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22 Feb, 2019 by Adam
Jessica was professional, quick to respond to my needs, and gave me the end result I needed. Soon after I hired her she eased my worries by getting me the answers I could not find and doing the dirty work between me and my ex-wife that I was fed up with. Its been a year now and the anxiety of my ex threatening court if I didn't pay her more is gone.
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14 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Jessica Steele has been an excellent support as my legal counsel this summer. She is wise beyond her years in judicial knowledge while maintaining her humility and Christian values... Even talking some sense into me when I needed it when my divorce proceedings got ugly. Ms Steele has a diligent work ethic and fierce aptitude towards precision. She will make sure the job gets done and that the job gets done right!
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21 Aug, 2022 by Alan
We were blessed to have Louis as an attorney for our adoption 5 years ago. He made us very at ease . He had an humble attitude that was a winner in our relationship. We plan to see him tomorrow for family planning. I would definitely recommend him.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Allison gentry
Louis helped me not only through a professional way but compassionate as well. I was in a very rough spot and when he could be pushing me out of his office he sat their and talked to me as a human being not just as a client. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice!!!
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29 Aug, 2020 by Helene
Virginia Kling is the lawyer you want on your side for any complex, difficult, divorce case. She is incredibly thorough, thoughtful, and detailed. She knows family law inside out and creatively comes up with precedents that can be applied to the case and help move negotiations forward. Her listening skills are matched only by her patience -- she will really try to take in and address all your concerns, and work in tandem with other skilled professionals when necessary (e.g. forensic accounting expert). Meetings whether in person or over the phone are conducted efficiently, well prepared, and I love that Virginia is always easily accessible for any question or follow-up, and turns things and documents around in record time. She drafts exceedingly well, and I felt she was my advocate at every step and kept my goal (to achieve a fair, balanced, settlement with adequate safeguards for my children's custody) first and foremost throughout the protracted, long, and difficult negotiations. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a tough, yet open, balanced, and highly personable, divorce attorney.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Erin
Virginia was not only an excellent lawyer, but truly cared about my case. She was extremely detail oriented and took time to learn the specifics of my case. She produced several written briefs for my case, and even other lawyers spoke highly of how well they were prepared. It was an incredibly challenging time, but having a lawyer as capable and as caring as Virginia made such a huge positive difference!
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16 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Heather was excellent in handling complicated post-divorce issues and resolved them by keeping my costs to a minimum. She understood things quickly and was methodical in her thinking. Communication was always prompt and follow up was great. If anything, when I didn't get back to her on time with information, she managed to work around it without sacrificing the merits of the case. Very professional and pleasant experience with great results!
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28 Aug, 2015 by Joseph
Heather was very knowledgeable and very engaged throughout the process. Her legal assistant was excellent as well. Communication was easy and always available. Heather did not sell me on any unrealistic outcomes, and I was satisfied with terms that were ultimately agreed upon.
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17 Sep, 2017 by Debby
Mrs. Jayson did an excellent, thorough and expedite job with the adoption of our daughter. A positive experience in a very nerve wrecking time.
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30 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Lisa handled my adoption case and was excellent. Lisa kept me informed of the processing and was able to get my adoption hearing very quickly. Lisa is professional and caring. She handled my case as if it were her own. I would highly recommend Lisa for any of your legal needs.
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04 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Traci is an absolute pleasure to work with. My divorce was difficult and unique in many ways, and I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through it without her guidance and representation. She is sincere, honest, and very detail-oriented. Her care for her clients was evident with the way she handled my case. I do not have enough good things to say about her, and I would recommend her to any of my friends or loved ones who is going through this difficult time in their lives.
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21 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Traci was informative and made me feel that I was well represented.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Erjon morava
Review of Michael Scalzo, Scalzo Law Office in Naperville:
Michael Scalzo from Scalzo Law Office, assisted me on a very important legal matter in DuPage County, and I am thoroughly impressed with his legal expertise and professionalism. Here's a breakdown of my assessment based on various factors:
1. Experience/Resume: Michael Scalzo brings a wealth of experience to the table, having practiced law since the late 70s and early 80s. His extensive background is evident in the way he handles cases.
2. Reputation (DuPage County, unsure of other counties): Michael is well-known in the legal community, and his name carries weight. His previous role as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) further emphasizes his standing in the legal field.
3. Credentials: As an Air Force veteran and Judge Advocate General's (JAG) officer, Michael's military background adds a uniqueness to his legal practice. His service in the military reflects his commitment to discipline and integrity.
4. Communication Skills: Michael's communication skills are excellent. He follows a straightforward approach - listening to his clients and ensuring they understand the legal process, what to expect and what is expected from them. This open dialogue allows for effective communication and mutual understanding.
5. Availability: While Michaels time is valuable, he remains accessible as long as there is clear communication. Whether through email (preferred) or phone (leave a voice mail), he is responsive and ensures that clients can schedule appointments conveniently.
6. Fee Structure: Michael's has a transparent fee structure that includes an upfront retainer and a per-hour charge. The office provides detailed invoices, ensuring everyone is aware of the breakdown of charges.
7. Success Rate (personal opinion): Michael's impressive success rate in my case speaks for itself about his legal expertise. With over 30 years of experience and a background as a JAG, it's reasonable to assume a high success rate in various legal matters.
8. Ethical Standards: Michael exemplifies high ethical standards throughout the legal process. His background as a JAG underscores his commitment to honor, courage, and commitment, making ethics a cornerstone of his practice.
9. Compatibility: From the beginning, I felt comfortable in Michael's presence. His Air Force veteran status adds a layer of trust, and his approachable demeanor makes him easy to work with.
10. Referrals: While I didn't initially consider referrals, I would wholeheartedly recommend Michael Scalzo to others based on my positive experience. His professionalism, ethical approach, and legal expertise make him a standout choice for anyone seeking legal representation. Michael Scalzo of Scalzo Law Office is a seasoned attorney with a stellar reputation, and I am grateful for the successful resolution of my case under his guidance.
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21 Jan, 2018 by Scott janik
Best Attorney
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21 Jul, 2014 by Cp
Ms. Colon has handled all of my post dissolution matters in the most professional manner. There have been numerous occasions with my former spouse that could have easily escalated out of control. I credit Ms. Colon with keeping a handle on the situation, and keeping all the parties focused and on track. As a father, I never felt the courts considered my contributions to the family fairly, but with the help of Ms. Colon and her staff, I felt like I finally had an advocate on my side. I will continue to use Ms. Colon and her services, and I would highly recommend her.
Thank you Amanda!
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02 Aug, 2013 by Craig
Amanda handled a child custody case for me involving a minor child of unwed parents. She is very well prepared and makes sure you are equally well prepared. She clearly has the best interests of the child in mind and I believe she truly cares about her clients. In my opinion she is an excellent family law attorney. I have recommended her to people in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
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30 Jun, 2017 by Kathy f.
Mr. Rettenmaier helped me during my hour of need regarding a Landlord Tenant Unlawful Detainer Action (Eviction). I am so glad I hired Robert Rettenmaier to defend me with my unlawful detainer. Robert, was able to prepare me for trial in case we needed to go forward. During a time that was very stressful, Robert sat me down and explained to me what was going to happen and what would likely happen. On the morning of my unlawful detainer trial, Robert calmed me down. Mr. Rettenmaier protected my rights and even future rights. Robert was very professional and knowledgeable. We eventually settled my case instead of going to trial. When Robert was negotiating a settlment, the other party's attorney tried to get me to sign a general waiver of rights. Robert would not let me do this. I am so glad he was there to protect my rights because now I am capable of suing for injuries that were sustained. Also, I don't have an eviction on my record because of Robert. I would definitely recommend Robert to defend your rights in an unlawful detainer eviction action.
Under Full Disclosure: Robert Rettenmaier and I met in law school. I believe Robert did a fantasic job!
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29 Jun, 2017 by Kelly
I was very uncertain of all the steps I would have to take to get my case to court. I contacted Mr. Rettenmaier and he assured me he would assist me with every step of the way. He was available for me when I was uncertain of what items I needed. He was very clear and upfront. I was experiencing a very difficult situation and Mr. Rettenmaier reassured me he would handle my case effectively and in a timely manner. I highly recommend that Mr. Rettenmaier will provide an efficient and professional experience.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
No one ever wants to be placed into a situation where they need representation for a divorce, which is exactly where I found myself. I reached out to Kolby towards the busy new year weekend, but she still made time for me quickly and explained the process. My situation was further complicated being out of state, however, Kolby was very thorough, making a difficult situation as painless as possible. If you find yourself in need of a divorce attorney, I will always strongly recommend Kolby.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Kolby is kind, personable, and great to work with. She is responsive and sent updates regularly throughout our case.
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23 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I was referred to Corrine and her office for a divorce. Corrine and her staff are very knowledgeable and friendly! What a GREAT attorney!!!
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31 Dec, 2016 by Barbara
Corinne Price with Fine, Carman, and Price Law Group is extremely knowledgeable regarding family law. During the consultation she walked me through the whole divorce process and suggested next steps. Her determination to get her clients the best deal is very evident in and out of the courtroom. She was able to quickly draw up and get me the parenting plan and child support I wanted.
When my case ended up going to trial, Corinne came prepared with all the documents she needed. Because of this, the judge denied my ex-husband's request for spousal support. Her actions in and out of the courtroom exceeded my expectations. Corinne Price does not back down! Instead she backs up her statements with evidence, facts, and the law.
If you want an attorney who is prepared, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable I would highly recommend Corinne Price.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Donte
Olivia Williams is the best there is! She completed my divorce in less than three months and she was so nice to me! Answered all my calls and questions! She made it very easy for me and I appreciate her so much!!!
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09 Nov, 2021 by Shakita
This attorney was very professional and had all information back to me on time. She has really help change my life by helping me with my adoption. Her prices are reasonable also.
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01 Oct, 2019 by Stephen
When my daughter needed a divorce lawyer, I asked my attorney friends who the best divorce lawyer is in Colorado Springs. The answer came back – Yolanda Fennick. She fully lived up to the reputation. She fought hard for my daughter and was very skilled through every complicated step. She was a superb negotiator. It was also evident that other attorneys and judges have high respect for her. I strongly recommend her.
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12 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I had been battling for my child support since 2005. Once I hired Ms. Fennick my child support payments started 6 months later. She had to fight with Child Support Enforcement and Social Security. She was so thorough she even found out that CSE made several mistakes with my Order. Not only did she fix the mistakes she updated my Order. If not for Ms. Fennick I would not be receiving my child support due to the mistakes she uncovered and fixed.Thank you.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Connie dougherty
A great big thank you to Otterson Law, especially Tiffany! She is fierce! As with any adoption there are so many things that come up, obstacles, hurdles and just general aggravations. Tiffany let none of these things slow her down at all. She knows exactly how to navigate every situation, she knows the law better than many lawyers and judges and the bottom line is that she gets results! From what I witnessed, she is the very heartbeat of Otterson Law, she is the one that keeps the wheels greased and things running smoothly. Our adoption is now complete and we couldn't be happier ! Thank you Otterson Law! God Bless You , Tiffany and tell your boss to give you a big fat raise!!! We love you!
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01 Oct, 2020 by Trevor brookwell
Otterson Law office handled the adoptions of my niece and nephew in Alaska. They did a great job addressing all of the concerns and making sure that things were handled well. I am glad to have my niece and nephew in our family thanks to them.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Trystan
It has been several years now since our adoption went through, but our memories of working with Elise are still as strong as ever. She worked tirelessly on our case, which was a complicated one. She somehow managed to sift through all of our emotional responses to family court and elaborate tracking systems to soothe us and find the details that would come to make the difference between winning our case or languishing in the probate system. She was truly dedicated and tireless in supporting our family through emergency guardianship, permanent guardianship, and finally-- permanent adoption. We are an LGBT family and she never showed any bias towards us whatsoever; on the contrary, she approached us with kindness, care, and compassion. We would recommend her to anyone needing assistance with their family law case!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Nereida ammari
I was referred to Ms. Greenberg by an attorney while cold calling because I needed an attorney the following day.Having just been served to appear the next day, I was frazzled, worn out and terrified. Ms. Greenberg walked me through the process, had an associate appear for me in court despite the last minute hiring, advised me as to how to appear, and was crucial to my winning. She turned my lost, defeated self into someone who looked confident, competent and together for court. She held my hand when I didn't believe I could get through it. I am grateful I was referred to her.
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18 Jul, 2018 by Elizabeth
Mark Parsons guided me through a complicated divorce with great poise. I highly recommend him for representation in legal matters. I have found him to be a talented mediator. He is trustworthy as well as fair regarding fees. I chose him after working in a legal office, which allowed me to see the disposition of many local attorneys. Mark always treated me with the utmost respect.
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02 Jan, 2012 by Ron
Mr. Parsons was great to work with and honest. He did care and worked on our will and divorce papers. He was on time, explained out options and We felt he did what was right for us at a reasonable cost.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Jeff
Mari did an excellent job helping with my divorce. I have never been through the divorce process before and after being married for 25 years it was difficult emotionally. Mari walked me through the process and explained all the options. She was prepared when we went the court. The divorce was expedited because of her excellent tactics.
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02 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I cannot recommend Mari Kishimoto Doi enough. She is professional, compassionate, organized, an excellent communicator, experienced and knowledgeable about family law and child custody, and above all, puts her client's needs and wants above her own feelings and opinions. I trusted her judgement completely while going through a contentious divorce & custody battle and felt that every step of the way, she had my & my infant's physical & emotional wellbeing at the forefront of everything she did. Mari was excellent at dealing with the high-conflict opposing party and did not get derailed by frivolous or irrelevant claims that had no bearing on the child's physical or legal custody or on my parenting. Although I hope I never need a family law attorney again, I would hire Mari again in a heartbeat.
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28 Sep, 2022 by Melissa corbin
This review is way past due. Huilin was my godsend. If not for her, my ex spouse and his unethical lawyer would have dragged my divorce out more than the two years they have already had. I had two previous attorneys before finding Huilin and although they promised to keep the cost down, they lied. If you would like to know who the other attorneys involved where please respond. Anyway Huilin cut through all the bs and had me divorce fairly within 3 months. She is the best Honolulu has and I will always have her back as she had mine. You'd be insane not to hire her.
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23 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
In a difficult time in my life, Attorney HuiLin Dong handled my divorce case, She is patient & a true professional in her field. My child custody process itself was extremely overwhelming and emotional, She answered all of my questions and was very clear on all possible outcomes of my case and outcome was great !
She has great knowledge of the legal steps necessary to conduct business. Really a great asset in the law business.
She was charged very reasonable cost, and successfully able to guided me through some complicated family issues and I am forever grateful for the services she provided.
We are highly recommended her legal services to anyone in need of help. Mahalo !
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05 Aug, 2017 by White
Mr. Greenfield represented me in a foreclosure case White v. Citimortgage.
The case lasted 4 1/2 years and ended with a modification that allowed me to stay in my home. Mr. Greenfield answered every document sent to him by Citi and appeared in person in court monthly. He outlasted and out maneuvered one of the biggest and most
powerful bank/corporations in the country. I was fortunate to have him in my corner and am glad to recommend him.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Lori
Claude not only gave us critical and important information throughout the entire adoption process, he also went above and beyond for us. We felt we had a genuine man looking out for us every step of the way, and he had such a heart for adoption- both for the birthmother and for us as the adoptive parents. He did everything from preparing us for critical court dates to carrying diaper bags at the hospital if needed. The entire process was a win-win for everyone involved. We had such a great experience that we decided to go Round 2 with him as well! Now we not only have a wonderful handsome son but we also have a beautiful little girl. Claude has been such a blessing to our lives We can't thank him enough.
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5.0
2 Reviews
16 Nov, 2017 by Dejuan
Jill and her team are very good at what they do. I went through a divorce from multiple states away never stepping foot in GA. Everything was completed in a very timely fashion and Jill was there every step of the way. I felt very comfortable throughout the entire process even though we only communicated via email and phone calls. I would recommend Jill and her team you anyone. Even after everything was completed Jill still answers the occasional question in a very timely manner even though she doesnt have to. Thank you so very much Jill as well as to your team. You guys are great.
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06 Jun, 2015 by Dudley
Jill Byers and the entire staff at the Millard Law Firm worked tirelessly to defend me in a case that lasted over a year. I was completely satisfied with the final outcome of my case and would highly recommend the team. You will find them to be honest, caring, responsive and extremely knowledgeable in their field !!
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06 May, 2015 by Kami
Ms. Robinson has been a joy to work with. Thru all the confusing and upsetting things of a custody case, she has been reassuring, present, and knowledgeable. No one could have handled my situation better. I have been kept up to date on everything going on with my case and she is quick to explain things that can be complicated about the custody process. The most important thing, is I can feel that my case was handled in the most ethical, thorough, and moral way. She was as aggressive as was necessary, but never will I ever feel that this was not handled in a way that I and she can be proud of.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Andrea turner
I would recommend Heather to anyone. She is caring, smart and got everything handled for me in a timely manner. She was great!
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13 Sep, 2014 by Fran
Harriet helped me get properties and and legal 'loose ends' neatly bundled into Trusts after my husband of 29 years passed away in 2009 here in California. He was a lawyer and I was involved in his Ohio practice so I knew what competence and an honest lawyer looked like. Ms Brown came recommended and I can reiterate that recommendation. She was open and listened to what I wanted, no bafflegab, no pressure for complicated legal vehicles. She was fair with her charges and fees. There were areas in which she was not as versed and she told me upfront that I would need a specialist in these legal territories. I am happy and secure with her work and have given her name to several friends.
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08 Feb, 2010 by Neil
I've given Ms. Brown the highest ratings, both overall and in the individual categories. Quite simply, I've had excellent experiences with her over the course of several years, spanning a variety of Estate and Business law issues.
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05 Apr, 2018 by Tawana
Laisly Simmons is amazing she called me back and then she meat me in court she is a Angel I just can't say the rite words and I can't thank her anuff thank you for everything
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30 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Leslie provided a quick, concise and very helpful response to my question.
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04 Sep, 2018 by John
We went to Any for estate, revocable trust planning. This woman wasted zero time from start to finish to make sure we received every dimes worth of her billing. I will go back to her anytime
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19 Oct, 2017 by Sue
Probate is a lengthy process but Amy Byrne is very attentive and responds quickly. She responding quickly, even when flooding occurred in Oroville and she did not have access to her office she maintained close contact with us. She is very articulate and wrote detailed easy to understand responses to all or our questions. She was willing to answer questions beyond the scope of the probate. The probate process is very lengthy in California but she moves things along at a faster pace than many others would and reduces the frustration created by the long process. She is the salve on the wound of a parents death.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Scott
As a father, Mrs. Hovastak helped me win the biggest battle of my life after my divorce. She worked diligently and after a prolonged ordeal I was able to get custody of my daughters. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. She also worked with me financially to setup a monthly payment plan which allowed me to afford and fight for custody.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Hovastak knows child support law. She was able to help me develop a plan that allowed me to care for my children and be involved in decision making.
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22 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
from the beginning, Alejandra has always been comforting, supportive, and straight to the point. I appreciate all of her hard work. She handled my divorce, child support and custody all with ease. As a woman and person of color I recommend Alejandra every time to anyone I know.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She was prompt and knowledgeable. Highly recommend her!
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26 Dec, 2019 by Kent
Excellent attorney. James helped us update our wills and trusts. Very knowledgeable and competent. Reasonable rates and willing to spend time with us. He had lots of good advice.
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07 Jun, 2019 by Jessica
James was our family's attorney for the adoption of our daughter. From day one, he was very accommodating of my husband and my schedules. He was very patient will all our questions and concerns and was able to provide clarity in a way we could understand. Our family felt that he cared about our family and the case and that we weren't just another file. Fantastic lawyer and office! Would refer anyone to him in a heartbeat!
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01 Sep, 2015 by Jackie
What makes Mary Addison one of the best?
The number one reason my husband and I chose to sign with our adoption agency and pursue building our family is because when we walked through the doors and spoke to the staff it just felt right. We went with our gut, which is important because adoption is about giving control over to anyone and everyone but yourself.
There are a lot of people in the adoption field who know what they’re doing and they do it well, so what makes Mary Addison rise to the top? She knows what she’s doing, she does it well, AND she feels right. She passes the gut-check with flying colors and there are so many reasons why! Mary and I communicated through email, text and phone calls for months before my husband and I travelled to Michigan for the birth of our child. Even hundreds of miles away we felt taken care of, understood and as if we were Mary’s first and only priority. I know now that there were times when Mary was swamped with work both personally and professionally but during the long weeks and months that we were matched with our son's first mother we never once heard about another case or another birth mom or another couple- we had her undivided and complete attention.
Mary is very professional and yet extremely human and personable. She is incredibly knowledgeable and competent and yet never made us feel silly when we asked a million and one questions. Mary is also kind and caring and honest and connected and a bit of a fire-ball when something gets in her way! There is no one- NO ONE- better to have on your side in this most emotional and nerve-wracking adventure and we are so fortunate to have been able to work with her just by chance.
If you have the opportunity to choose to work with Mary I can assure you with my whole heart that you will not be disappointed.
No one will work harder for you, no one will care as much about you or your birth parent(s), no one will hold your hand and respond to your emails and explain things for the third time like Mary will. We waited over 7 years to build our family and because of Mary our little boy just celebrated his 4th month of life and he will do so as our son in every way that matters.
Choosing Mary to help build your family will be one of the best decisions you can make. You will be lucky to have her in your corner.
We wish you the best of luck in your journey and thank you for reading.
Sincerely, J, J & B.
To Mary-
I could not ever put into words how grateful we are for you and everything you did for us. Working with you erased a lot of pain and helped to rebuild our faith and trust in the process. You have a beautiful gift of helping to create families. If ever someone found their calling in life, it is you- and aren't we the lucky ones who get to reap the rewards. Thank you. <3
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29 Jul, 2011 by Susan
One of the most amazing and caring attorneys I have ever or probably will ever meet. Keep up the good work ladies.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Amy
Ms. Bayleigh Jordan Pettigrew has represented me in the past year as I have dealt with a blossoming career as a dancer, fitness trainer, and business owner. I would highly recommend her to any position that you are considering, as you will be acquiring a strong asset to your firm or business.
Ms. Pettigrew's most valuable asset is her careful attention to detail. She has caught wording and language in several contracts that I have been presented with that could have been incredibly detrimental to my career, and has been able to negotiate and change said documents so they were more favorable towards me. We've worked on a variety of issues, including intellectual property rights, salaries and payments for my services, and liability releases. In addition, Ms. Pettigrew also keeps me informed and updated during every step of the process, so that I feel in control of the situation and understand both the benefits and consequences of every decision that I make. She's always willing to make time to discuss the pros and cons of each situation, and I feel that she is highly invested in my satisfaction and success. Her blend of both the detail-oriented, intelligent, and hardworking law skills, plus her friendly and personable demeanor have a unique place in this industry.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Mayte
I knew Bayleigh Pettigrew even in her law school days at U.C.L.A. and she has always impressed me with her legal knowledge and her willingness to go that extra mile to find me the resources that would best help me when I needed legal advice. When I came to her firm for estate planning, I was very pleased with the way they thoughtfully considered my individual situation and spent the time to answer my questions. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney and trust that she will always look out for my best interests and give me answers quickly and clearly.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Miles swain
Very personable and professional
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23 Jan, 2019 by Mary carmouche
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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:
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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.
