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06 Nov, 2023 by Rachel
Attorney Sydney Benson & her staff made our same-sex, second parent adoption go as smoothly as possible. They answered all our questions in a timely manner, were available whenever a new question popped up, and had flexible options for getting all documents taken care of. The entire process was explained thoroughly, and we felt confident before, during, and after the adoption was finalized. We would recommend Attorney Sydney to any of our friends or family.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Angie
Attorney Benson was and is amazing!! She did a fantastic job throughout my entire case. From the face to face when I met her to the actual hearing I felt very confident with her. The lawyer before her I had didn’t defend me like I thought he should have so thats when I found Sydney. And I’m so glad I did. She works very hard and asks all the right questions which showed me she was putting effort into my case. What I liked most about her was she’s upfront and honest. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything but gets to the point cut and dry. Also, her confidence and entire persona in the court room was remarkable. I could go on and on! She’s an impressive women ❤️
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25 Apr, 2019 by Julie
If you want an excellent lawyer, chose attorney Benson. From experience, I learned that you need an attorney with an “aggressive” personality. I say that she is aggressive because she goes above and beyond and she keeps it real with her clients and when presenting her case. I hired her and I had sent her an email with so many questions. She got back to me on a holiday- in a timely manor. Regardless, she gets back to me in a timely manor- ALL THE TIME. The other night, she emailed me and answered my questions. We were emailing each other on and off until about 11 pm. Mind you, her office closes at 5pm. Being in the situation I am, she takes my case seriously and let’s me know everything will be okay. She is very professional and also sincere in everything that she does. I have faith in her and she has proven so much to me in a short period of time.
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31 May, 2020 by Anonymous
This review is long overdue and is more than well-deserved. A couple of years back, I had visited Staunton, VA with some friends. Before the night was over, I had received a charge and had to return for court. I looked around at several attorneys and had a few consultations. After a few rounds of that, I found Susan through a Google search and contacted her. She offered a free consultation and spent 30+ minutes with me on the phone going over the details of my case and the events leading up to the charge. She was extremely knowledgeable, proactive, and genuine in the consultation, which really stood out to me more than the other attorneys I spoke with. She gave me very solid advice and offered a very fair price for representation. I thought it over for a couple of hours and I quickly called her back, which was a very good decision. In the months leading up to the court date, Susan checked in on me several times and gave advice. When the day finally came to go to court, Susan talked to the prosecuting attorney and they decided not to pursue the charges against me, and gave me 25 hours of community service instead. The anxiety and tension I felt about potentially having a charge on my record faded away after that date. I could not be more grateful for the great work that Susan did for me. I will always recommend her to anyone who's looking for legal representation in Staunton and the surrounding areas.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Sean
Susan represented me for a reckless driving ticket in Augusta county. Susan provided incredible service and got the ticket dismissed. On top of that her rare was exceedingly reasonable. Would be happy to work with Susan again, but hope to not have a need anytime in the future.
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31 Dec, 2016 by Rob
Ms. Johnson was an excellent legal advocate. Her knowledge, skills, and dedication exceeded my expectations. She listened, tackled, and followed up on everything from petitioning multiple courts, talking with court services, addressing the DMV, setting up community service, and following up with all parties. Her efficacy expedited the restoration of my driving privileges and saved me money.
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09 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
If you're looking for someone fluffy, this is not the attorney for you. He's down-to-earth, honest, trustworthy and, a bit brash at times, but if you need something done, this is your guy. He's assisted our family in several matters, from divorce, custodianship, guardianship, will prep and conservatorships. I highly recommend.
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27 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Melder & Melder has assisted myself and family with several items from divorce, real-estate and bankruptcy over the last few years. Aric Melder is not only well versed with many different legal matters but an excellent litigator for all of them. He is responsible, ethical and you can count on him and the firm to get the job done. The firm cares about their clients and go out of their way to take care of them. Their fees are very competitive. It is hard to find the right attorney, for a price you can afford. Melder & Melder surpassed my expectations and am confident that they will do the same for their other clients as well.
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28 Apr, 2014 by Elaine
Aric and his team are great! I needed a good divorce attorney that was affordable as well. Aric and his team were very professional and competent and got me an my kids the settlement we deserved. I was pleasantly surprised at the different areas of law his practice covers. I will be also getting him to handle my credit issues and possible bankruptcy as well.
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29 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Rose Ann Montgomery has represented me twice, my divorce back in 1999 and again for real estate in 2005. I would highly recommend her.
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25 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege of working with Ms Montgomery several times over the past ten years. She originally handled a court case for me and has since handled a real-estate closing and Will documents. She is professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of law. I would highly recommend her to any of my clients.
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02 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
RoseAnn proacactivly found over $2000 for our family when she discovered on our tax bill that we had not taken a homeowners exemption for over four years. This was not the primary reason we had hired her but because she went the extra mile and was looking out for our best interest, she brought this to our attention and helped us file the necessary paperwork to recoup that money. RoseAnn is intrinsicly motivated, communicative, knowledgeable and an advocate for her clients.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Jake
Cameron, thank you for what you did for my 2 kids and I. You went above and beyond to make me feel better about the situation I was in lol; and fought hard to dig me out of it. God bless you, im happy I could sway your mind on younger parents. You fought for me for a whole year and never gave up hope and always find another way and I'm more than happy with the outcome you helped provide to me! :) Thank you, JAKE
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21 Feb, 2020 by Anchorage citizen
I recently hired Cameron Compton and her team to represent me and my situation and it was the BEST decision I made!! I was referred to her by two other attorneys that do not practice family law. Cameron was extremely timely, extremely to the point, and extremely beneficial. She cut to the chase. We came to a settlement with the other party in a short timeframe. I'm certain all cases can be complicated, but she made me feel like my case was a priority and she valued that my complications were in her interest. Her pricing is worth every penny. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CAMERON COMPTON FOR LEGAL COUNCIL IN ALL AREA OF LAW SHE PRACTICES. --- Family Law. Criminal Defense. Probate / Guardianship Thank you Cameron!
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19 Sep, 2019 by Eda lee
Excellent and honest customer service. Ms. Compton went above and beyond for my family and we are sooo grateful. She handled my custody case and check in consistently after the trial.
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06 Feb, 2023 by Denise
From the moment I met Patrick, I knew he was the perfect attorney for me. I knew nothing about divorce or how things would work out! I feel like he had my best interest at heart & worked hard to make sure I was protected for the new future ahead. He was kind & explained everything so I could understand exactly how things would work. He was easily available every time I had questions & trust me I had lots! I would highly recommend Patrick for the decisions that sometimes have to be made for families going through difficult times.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Michael
The Yeatts Law Firm is a great organization. Mr. Yeatts managed the adoption of a son into my family and was superlative! Would have no reservations in recommending this law firm to anyone...
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27 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I was impressed by Patrick Yeatts's professionalism which is important and comforting to someone who's never gone through a divorce involving such a myriad of issues. He also had a good balance of compassion to complement his professionalism, which also important for someone who was on the brink of losing everything. He was able to keep that from happening for me. I highly recommend Patrick Yeatts
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19 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
This is the 2d time I hired Aniella for a Family Court case.  She hand-held me throughout the scary family court process. She explained the law to me and what was happening in court.  She also explained her strategy to me, so I understood what she was doing.  Her strategy worked out perfectly and I am thrilled with the results.   She is the best.    
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30 Sep, 2015 by Neal
Aniella was my lawyer in my first divorce, then in family court over a child support issue with first ex, then in an immigration case, and now in my second divorce. I am so satisfied with her services that I have gone back to her over and over again. Even when each of my cases were over, she would always return my calls. I am impressed with her legal knowledge and her manner with clients.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Mary
I hired Aniella for a complex family law matter. She was knowledgeable and pointed out crucial issues in my case missed by three other attorneys. She is highly recommended.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Last year I was involved in a case with DSS and I decided to hire Mary Lee Briggs as my attorney. The whole process extended for a year and half but she made sure to keep my mind at ease at all times. She puts herself in your shoes when she is representing you and that’s something you don’t find everywhere. Mary Lee was very responsive and always listened and addressed all my concerns and I honestly felt like I was in great hands; she knows the law and understands all the proceedings which made me feel very comfortable and secure with her services. She did an amazing job and the results were positive for me, I can’t thank her enough for her services, I will always be thankful for how she handled my situation. I highly recommend Mary Lee and her team to anyone seeking legal representation that is fair and honest.
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16 Jun, 2019 by Rochelle
I can't thank Mary Lee enough for her support and strong ability to represent me for my divorce. I had moved from SC to Colorado and secured her while moving. Although it was a 1.5 year process, she was extremely supportive throughout the time. My ex was less than cooperative and honest during the entire process, but she kept encouraging me to hang in there until we had our time in court. She hit it out of the park when it came to the trial by addressing the issues at hand... extremely prepared and tactful. Things ended positively for me, even after a scare of a mistrial, she advocated for me. I can't thank Mary Lee enough. Divorces are never fun and there are two sides to every broken marriage, however, if you need a divorce attorney to help tell your side of the story and fight for your rights, she definitely will have your back.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Jessica
I used Mrs. Briggs for a custody case throughout 2016 and 2017. Mrs. Briggs was extremely professional and efficient throughout the entire process. She always got back to me in a timely manner and kept me informed of what was going on throughout the case. She explained all the legal jargon to me, and allowed me to make decisions on the case instead of telling me what to do. I would highly recommend her to anyone in the area needing a family lawyer.
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02 Feb, 2021 by Margie
We consulted with Margaret in March 2019 to represent my sister for her divorce. From the moment we met Margaret, we knew we had the right person in our corner. Her knowledge and caring demeanor made a very ugly situation as painless as possible. During the entire process, Margaret kept us informed of what was going on and was readily available for any questions. She fought hard for my sister and the outcome was more than favorable. In October of 2020, following the death of my sister's son-in-law and unforeseen and untimely death of her daughter to Covid-19, we had to retain Margaret's services to handle the adoption of my sister's grandson. Again, Margaret acted promptly and efficiently. There was never any hesitation on who should handle this very sensitive matter. Yesterday, not even 4 months later, we received the news that the order for adoption had been granted and signed by the judge! Words cannot express the gratitude we have for Margaret.
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06 Feb, 2020 by Cheryl
From the moment I met Margaret she assured me my best interests would be her priority. She was available, listened and cared. She helped me get through a terrible time in my life.
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31 Oct, 2015 by Patricia
I was referred by a friend to Mrs Priesmeyer to handle my divorce and I did not regret it for a single minute. Margaret is a professional of the highest caliber, knowledgeable and detail oriented, a great researcher, while always being compassionate and keeping me informed of the situation at hand. I have referred Margaret to a friend of mine for her own divorce and have only heard good things about Margaret from my friend as well. I have enjoyed working with her and her staff and will continue to consult her on future legal issues and life projects.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Real review from an actual client. I'll keep it short and sweet. A genuine interest and compassion for your case. Extremely attentive. Keeps your head out of the clouds and focused on realistic solutions and outcomes. Aggressive yet professional. My name is J.R. and I was a client from 2014-2016 for my custody matter. I couldn't be happier with my outcome.
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04 May, 2016 by Nicole and emmett kelly
I have known Danielle for many years and I referred many clients to Danielle. I have made that referral because I know the intellect and character of Danielle to be at the highest levels and all of the clients I have referred to Danielle they have found Danielle's service to be at the highest levels of her profession and they have received great value from her services.
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30 Mar, 2016 by Christine
I would recommend Danielle and her firm for any of your family law needs. She was always easy to communicate with via phone, e-mail, text, etc. and she was considerate to the needs of not only myself but my children as well. All legal filings were extremely thorough and timely. Danielle was extremely professional in court hearings and with opposing counsel. If I should ever need assistance in the future I would not hesitate to hire her once again. The firm as a whole is amazing on every level. I will be forever grateful to her for everything she did for me and my family!
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12 Sep, 2021 by Michael
Our family wisely contacted Jennifer Sheppard to assist us with initiating conservatorship proceedings in Tennessee for more appropriate care of an elderly relative resident in another state. We had been initially adrift in an especially complex situation caring for our relative’s personal needs, safeguarding her property and paying expenses, while trying to ascertain how to approach all the legal issues. Jennifer Sheppard analyzed our situation and carefully crafted answers, patiently explaining the why and wherefore for different actions based on her vast experience in this field of law. The questions we had soon gave way to new avenues of action and uncertainty became confidence. We were no longer anxious for we knew that what we were doing was supported by sound judgment rooted in law and proper procedure. Our family regards Jennifer Sheppard as a trusted advisor and counselor to us who is accessible, reliable, and knowledgeable who can be counted on to offer valued assistance.
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22 Sep, 2019 by Barbara
''Jennifer Sheppard, Is an outstanding attorney who has that unique skill of being a kind & passionate advocate for her clients, while also being a fearless and persistent warrior against those who are out to hurt those same clients. She has always negotiated the most favorable outcome for me in all the tough situations in which, I unfortunately had to face and needed to ask for help. she has saved my life, and I will forever be grateful for having such a wise and professional advocate! She is my Angel!''
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04 Oct, 2018 by Jennifer
Most recently, we hired Jennifer Sheppard to help us gain legal custody of a child. She has worked on numerous cases for our family. She was easy to contact via email and telephone and returned all communication promptly. She and her staff informed us of each phase of the process and showed up to court on our behalf. Jennifer was easy to work with and had the right combination of empathy and toughness to handle our case. She will always be my first choice when I need legal counsel.
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24 Aug, 2021 by Beverly
I really can't express how our family appreciates Randall Crossing, but I will try. Randall Crossing is an excellent lawyer. My husband was falsely accused of assault. Mr. Crossing took our case and immediately started working. He went to the supposed "scene", took photos, interviewed witnesses and did his research. Our case drug on due to COVID restrictions - no jury trials. But finally we had our day in court and my husband was found NOT GUILTY on all counts! He knows what he is doing. And he was very patient with us and especially me. My courtroom knowledge consists of Perry Mason and Matlock reruns. He answered all my questions and never complained. Thank you, Mr. Crossing for giving us back our life.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Crossing for 2 criminal cases I had. He answered all my questions and also helped me with whatever I needed help with. I brought him the evidence I already had and he took it and ran with it. He got my 6 aggravated assaults dismissed! Can’t thank him enough! If you want a great lawyer you will want him for sure!!
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30 Jan, 2018 by Letitia
My mother's estate had been open for approximately 6 years. I had been to two other attorneys and I could not get my mother's estate closed. Mr. Crossing was able to file all the necessary documents and guide me through the estate administration process in order to close my mother's estate in less than two months. He is a very efficient attorney and the fee for his services was reasonable. I highly recommend him for any probate matter. In fact, I have hired him again on another estate matter.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Mathias
Stephanie has helped us with a surrogacy pregnancy and we have worked with her for 2 years. She has been professional, helpful and has always been there for us when we have needed her during the ride. We are so happy we hired her and recommend her stongly.
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16 Sep, 2017 by Ilenia
Stephanie has taken two cases for me, one more complex than the other. Her genuine care for the family's well being and professionalism from beginning to end, is something that I will always be thankful for. I can honestly say that because of her, my daughter's lives and mine are better. She is brilliant at what she does!
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28 Aug, 2017 by Nicole
My husband and I, as Intended Parents, used Stephanie for two gestational surrogate journeys and found that she was always knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to surrogacy and went above and beyond to assist and find answers/resources for out of state relationships. Stephanie was always quick to respond and helped ensure that as we moved through our journey that the legal side of the relationship never held anything up and allowed us to focus on the exciting parts of bringing a child into the world.
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12 May, 2017 by Nancy
We used Mr. Buhler for an adult adoption and the process couldn't have been easier. Mr. Buhler handled every aspect in a thorough and professional manner. I would highly recommend him.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Buhler helped me with a couple of different family law cases. He was efficient, experienced, timely, and knowledgeable of the law. I received the outcome I was hoping for and I am so grateful for Mr. Buhler's help and professionalism in such a stressful situation. I would refer Mr. Buhler to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
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19 Jun, 2015 by John
Went over with Mr. Buhler my situation. He listened very well and then provided me with a his recommendation. Mr. Buhler then put in a package for my review. He was very understanding and made sure I understood what everything meant. We was then able to execute the prenuptial between me and my wife in a professional manner. I would recommend Mr. Buhler for your legal assistance.
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21 Oct, 2013 by Steven
Peter Armstrong has helped my family and extended family with wills, living trusts, and other vital documents. He was personable and interested in what was best for our family. He did great work and revealed great character. I highly recommend using Peter Armstrong for family law needs. Bottom line: He cares and is trustworthy.
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12 Apr, 2013 by Stacy
I came to Pete with a horrible divorce. He was honest with me, even when I didn't want to hear it and was there for me and the kids the whole way. I could not have had a better lawyer! My case was pushed away by other lawyers due to the circumstances involved, but Pete took it and was not only very involved but one of the most patient and understanding lawyers I could have ever hoped to have found. He was always there to answer questions and console me when I was frustrated or upset. Thanks to Pete, I have my kids and my life back and everything we need to start our new life!
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26 Jul, 2011 by Theresa
I found Pete Armstrong strictly by accident, and it was a blessing that I did. I actually found him before I even met him, I filled out a motion on my own for reimbursement of medical expenses in the self help center at the court house, and it was actually Pete who helped me find the right forms, and without telling me what to say, guided me through filling out those forms. I never would have been able to win my motion without his help. When I went looking for an attorney, I fell upon Pete by accident. I called and left him a message, told him what I was needing and got a very prompt response. After speaking with me, he told me he could look over my file at the court and let me know his opinion on what I should do. I was grateful for any advice he would give me, and after discussing fees I decided to retain him to be my voice in order to do what needed to be done in the best interest of my children in my parenting time and child support case. Pete was on my children's side through the entire thing. I can't express how much it meant to me that he wasn't on my side, and he wasn't on my ex's side, but he was there to protect my children and do what was best for them. I have never encountered anyone like him before, no matter what I said, or expressed to him, he never judged, he was the voice that I needed to speak for me and to help me do right by my children. I have since reconciled with my ex and we are putting our family back together, and even in that Pete has been helpful, letting me know what steps needed to be taken to rectify issues outstanding with our cases in court. If you ever need an attorney, Pete is the one I would recommend for anything family related. He's not in it for the money, he's in it for the family...and that means everything to me.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Phillip heib
Very knowledgeable and provided great advice throughout the process. A real asset for anyone in need of her services.
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29 Nov, 2018 by Danielle
We are so pleased with Sherriann Hicks and her team. She really is dedicated and dependable. From start to finish she was there every step of the way. Her heart and fight is unmatched. You will not be sorry. We are one big happy family thanks to her hard work. Thank you again Sherriann.
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06 Dec, 2014 by Kaley
Sherrian Hicks was excellent. Helped us along the way the best way she knew how. Very honest and never felt like she left any information out.
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18 May, 2020 by Chasidy
Our adoption was a whirlwind and an emotional rollercoaster. Ronnie was so helpful every step of the way. She treated us, and our baby’s birthmomma with respect and compassion. She was professional, responsive, knowledgeable and compassionate throughout our experience.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Andrea
Mrs. Fishbein is an excellent attorney with many years of experience in adoption law. She guided us through every step of our stepparent adoption with ease. We are so thankful we had her expertise for the most important time in our lives as a family so far. I highly recommend her services.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Markbegnaud
Ms. Fishbein has been doing adoption law for years and years, and it shows. She walked my wife and I through the entire adoption process - she gave us so much helpful insight and made an uncertain process very clear and straightforward. I couldn't recommend her more strongly.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Travis j.
Travis Clark was phenomenal in putting together my divorce package after I was served. He listened to what I would like to see happen. We developed a game plan that he perfectly executed. Worked with the opposing attorney to resolve conflicts and provide clarification on matters of concern. Travis's advise was invaluable. In the hour before seeing the judge a big last minute detail had to be worked out. It was expertly handled to my benefit. In the court proceedings Travis worked with the court to ensure I received terms beneficial to myself and my future. Very, very satisfied with the outcome of the divorce proceedings, far better than anything I had expected. Well done Travis, I am in your debt. Thank you.
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18 Aug, 2015 by Dean
Kim Surratt is not only a great lawyer, she's a good person. She walked me through the hell that was my divorce, counseled me through the difficult decisions about the children, custody, child support, etc. and helped keep from going crazy when everything in my life was upside down. Divorces suck. There's no way around that. Having someone on my side that was empathetic to what I was going through, but was able to maintain a business mind about the whole thing was crucial to me making good decisions and not fighting just to fight because I was pissed. I've been back several times because of custody issues, and she's helped me navigate the ridiculousness of a crazy ex who happens to be the mother of my kids. I honestly don't think anyone could have done a better job.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Kim Surratt is a very special person to me. From the moment Kim took on my son's case, she worked so hard to achieve the right outcome. I believe that Kim saved my son's life, and strengthened our entire family. Our custody case was very difficult and lasted eight years. Kim was by my side, always giving me good advice, helping me have the strength to continue the battle, and saw our case to a proper final conclusion. I will always be grateful that I had Kim as my attorney.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Luther khachigian ii
Our family has been doing business with these folks for 40+ years. Great service, great staff, great lawyers.
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13 Jul, 2022 by Omar jimenez
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09 Apr, 2021 by Gary davis
Matt helped set up a Trust. He did an excellent job.
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18 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very unsatisfied with attorney i hired one year ago to handle my case regarding alimony. I had an initial consult with taylor and was very impressed with her. Therefore i hired her to take over my case from this point. She worked delingently to make that happen. I am hopeful for working my case to end with her.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Chris
Mrs. McQuaide has went above and beyond to help me since day one of my case. Anytime I had a question she has responded quickly. What could have been a scary experience has been one of the most comforting experiences I have had due to Mrs. McQuaide's understanding and confidence. I highly recommend her to any and everyone regardless of the problem you are facing. To simply put it she is absolutely awesome and hands down one of the brightest young attorneys in Jacksonville.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Lindsay
Mrs. McQuaide provided in depth knowledge on what to expect when going through an adoption case. My husband is trying to adopt my son and she helped explain the process. She elaborated on what to expect from the paperwork, all the way to the court process. She truly is intelligent and has a wonderful sense of confidence that eases your mind. I would definitely recommend her services.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Ethel
Bonnie Hiler handled the adoption of my daughter and during such an emotional time filled with uncertainty, I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, competent, professional and compassionate attorney to guide and represent me. I highly recommend Bonnie Hiler and will never be able to convey just how grateful I am to have found her.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Lee
Bonnie guided us through the adoption process. She promptly responded to emails, kept us informed of every step along the way, and made us feel at ease knowing that we were in good hands.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Tiffany & daniel
Bonnie Hiler was on the ball, very professional, and gave everything more than due diligence to get our adoption paperwork to us as soon as possible every step of the way. We would highly recommend her to help you with your legal needs.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Ashley
Katie was amazing in court, she was well prepared and professional. When she speaks in a courtroom, she commands attention.
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27 Apr, 2022 by Jim
Katie was just the lawyer I was looking for. Competent, capable, and listened for what I needed. She gave me great legal support and made the process as easy as it can be.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Jennifer
During my separation, I met with Katie multiple times on a consulting basis. She was extremely patient and helpful, explaining all the details I could expect based on different situations. I hired her to represent me during my divorce, and I am so glad I did. She not only represented my best interests, she helped me be stronger and more assertive during the process. Katie is the consummate professional. She understands the difficulties, both legal and emotional, inherent in a divorce and will patiently support you during the process. If you listen to her, you won’t go wrong.
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19 May, 2023 by Jasmine
Palmer Law Group is truly amazing! They are knowledgeable, considerate, patient, and understanding. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a legal group to represent them. They made me feel valued and they listened to all my concerns and explained every step in a manner that was easy to understand and at no point did they make me feel inadequate about my level of knowledge about the law. I needed some who was a “no nonsense” kind of person and Ann is perfect for the job. She had my best interest in mind and focus and made sure those interest were prioritize at all times. She also made me feel very welcomed as she took my divorce case. She also does family law and I would go to her again without a doubt if I ever need representation again!
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10 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We met Ann after our last law firm dropped the case 3 weeks before trial. It is a pretty simple adjustment to visitation but we are dealing with a very unreasonable mom. Ann took the case and has been on top of it from the start. It is a pleasure to work with her and I know that regardless the outcome on 04/01/2019 she has worked hard and left it all on the table.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Theodore
Ann Palmer was very thorough from the first consolation to the actual trial. She did all the background checking and fact checking for everything that came up during that time frame. Ann made sure that my child's safety was priority #1. At the end of this whole ordeal, I'm so happy that I chose to hire Ann Palmer.
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07 May, 2023 by Susan lampton
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07 May, 2023 by Thomas osborne
Service and food was good
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15 Sep, 2021 by Walter doxey
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05 Jun, 2023 by Micky gordon
Solid attorney, goes above and beyond for her clients.
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03 Jun, 2023 by Mathew hebenstreit
She is great and very helpful and knowledgeable
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10 Mar, 2022 by Rebecca brandt
She really cares about her clients. Easy to talk to and fights for your rights.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Gary
I am thankful and grateful Attorney Siegel represented me in my divorce case and told the judge that. I also told the judge with her knowledge, expertise and professionalism she has unlimited potential helping not just me but many more people and families. You can trust her to do her best for you and your family, I do and did...
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07 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Worked with Jenny successfully through a custody challenge and then a support modification. She was great to work with, would listen to my concerns and guide me through the process. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, knowledable of the law and to the best approach to each challenging situation.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Erin
Jenny helped my through my challenging custody case and divorce. She explained the entire process and made me feel confident with the choses I was making throughout the process. I would absolutely recommend her for anyone in need of a family lawyer.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Wes
Courtney and her Team were AMAZING in my divorce process. No divorce process is easy, but if you want the BEST, retain Courtney and she will get you the best outcome!
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15 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Assisted me during a very stressful time in my life. Also efficiently handled a high conflict case against my child's other parent.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Rick
Ms. Carpenter was able to reduce the alimony I had been paying from $2400/mo to $0! Her attention to the details was impressive. I’ve got an attorney!
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12 Apr, 2023 by Ma in pa
Divorcing a narcissist is extremely hard, especially in a high conflict divorce and when attorneys smell assets and money. Prior to retaining Ms. Niedens, I had worked with 4 attorneys. Unfortunately, I did not feel like I had proper guidance and/or tangible representation with any of them. I felt as I was just a milking cow for all attorneys. I also felt oppressed and that there is no fairness for men in California. My first attorney was horrible and not trustworthy. The second was unable to handle my ex’s attorney who is aggressive and used unethical tactics. The third wanted me to, simply, bend over and give up on everything, and the fourth was too busy with many other cases - nothing was done other than billing me for communicating my ex’s demands. My divorce was lengthy, toxic, and very expensive. Backward 9 years ago, when I initiated my divorce, I contacted numerous law offices including Ms. Niedens office. Even though my intuition and gut instincts were telling me to retain Ms. Niedens, I went with the shiny attorneys who have glowing reviews and prestigious offices thinking they would provide the best legal representation for me. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WHICH I WILL ALWAYS REGRET. After years of being milked by the attorneys and my ex with no results, I decided to go with my initial gut feeling…I went back to Ms. Niedens begging her to take my case. After accepting my case, Ms. Niedens developed a legal strategy and explained it to me in a simple way. Shortly thereafter, I started hearing the hits on the big drum. I started seeing results. For the first time in years, I felt that justice and fairness can be accomplished in California. I felt that my best interests and legal rights are being supported and protected. I now realize that justice comes with evidence and the ability of the attorney to know the law and provide zealous representation. During my journey with Ms. Niedens, she acted like a navigator who drove while reading the map. She knew exactly when it was better to take the bus instead of the bike. Now that my case is into closure, I can confidently attest to her skills, knowledge, and expertise. Ms. Niedens is a highly competent attorney, and most importantly, extremely knowledgeable, and very professional. She is sincere, confidant, sharp, truly genuine, fair, and tough. She knows the system very well and is highly respected by the court. I am very impressed with her attention to details, deep knowledge of every detail of my very long case, and her ability to think outside the box. I will always be deeply grateful to her and her team (Mallory and Justine) for the outstanding support they provided and still providing to me. I highly recommend Ms. Niedens and her team. They are the BEST. A five plus stars review is not enough compares to the outstanding results and support they provided to me.
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09 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
We were in a year long parental rights battle utilizing a different lawyer. After that seemed to go almost nowhere, we consulted with Marsha Niedens and she explained to us all things wrong thus far with our case. We started from scratch utilizing her services and after a lengthy battle, we gained peace in our household. Highly recommended family law attorney.
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03 May, 2019 by Angela
I filed for divorce by myself and for years attempted to navigate the court system myself through the divorce and subsequent custody battle with the help of the self-help services at the courthouse. Finally after being beyond frustrated with my ex's continued delay and manipulation I hired Marsha to represent me. She not only secured a great custody plan, but came back again this year to keep it in place. She is prompt in her response, always available via phone or email, and so caring. She's wonderful to talk to, she really gets it and her attention to detail is amazing. I truly don't know how I ever tried to deal with all of this on my own. I feel so much better knowing that I have someone that not only knows the language but is also a human who understands the impact of all of this on my children. I won't step in to the courtroom without her again. Don't waste your time thinking that you can handle your case on your own. I lost weeks and months of my life trying to learn the court language and defend myself without the proper representation. I would recommend her to anyone needing help with divorce, custody or child support.
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28 Mar, 2018 by Derek
Nedra represented me for quite a few months while working through a very complex and ongoing custody case. While I was upset and worried throughout the case, Nedra was patient, compassionate and understanding of my needs and questions. However, most of all, Nedra is very professional and talented as a lawyer and not afraid to stand her ground. I am satisfied with the outcome and she did a tremendous job in my legal representation. I strongly recommend her as she protects what means most to you.
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07 Mar, 2018 by Pam
I highly recommend Nedra Howard. Nedra is a remarkable attorney. She is organized, thorough and dedicated to providing the highest caliber of legal services to each of her clients. She is skilled in the courtroom and her attention to detail in drafting is superb. She leaves no stone unturned on her agreements, parenting plans and court orders. If I needed to hire an attorney she would be the first and only person I would hire.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Trisha
Words cannot describe how grateful I am to you. Nedra is an outstanding attorney! She has helped me on several occasions and not once have I left without a clear understanding of what I need to know. Nedra made everything very easy and smooth.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Robert prestandrea
I met James through my bankruptcy attorney During the bank fraud forclosures in 2010. He assisted me to stay in my forclosed home for 5 years, to recover some of the financial loss I incured when the bank kept my escrow money through the forclosure process. I highly recommend Jim for any issues you may have. In addition I found him to be genuinely concerned with my well being. I also loved his sense of humor. Thanks Jim I appreciate you. Rob P
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08 Sep, 2017 by Jessica
My case dealt primarily with her partner Stephanie. When Stephanie became unavailable, Michelle stepped in. I always thought a lawyer subbing in for their partner would be more of a placeholder following instructions. I was wrong. Michelle was well versed in my case before we even began discussing it. I credit what I have with my daughter to both their brilliance. I endorse any parent to reach out to them if they need legal assistance.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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