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29 Jul, 2012 by Marya-lyn
Let me just start off with saying that I went and seen quite a few lawyers before retaining Ms. Wright, and she was the only on who seemed to care about what my family was going through. She worked very diligently on finding the facts of my case. When she had said she was working hard on the case you believed her. I found her and her wonderful assistant did so much to inform me about what was going on. Even when they said that I had a very slim chance but they would do everything in there power to help me and let me tell you they did. I believe there would be no one better to handle sensitive case then Ms. Wright she will inform you and even when it looks tough make it look easy. I look forward to using The Wright family law firm in the future for I do not believe there is anyone better.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jon
I have been to several lawyers and the staff at the Wright Law Firm is by far the most helpful and kind. They are always attentive and caring. They think out of the box and are very thorough. They are very professional and I would recommend them to anyone who wants a reasonably priced attorney to get the job done the first time.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Charlotte
Joseph was outstanding for my husband and my self in regards to protecting my mother-n-law and her best interest. He fought for us and the outcome was in our favor. I’m so thankful I met him when I was working in the bank, who knew a few years later we were going to have to hire him. I highly recommend him for anyone needing a good lawyer. Thanks again Joseph for everything.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Katie
My husband and I worked with Joseph to write our wills and other estate planning documents. We had never worked with a lawyer before and I was a bit intimidated by the whole process! Overall, I’m so glad we worked with Joseph Braun.
We have two young children and Joseph was able to guide us through all of the necessary documents and explain the purpose of each along the way. He answered so many of our questions, thoroughly explained how/why each was necessary and explained potential situations in which it could come up.
Very helpful, thorough and I highly recommend!
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18 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Phyllis is an excellent appellate attorney. I found her to be an expert on appellate procedure and strategy and very eloquent and concise in framing her legal arguments. In short, she handled my case brilliantly and succeed in getting a favorable opinion. She will give a straight forward outlook on the likelihood of success in a case and not give false hope or encourage an appeal to generate business. She is responsive and open to suggestions and input. In addition, she is very fair on billing. If you are looking to appeal a case, you can't go wrong by hiring Phyllis Perko.
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28 Jan, 2014 by Amy
Phyllis tells it like it is and doesn't sugarcoat anything or lead you in the wrong direction. She is very knowledgeable and firm. I felt like she did exactly what she said she would do. Her price is pretty much the same as all the other attorneys in the area but she is very flexible with payments. I would recommend her.
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07 Mar, 2023 by David
I reside in Houston, TX, but needed family-related services in Atlanta, GA. It was easy to communicate with Lynn and she made the process easy and worry free. She was available via phone and email.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Lynn was recommended to us for our adoption, and we enjoyed working with her and with the paralegal on our case. Communication was good throughout the process, and we felt informed about each step as we approached finalization.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Bob
Mr. Perunovich did a quality job with my case. He was prompt in responding to any concerns or questions I had. You could tell with his experience and knowledge that he was confident in resolving my case favorably. If you are looking for an attorney, don't look any further then Mr. Perunovich. He will not just take your money and try to use scare tactics or talk you into taking a bad plea deal like some lawyers in the area. He is not scared to go to trial and never said a word about being worried we would lose the case. I would have been happy with Mr. Perunovich's representation regardless of the outcome because I could tell he has his clients best interests in mind. He is the type of attorney you want to hire!
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19 Aug, 2013 by Jack
While the previous person seemed unsatisfied with her previous attorney, Kim Corradi, and chose to blame Mr. Perunovich, I have only found him to be honest, hard working, and by all means ethical. I received monthly bills outlining everything that was done on my case so if I had any questions, I could ask right away. He also provided me with copies of every correspondence in and out of my file. He always tried to move my file forward even if the attorney on the other side was slow or non-responsive. I would highly recommend Mr. Perunovich for a family law attorney.
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27 Aug, 2014 by Julia
Dave has helped me through two divorces and has helped me with custody issues with my kids. He is a great attorney and would recommend him.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I would definitely recommend David Gilbert. I called at the last minute to find help with a couple misdemeanors which I thought would be on record forever. Even though he could not meet for the case because he already had another client who had a trial at the same time as mine, he was able to guide me through the whole process. Since I had never had any trouble like this before, I was not familiar with what to do or what to say or what not to say. He instructed me in the process and what things meant depending on what was presented to me in court. Things worked out pretty well and there will be no misdemeanors on record if there are no violations in 90 days. He even called to check on how things went after the settlement conference. He always took my calls and I truly appreciate him for the help he provided.
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07 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a warrant for an old probation violation. Alyia was able to resolve my charges with no court appearance required. She did a great job and I'm very satisfied.
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25 Nov, 2012 by Christina
Alyia went well above what I expected from a lawyer. She genuinely cared about my needs and wanted what was best for me. Her wealth of knowledge continued to impress me throughout our relations. I will employ Alyia in the future for any and all of my legal needs.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Marilyn
Pete is an outstanding attorney who is extremely knowledgeable, professional and wise in handling legal matters. This law Firm has years of experience and will navigate your case to success and is highly recommended. Some people were born to be who they are and Pete is born to be a Great Attorney. Five Stars all day long.
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23 Jul, 2016 by Jackie
Peter helped me with my divorce a couple years ago. He made sure I was compensated for my things I lost during my separation and I continued to get child support for my daughter. Thank you Peter for your help!
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11 Mar, 2024 by Ruth
I have known Greg for over 20 years and have used him for legal advice in my business and personal affairs. I have delt with a few lawyers in my time but Greg is the keeper. I do not know of another attorney who is as honest. He is very kind and gentle but firm when he needs to be. He is very honest and very fair in his dealings with others.
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12 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
My both cases are nearing to Fact Discovery deadlines and I am getting anxious. This time, I need to be very careful in choosing the right lawyer because he is going to be the last, after my 2 previous lawyers. I spent reading reviews and profiles everyday. I can't even count how many lawyers I have talked to. Seem like, I almost called all of the Salt Lake Firms. So, I narrowed my searched and checked Provo areas. Until, I came across to Mr. Gregory Hadley's profile. I love what I read about his experience. Although, I am only seeing one review from a co-worker. But it did not stop me. He said, I have a very difficult case. But "thank, God", he accepted me as a new client. While working with Mr. Hadley, he amazed me everyday. He goes above and beyond to work with me and to the opposing party, update me every details of my case. He is very responsive and quick in getting back on my emails, texts, calls. He ease my worries. He truly cares for his clients. I wished I have found him earlier. Best decision I made to keep finding the right advocacy. I can't thank him ENOUGH! I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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18 May, 2019 by Jerry
We can’t say thank you enough to Kory. He took care of everything from start to finish. He is bold and will stand up for you and your kids. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a CPS lawyer. Anyone facing false accusations should contact Kory he will definitely point you in the right direction.
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29 Nov, 2018 by Sara turner
Hes spent many years defending me and my children and asked very little in return .He genuinely cares about the safety of children and their families. Thank you , Kory.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Sharan thomas
25 Apr, 2017 by Mario vice
24 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
JEAN IS A LION THAT FOUGHT HARD FOR HER CLIENTS, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET HIRING HER ,SHE IS ONE OF THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN ALL OVER MINNESOTA, SHE GO ALL THE WAY TO GET YOU UNBELIEVABLE DEALS YOU WILL NOT THINK OF, ANYBODY THAT NEED A GOOD LAWYER HERE IS JEAN FOR YOU.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Mj
We used Jean for our healthcare advance directives as well as the adoptoin of our child. She talked with us in terms we understood and kept us informed each step of the way. Not only have we recommended her to friends, who did use her legal services, but we intend on using her law office again in the future when needed.
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11 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Stacy is an even-keeled person who is calm and seeks to find ways to avoid conflict if possible. She is open with her opinion and communicates clearly to you as her client. I found her to be very honest in her assessment of other attorneys, custody evaluators, and judges. She will provide you with advice and allow you to stay in control of your case. I highly recommend her!
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12 Nov, 2010 by Brent
Stacy Morgan should be #1 on your list to contact for Family Law.
Her knowledge and advice in Family Law situations are nothing short of amazing. When you work with Stacy, she gives you all of the tools to help you feel in control of the decision making process and leads you through the court process with professionalism and authority.
Stacy's fair but firm approach will lead you to a resolution that you can be proud of.
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17 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Goldstein was the most caring and responsive attorney I have ever worked with. He put my children's care needs first and helped me get to a safer place in my life.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Charles made sure that my divorce went smoothly for my children and always had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend Charles for all of your family law needs- he is truly a wonderful man!
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08 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Amy. She is efficient, practical and easy to work with.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Amy, she has been my lawyer for years (long process divorce & custody).
She is available for her clients above and beyond.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Paige
Barry has been working with my family for almost 2 years now. COVID unfortunately set us back, but he's done everything he's possibly could to get us back on track. He works for YOU and fights for YOU! He stayed in contact throughout the entire process and does what needs to be done right then and there. Truly blessed and can't thank him enough for what he's done for our family!
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03 Mar, 2021 by Paul & kathleen
Barry Friedman made a plan, with a timeline, the case played out exactly as Barry said it would. Nothing sits on his desk, papers are processed with on hours of filling out. We would like to thank Barry and would highly reccomend his expertise to everyone. Thank You
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Melchoir was the first attorney we contacted who knew exactly how to handle an adoption from Nebraska. This was a relative, whose mother was unable to care for her son and whose birth father had never met him. He handled every step with integrity and respect, ensuring that both birth parents fully understood their individual decisions to relinquish their rights AND had their own separate legal representation so there could be no challenges against the adoption in the future. Handling an adoption across state lines is particularly cumbersome, and he made it seem easy (after multiple other attorneys seemed confused and muddled). Mr. Melchoir made it possible for a lost little boy to be adopted into our loving home.
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26 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
I hired Steve when my ex wife moved out of state and expected to take our children with Her. I appreciated the fact that Steve had a plan from the beginning, he clearly knew how to win and did so with integrity. He was always responsive to my questions and in the end, he helped me gain full custody of my three children. He was very expensive, but he was worth it. I can never thank him enough.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Amritpal nat
I m truck driver got traffic tickets in Pennsylvania Ashley saved my license got tickets dismissed they are professionals highly recommended.
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20 Nov, 2020 by Capo thedon
Ashley represented me today in a matter where i was facing jail time plus a license suspension. Not only did she keep my freedom but also saved my license. The odds were against me but she persevered. She is a very professional, attentive lawyer. HIGHLY recommend.
Josh G.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
For ALL legal issues there is NO ONE better than David Ardam!!!! The fact that he is truly an outstanding genuine person is a major added bonus!!!! That is completely summed up. If I start to tell you ALL of David’s amazing qualities, I will run out of room!! My entire (large) family and my friends all turn to David with complete confidence and complete satisfaction.
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11 May, 2021 by Ms. d'angelo
Mr. David Ardam has been my attorney since 2016. I was in a car accident that completely changed my life. Mr. Ardam's firm is all I could have ever prayed for in an Attorney. Mr. Ardam is brilliant, experienced, professional, thorough, works non-stop, is kind, ethical, patient, caring....there are simply not enough positive adjectives to say how great he and his firm are. He always explains what is going on, always communicates back with you, and always puts you first regardless of the day or time; if you need him you never have to worry he is there for you. He even took my accident case on fighting for me without my even paying him. If you need an attorney for any reason at all, most especially a Personal Injury Attorney, or one for Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, etc., you simply won't be able to find a better Attorney than Mr. Ardam and his firm.
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01 Nov, 2013 by Jim brown
Ray Dague helped me when I was falsely accused as the aggressor in a street fight. He literally saved me from even going to court and got my case dropped at the grand jury level. I was a kid and I was scared. He have me comfort and treated me like family. To this day I cherish this man and would trust him with my life. When I see him I treat him as a dear friend, as he is. I owe him more than he could ever have charged me, which was very reasonable.
He's mature, caring, slow to speak and quick to listen and has a very calming presence and he is a family man. Quite frankly the man inspired me when I was younger and still does. He obviously has my full recommendations with out any regard. He's as good an attorney as they come and equal in character.
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26 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I went through Raymond's Law Offices for my house closing. They were very responsive and ensured that there were no loose ends. As a first-time home buyer, they coddled me through the process. I was impressed with their professionalism and timeliness. I would recommend them to anyone looking to purchase a home. I have nothing negative to say which is rare for me when referring to attorneys.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Jacqueline
Lorna Chin-Nobile is THE best lawyer I have ever used. She cares and worked diligently on my cases, expediting them. She always return calls and emails.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Olga
As an Adopting foster Mother of the Children Aid Society, I am so proud of having Lorna as my Adoption Lawyer.
Lorna is an excellent, responsible, and accurate-Professional lawyer, she knows better her work and she is very friendly and helpful to families. She is one of the best lawyers in New York.
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25 May, 2016 by John
I hired a few attorneys in my day for different issues. I have to be honest. I was never 100% satisfied with any of them. It seemed to me like I was just another client to that firm. I recently had another issue and was hesitant on calling any of those lawyers back. I was referred to Mr. Pisanelli by a family member, who told me I would not regret using him. I was very sceptical at first, even though a family member referred me. Not only was Mr. Pisanelli a great attorney, he is a gentleman . I got more out of my case than I actually expected. It was a family issue. So that meant more to me than anything. Thank you once again to the law firm of Gerard Pisanelli for giving me the piece of mind I needed to carry on my life. God Bless You
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16 May, 2016 by Carol
I have to say I never met such a nice attorney. I have delt with a few in the past, but Jerry was kind and was really understanding. In such a hard and sad time in my life, jerry walked me through every step with understanding and kindness. He told me the truth all the time, even when I wanted to hear something else he says it like it is. I would recommend him to everyone. Again thank you for all you did. God Bless you
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17 Oct, 2019 by Judy
Every case she did for me was done in a timely matter-divorce-will-deeds,and always good advice! I have no issues against her,only great respect!
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13 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Always took the time to listen and address all concerns I had. Let me know what was worth pursuing and what wasn't. Didn't just nickle and dine me to death financially. I always felt she was looking out for my best interests.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Rebecca
We had a VERY challenging process with our mortgage company, and Mrs. Thomas was fantastic! When our contractor pulled out at the last minute, she helped us figure out what to do. She negotiated with the sellers and helped us make it to closing successfully. I don't think we would have closed on our house if it had not been for Mrs. Thomas. She is great to work with, We highly recommend her!
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24 Jun, 2018 by Paul tost
Katie was the second lawyer hired to work on my case. She made me feel like I had legal support when I needed it the most. The best coach I could have in my corner was her. When I felt slighted by the legal system she showed understanding. Divorce is tough, it’s easy to focus on the finite’s and loose sight of the big picture. Katie helped me see that big picture which allowed me to be the infinite player. This helped me just simply be happy and make the best of the position and move on with my life no matter where the legal system had me bound. She got right to work when we had movement with the case. That being said I truly couldn’t have asked for anything better.
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21 Apr, 2012 by Attracta
When I first met karen I was taken back by how kind, gentle and soft spoken she was. She took all my information and got started right away on my case.I think that she thought it would be an easy open and shut case as did I. However that was not what she was going to endure through this process.It took a little longer that expected with the road blocks,but karen came thru.She is just a beautiful person both professionally and personally.She completed our family and for that I am forever thankful.Thank you Karen.
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15 Mar, 2012 by Helen & john
Karen Foley is an exceptional adoption lawyer and a wonderful person. She is easy to talk to, very caring and extremely professional.
She went above and beyond for our sons adoption and guided us every step of the way.
We feel very comfortable with Karen and that was very important to us through our adoption.
We strongly recommend Karen Foley to everyone interested in starting their amazing adoption journey.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had an issue with PennDOT and Mr. Lackatos was able to have the issue resolved with a simple hearing. It's a thrill watching him in the courtroom fight for you. I would hire him again for any legal issue. Always accessible, superior knowledge and an excellent paralegal who's as smart as he is. Very highly recommended.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
John is a great attorney. I can call him anytime with any question he's there to always answer me.. I would highly recommend him for anyone in need of a lawyer.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Sharon brandau
Very kind and helpful.
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19 Apr, 2020 by Jean heindl
11 Aug, 2015 by Carole and barb
Chris led our team on a precident setting case before the State Supreme Court. She has a passion for correcting injustices, and was beyond thorough in her preperation of the material. Cases are often won based on the skill of the attorney, we were so thankful Chris
handled our case, as another attorney may have not had the same passion, commitment or skill. No hesitancy making a very favorable recommendation.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
My lawyer, Chris, was the lead attorney on a class action civil rights lawsuit my then partner and I were a part of. She was extremely thorough, attentive and on top of every detail, always filling us in on what was happening with our case. She worked extremely hard on our behalf and kept active and on top of things through a very long and grueling legal fight. I would recommend her without hesitation!!
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30 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a divorce lawyer who was an idiot. After I let him go my cuz' told me to go see Lawyer John. I went and he told me to bring my papers. After the day I gave him all my papers Lawyer John knew my case. He is a GREAT divorce lawyer and a GREAT person.
My case was a long one but Lawyer John did not forget anything about my case. If I called him he either got right on the phone or called me back.
When my divorce was done we had to go back since my ex was not paying what he was supposed to. Lawyer John was right there for me. I couldn't have done it without him.
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13 Feb, 2014 by Sharango
Mr Kurkemelis and his most efficient staff (mainly Krueza Ganolli) walked me through every aspect of my two adoptions. All of my questions and concerns were addressed immediately. He has a very friendly and comforting way about him which translates throughout his office and he always me feel like I was his most important client, like I was his only client. I would recommend him to ANYONE that I come in contact with that may need his services.
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19 Sep, 2017 by Gwen
She has a very professional team that is there for you. She knows the law and never keeps you guessing. She explains things clearly for you to understand and always knew she had our best interest. Always returns calls and emails. Will definitely hire her again if needed. Not enough stars for her.....
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01 Sep, 2016 by Marianne kosteff
This is my second time using this law office . The first time was to end my marriage and Handle a child custody matter . This second time is to modify the original order . All the staff make you feel welcomed . Everyone in the office is always willing to answer questions . This law firm will also look at the big picture and shoot you straight on your expectations . If you have an end goal in mind they will tell you the honest answer due to their experience if you will get it . I love the ladies in the office and recommend them to anyone looking for great female attorneys . The retainer they charge is slightly high but for what they can do it is worth it.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
