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21 May, 2018 by Kyle
From start to finish Andrew and the staff at Stange made my divorce as painless as possible. They anticipated my needs and kept my up to date on every aspect of the case. I highly recommend
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05 Nov, 2015 by Heather
My daughter starts at Southern Oaks tomorrow in Ky, my hometown, thanks to Andrew Rankin. I'm so nervous and excited for this change. I'm even more excited for her. More than anything, the fact that she is so happy about moving, let's me know this is exactly where we are supposed to be. Going through this divorce has been the most heart wrenching experience not just on me, but for my girls. I never imagined being treated by the man I loved for so long in such hateful and slanderous ways. 5 months ago I received a petition for divorce, alimony, sole custody, child support, and a restraining order keeping me within 50 miles of his residence when Im not even from here nor know anyone because I spent 4 years focused solely on my degree and family. Thanks to Mr Andrew Rankin, he gave me the best birthday gift yesterday, the call to tell me to go home. I have my family back despite my ex's tremendous amount of lies and manipulation. Andrew Rankin greatly surpassed my expectations. And probably deserves way more for putting up with my hormonal rants. But he was always there, answered every question, and took care of everything including the childsupport i was finally awarded after so many months of receiving nothing from the ex. He does his research, and is meticulous with his work. Now to start my life. What an amazing feeling. Thank you, Andrew.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Robert
Bridget is the best in the business! Recently she handled my grandmothers will and trust. my grandmother is 91 years old, so it was not an easy case. Bridget came to the house, assess the situation, and was very straightforward honest and knowledgeable. Best of all her heart is bigger than her house! And after it was all said and done, The follow-up was amazing. Stayed in constant contact with me and my grandmother throughout the whole process.
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01 Nov, 2010 by Mary jane
Bridget Walsh Hutchen has represented my family and me several times, always with a positive outcome. She evidences skill, empathy, knowledge, and perseverance. I was cited for speeding in a school zone, an offense that could have resulted in the loss of my license for six months. Bridget was effective in getting my offense reduced to just speeding so that I could receive court supervision. She seemed to be well known to court officials who treated her with great respect. On another occasion Bridget represented my family after painters contaminated our home with lead dust forcing us to vacate our home for two months and incur huge cleaning expenses. She helped us to deal with the painters' insurance company who initially seemed sympathetic. When they started to ignore us, she kept at them. Finally, she helped us decide when it was time to file suit. They paid us the thousands we deserved immediately. If Bridget had not effectively represented us, I don't think we would have seen a nickel. My husband is also a lawyer, and he joins me in highly recommending Bridget Walsh Hutchen.
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28 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Tim for completing our will and other legal documents. He was very clear in his explanation of the legal terms and answered all our questions/concerns. His recommendations were helpful in making our final decision. We will definitely consult him for any future legal needs. Thank you Tim!
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22 Apr, 2010 by Mr & mrs.ladak
I had hired Timothy Straus in Dec 2009 as my Immigration attorney, He was very helpful and always kept us inform regarding our case. My family member recommended him to my husband & I and we are glad we went to the right lawyer.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Kristyn helped me with a matter several years ago and was excellent. She knows the law inside and out and clearly has a lot of respect from other lawyers and judges. On top of that, since then, over the years I’ve had to consult her on other issues and she continually does a great job. I’ve referred her services to many others and would do so again without reservation!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Cathy
I hired Ms. Recchia to help with getting my divorce judgment enforced because my ex-husband was ignoring everything the court had previously ordered. She was able to get everything handled in a relatively short time and was very easy to talk to and work with.
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26 Sep, 2015 by Julie
Sunita is a fantastic attorney. She is very down-to-earth and very easy to talk to. I felt very comfortable discussing my issues with her. She is very knowledgeable and dedicated. She was available every step of the way to answers any questions or concerns I had regarding my case. I would definitely recommend her and her team.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Maria
Sunita is an outstanding attorney. We worked closely together for over a year. She knew every single detail regarding my divorce like the back of her hand. She answered all my emails and phone calls promptly even when she was out of the office. She made sure she took every step to try and settle my divorce in the most cost effective way possible. She is a highly intelligent, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney who is an expert in matrimonial law. I will 100% recommend Sunita for anyone looking for a matrimonial attorney.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Anita
I started using Yeshareg Belay for my H-1B visa, and later for my green card. I always felt like Yeshareg was genuinely interested in my case as she would always take the time to answer my calls and respond to my e-mails right away. Her up-to-date knowledge of the changing laws made both processes as easy and short as possible. She was very diligent with filing on time, meeting deadlines, and communicating with me and my employer to keep us informed of how things were progressing. I highly recommend Yeshareg Belay to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.
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14 Feb, 2014 by Sampson
Attorney Belay provided us excellent service during the petitioning for my mother to join mein the US. She was always there to help us whether we had questions or concerns abiut the process. I was very impressed with the quick responses and determination to see our case through successfully. i would highly recommend her to others.
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20 Mar, 2015 by Betty
I have been very please with the work Stacy has done on my case. She kept me informed every step of the way and whenever I had questions she answered promptly. She has great interpersonal skills and is nor afraid to let you know how important something is. She treated me with respect and kindness and got the job done. I thank her for all her guidance.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Loretta
I was delusional and thought my divorce was going to be friendly. If course it wasnt and Stacey gave me good advice, guidance and looked after my best interest.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Highly professional and skilled in working with high conflict personalities. Truly advocates for the best interest of the children.
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21 Nov, 2013 by Tony
I had Jennifer re-do my parenting plan and make some "adjustments" to the way my ex-wife was acting and, I got the results I was looking for, quickly and very professionally.
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28 Jul, 2019 by Crystal
Mr. Shedwill came through for me and helped me get the back alimony my ex husband owed. I felt very comfortable with him and he explained everything to me in terms I could understand. I’m very grateful that Mr. Shedwill agreed to be my attorney. And I can’t thank him enough for fighting for my rights. Crystal M.
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09 May, 2017 by Cari
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. Attorney Shedwill was very kind and understanding as well as his office staff. He listened and answered all my questions and didn't disregard or overlook anything I said or asked. I was very nervous about my situation until I met with and hired Atty Shedwill. Hes very affordable and fair. I will use him again in an instant if I need family law help again. Thank you for all your help and making a scary situation easier to handle!!!
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04 May, 2015 by Anonymous
- Petition The Court for a Limited Conservatorship for my disabled daughter in the Contra Costa County at her Walnut Creek office in 2012.
- It was an excellent first time experience in Family Law.
- She kept me informed and communicated updates every step of the way.
- I would recommend her services to anyone in a similar situation .
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13 Sep, 2014 by David
Sarah helped us with our wills and trust. She was excellent--low key, highly competent, responsive, excellent in her clarity and communication. We liked the fact that she was low-key and professional--a great combination. Additional plus for her being "in-network" on our legal insurance plan through UC (ARAG). High marks.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Colon Rosa Law. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the outstanding service and support I received during this challenging time. After a disheartening experience with my previous attorney, I am incredibly grateful to have found Colon Rosa Law, who has completely restored my faith in the legal profession. This law firm is a true gem, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough.
In stark contrast to my prior experience, where communication was sporadic and I was left in the dark, Colon Rosa Law established a seamless and transparent line of communication. Colon promptly returned my calls and emails, keeping me informed about the progress of my case and patiently explaining the complex legal jargon.
From the initial consultation until the final settlement, Colon displayed an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and empathy. Colon’s extensive knowledge of family law was evident throughout the entire process. Colon Rosa Law provided clear and concise explanations of the legal aspects, ensuring I understood every step along the way.
One of the most remarkable qualities of Iliana Colon is her ability to listen attentively. She genuinely cared about my concerns, fears, and objectives, allowing them to tailor her approach specifically to my needs. Colon’s compassionate nature and ability to provide emotional support during such a difficult period were truly invaluable.
Iliana Colon’s meticulous preparation, exceptional legal skills, and unwavering dedication truly made a difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Colon Rosa Law to anyone seeking a competent, compassionate, and results-oriented Family lawyer.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Colon is great and promising lawyer. She keeps things straight and clear and most importantly doesn't lie to the clients. She was very honest with me. She kept great communication during the DV case. She was very well informed about the case unlike the opposition attorney who was unfamiliar and was just shooting arrows in dark, wasting time. I strongly recommend her to anyone in need of a best and affordable attorney. Thanks again Colon! for being so supportive.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Mommaof3
he is the best! i would not hire anyone but him for child custody or divorces.
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08 Nov, 2017 by Sarah
Patrick has been my lawyer during my divorce and custody issues. He has worked very hard for my kids and me. I have referred others to him and would encourage others to not hesitate to hire him.
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10 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
He is a very good lawyer. We have been working with Mr. Showen for almost 2 years. Very knowledgeable. He does stay busy, but always manages to keep you informed and always gets back in touch.
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07 Jun, 2011 by Sharri
Jason handled my divorce proceedings with high expertise, very professional and caring at the same time. My divorce is final now but Jason continues to be helping me thru more issues that have come up. He is very busy but always makes time for a phone conference or an email. I would very much recommend Jason for domestic relations issues. Going thru a divorce can be very scary for anyone but it helped so much to be able to trust Jason and know that I would be well represented, guided thru all of the legal issues that come up and able to get thru a very difficult situation as best as possible.
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I was in a bit of a tough situation last summer. I was up against a potential OVI charge after being pulled over late at night with a .7 BAC. Being just a few months shy of turning 21, I was more than a little freaked out at the potential damage that this could have on my record and future.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Dayle as council in this situation. She was very frank with me from the get-go, not sugar coating anything and being very straightforward with what I was up against. She walked me through exactly what steps I needed to take as well as how the court process would work. Ultimately, my charge was lowered to a reckless operation, and I have very much been back on my feet ever since. Dayle is a kind, smart, and helpful individual and I could not more highly recommend her for her legal services.
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14 Mar, 2012 by Nancy
Dayle understands the depth of the problem at hand. She has always acted as if she had a personal stake in this matter. I feel like she is looking at our issues from our shoes. She has been able to tell me my legal rights, while tempering me with the truth about what I might/might not get in the courts. We had some surprising and upsetting decisions, but she had the tenacity to keep on fighting until the right outcome happened.
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26 Aug, 2012 by Mike
Krislyn was recommended to me by my long time tax services providor and she has been just as advertised...very good. Krislyn spent time with me to determine correct product/service and was very attentive to both myself and my wife throughout the entire process. The final product is well organized and very clear. I tease Krislyn that while estate documents are not as exciting as a brand new car or house or exciting life events, she made the process and the product well worth the investment and did generate excitement around the final product.
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05 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
My extended family and I have all used Krislyn Holaday's legal services for a variety of real estate, as well as trusts and estates. In all of our dealings, we have found Krislyn to be both highly competent on the legal issues involved, but also very attentive to our concerns. Before we found Krislyn, we thought it was impossible to find an attorney who returned calls or took the time to get to know the unique needs and concerns of clients. We couldn't be happier -- or more confident -- in the representation that we have had over the years using Krislyn. You simply won't find better more attentive representation. I recommend her services without hesitation or qualification.
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19 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Jeremy Thomas was a great lawyer for my separation. From the initial consultation, he was always responsive, interested, and knowledgeable. He treated me with respect and helped me with all of my concerns with my separation. He even wrote a really good legal doc that got my ex to drop some of his crazy demands. I would recommend Jeremy without a doubt!
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01 May, 2020 by Todd
After years of battling with my ex over a piece of property and being ignored, I had Mr. Thomas draft a letter demanding the issue be settled. The letter was firm but diplomatic, and within a day I was contacted by my ex and reached a settlement. Great job!
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07 Nov, 2022 by Brittany chavarria
Such sweet people at this firm....
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04 Nov, 2021 by Mary e. grubbs
Ms. Hall saw us when we had no appointment. We appreciate that so much, and we have confidence that she is going to represent us well. She has been a very big help. Her new location is convenient, and the area is nice.
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02 Jun, 2011 by Stu
Gretchen was a great help with putting our wills together literally hours before our daughter was born. She is very professional, friendly and affordable.
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07 Jul, 2010 by Jerry
Walked the family through the many details of power of attorney of several family members and wills that needed to be made. Assisted with bank account changes and advised family every step of the way. Even contacted the family at home to make sure their wishes were being met. Highly recommend.
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30 May, 2018 by Sandy
Karen was my third lawyer I had hired from the onset of filing divorce to finally getting the decree enforced. Karen tells it like it is, while empathetic to your situation, she does not mince words or coddle you. She prepares you for possible outcomes. She invests her time and effort to represent you fully. I would hire her again for legal situations. She is tough and gets things done for you and doesn't just charge you unnecessarily.
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20 Jul, 2012 by David
Our Son was falsely accused of felony theft in 2009. After becoming entangled in the
antagonistic Denton County (TX) legal system, and even further mired by the incompetency of
the investigating detectives, and then enduring the personal vendettas between our original lawyer
and the prosecutors, our case was spinning out of control and no one seemed to care.
With our Son's life & future on the line, we hired Lewisville (TX) Attorney Ms Karen Alexander
to take over our representation. She was able to analyze our situation and
collect exonerating evidence, documentation and information along with the necessary
procedures to convince the Denton County District Attorney's Office to dismiss all charges
against our Son before ever going to trial.
Our entire family was put through three years of Hell. The nightmare is finally over.
We certainly owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Karen Alexander,
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02 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Was very helpful . Helped out in stressful time real professional! We had many changes and times and office handled wonderfully, speak real language were you don’t need a interpreter. Excellent Character!!!
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17 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to Scott Dunn on a few occasions for consultations and the advice he gave really helped me feel relieved, at ease and in preparation to be prepared for anything. I did hire this attorney. Scott Dunn made me feel more at ease in the courtroom based on what my case dealt with. Any near future child custody issues or whatever the case may be he's honest and helpful as it prepared me to what different types of cases may bring; Long process and long courtroom hours! He's thorough and I was very pleased with the representation I received from this lawyer. Best one hands down. Would I go back to this lawyer? Absolutely!
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27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I am savvy financially, but had no clue about the divorce process when I embarked on this journey several years ago. Through it all, Ms. Kennedy and her staff have been there for me and my kids. Unfortunately, I am going to have to go back to court for a child support issue. Although it is the last thing on earth I want to do, I know I am in good hands.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Kelly
The shock of a possible divorce is difficult enough, not to mention knowing who to go to for legal advice. I was lucky enough to have found Kennedy Law; Marsha Kennedy. My case has been very difficult with many different avenues of the law including child custody, post marital support, legal issues with marital debt and sales of businesses, tax questions and the list goes on. Marsha Kennedy and her team has expertly handled each situation and guided me through the process. They have been like family to me and have given me and my children a great deal of support through a very challenging time. I would highly recommend Kennedy Law Firm. You will receive the professional help you need and the care and understanding you deserve.
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23 Jun, 2013 by Haley h
Carolyn went above and beyond for my case. She made sure to have all the information and facts to best represent me. She was able to make this whole process as easy as possible. Providing excellent guidance and knowledge. I know that I would not have had the same outcome with any other lawyers representation. Carolyn didn't hesitate to seek advise on very specific, yet difficult, parts of my case to insure that she represented me to the fullest existent. As challenges arose they were met head on by her willingness to go the extra mile. She was always professional and made sure to keep me informed throughout the entire case. I have full trust in her knowledge and capabilities. I would not hesitate to hire Carolyn for any legal matters in the future.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jackie
Ms. Skogman assisted my husband and I with establishing our wills & directives.
Upon my husbands death she guided my though the court system and rewriting my will and directives.
She is very knowledgeable in working with elders.
I would highly recommend her.
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08 Dec, 2015 by Rob
I contacted Ms. Meeks for some follow-on litigation resulting from a previously settled divorces. She was extremely responsive, efficient, and focused. During the consultation she isolated key issues and provided me a few courses of action with well defined advantages and disadvantages. In the end, I chose her to represent me and she worked to get the settlement I needed. I'd highly recommend her because of her professionalism, legal knowledge, and effectiveness in getting matters closed.
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04 Dec, 2015 by Darice defoggi
It was a pleasure dealing with Erin Meeks and her staff. All of her staff from the minute you walk in for help until the services were provided was done in the upmost professional, kind, and diligent manner by herself and her entire staff. I would and will use her in the future if any other legal matters arise. I would further recommend her to others. Thank you Ms. Meeks( and Candice Corbett) as well as your entire staff.
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08 Apr, 2022 by Nate
I asked a question on how to private sell a vehicle with some issues. She informed me that the best way to proceed would be to write up an agreement with the issues known and have the buyer sign the agreement. Also to attach the messages that the buyer and myself have been communicating with.
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24 Mar, 2022 by Drake
my question was answered properly, and I was able to learn something new as well. Thank you!
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17 Apr, 2018 by Jessica
Kelly is one of a kind!! She has incredible knowledge of all things adoption. She is tenacious and makes you feel like her priority no matter how much she has on her plate! It was a pleasure having her by our side and in our corner! It was awesome watching her work!! She is nothing short of amazing at what she does!!!!
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10 Mar, 2016 by Therondmorrison
Kelly is great. She is very responsive and knowledgeable. As an attorney myself, I have worked with numerous other attorneys and can say that she is very professional and gives attorneys a good name. As a client, I am impressed with the time, attention, and speed at which she has worked on our case. She is worth every penny.
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27 Dec, 2023 by William potapchuk
Carrie is wonderful. I had many questions about my will (or a trust?) and Carrie helped me navigate my many questions and offered very helpful advice. Highly recommended!
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05 Mar, 2020 by Janice alder
Wonderful family law practice. Carrie Tipton did our wills and other documents designed to make sure our kids are taken care of in the event something happens to us. Ms Tipton is understanding, smart, organized, and ethical, and she made the process so easy for us. We highly recommend her!
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23 Sep, 2011 by John
I owned a piece of property that I bought when I was young and the taxes on the land were killing me...paying more than the property was worth. I owed a substantial amount in back taxes and sought the help of Sally. She made several calls and straightened the entire mess out. Sally has a great disposition, is very approachable and possesses an excellent knowledge of law. One of the few people in the world that still takes notes with a fountain pen! She listens to you and give great advice, she was a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone with family law issues.
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29 Oct, 2008 by Brian
I used Ms. Lanham to help me through a very difficult divorce. I sufered a brain aneurysm in 2003, and as I result of my brain injury, I can not transfer memories from short term to long term memory. I tried two other attorneys before I found Sally. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and did not mind the same questions time after time. She kept focused (and kept me focused) on the task at hand. She anticipated every move made by my x-wife. I still occasionally rely on Ms. Lanham to help me through issues with the x-wife. I highly recommend Sally!
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14 Oct, 2012 by Joe
Alexis handled our Adoption and as such is partially responsible for bringing our wonderful son into our home! She was not only extremely competent, responsive, communicative, and effective in her role as our attorney but also was very pleasant and patient with us. I would recommend her in a heart beat, especially for those that not only want a very good attorney but also want someone pleasant and there to serve the client.
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11 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Tomas recently worked on a complex case of mine for an extended period. I have worked with about 3 dozen attornies over the years. Ms. Tomas was outstanding in every regard. She quickly and thoroughly assimilated substantial complexities, did compelling research, and consulted and advised with desired candor and professionalism at all times. She demonstrates an extraordinary ability to distill essentials from various sources regarding a wide range of related issues and then compose effective legal documents. She consistently demonstrated helpful knowledge, was responsive and kept me informed. Ms. Tomas combines compassion and understanding with the utmost professionalism and integrity optimally. It is with the greatest possible confidence that I recommend her highly for your consideration
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24 Oct, 2016 by Kerstin
I hired Caleb as my back up for amicable mediation. When this plan failed, Caleb stepped in as my full time lawyer. In the 2 year 9 month long divorce process, I was unbelievable impressed with Caleb (and Susan, his para-legal!).
There was no detail overlooked.
He was totally dedicated to representing my needs and more importantly, what was best for my three kids. He is a fierce negotiator which resulted in avoiding court and ended up with a fair and reasonable settlement. I HIGHLY recommend Caleb.
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11 Jan, 2013 by Happy mother
Caleb was my attorney in my divorce and custody case. He is very skillful, knowledgeable and compassionate.
Caleb kept me informed about the progress of the case, updated me with news from opposing counsel, and always explained everything I did not understand at first.
Caleb fought for me and my son and got more than I imagined going into this. He represented me in trial and built a solid case to present to the judge.
Caleb always went above and beyond in all areas with my best interest in mind.
He remembers every word I said to him, every detail and date. He honestly cares about his clients and thoroughly loves his profession.
He is a great lawyer and he exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend him!
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05 Aug, 2017 by Thomas
Mrs Dietz helped with my divorce and child custody. She was simply amazing. My ex wife tried to be a bully and Mrs Dietz didn't allow it. She even at one point told my ex to stop talking (because my ex was verbally bashing me), and said that it's my turn to talk. She helped reveal the truth that my ex lied and that I was being honest. Hopefully I never have to go through a divorce or custody battle again, however if I do I will definitely be seeking help from Mrs Dietz.
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07 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
My wife and I used Ms. Dietz to finalize a complex international adoption. She was outstanding in her role. I highly recommend her.
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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.
