoption lawyer needs.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with adoptions?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing, whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, or stepparent adoption. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your adoption. -
What are the legal requirements for my adoption?
Ask the lawyer to explain the legal steps involved in your adoption and any specific requirements that may apply to your case, such as home studies or parental consent. -
How long will the adoption process take?
Adoption timelines can vary depending on the type of adoption, so ask the lawyer for an estimate of how long the process will take, including any potential delays. -
What are the common challenges in adoption cases?
Ask about any potential legal challenges that could arise during the adoption process and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
Will I need to go to court?
Depending on the adoption, you may need to attend court hearings. Ask the lawyer whether your presence will be required and what to expect during these hearings. -
Can you help with post-adoption issues?
Ask the lawyer if they can assist with any post-adoption issues, such as obtaining the child’s birth certificate, finalizing the child’s U.S. citizenship (for international adoptions), or drafting post-adoption contact agreements.
How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
- Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
- Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
- Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
- Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.
