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08 Nov, 2013 by Toni
we hired Lisa after someone referred her. Being tired of attorneys that were in our town, they all were in each others pockets. Lisa was fresh and went straight in and took care of the problem. She's not cheap but worth every penny. I will never hire another attorney but her if I need one again.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Melissa
Ms. Houston is and was very informative, and addressed all my concerns in the proceeding of my divorce; she fought for everything I wanted out of the marriage and I got everything I wanted from the marriage. This was a divorce between two military individuals, so with-that-said she is a go to Lawyer for a military divorce. Good luck with yours, but if you have her in your corner you will be getting one of the best in her field…
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08 Apr, 2024 by Michael
Jessica was my attorny through a divorce and custody case. Jessica helped me keep my head on straight and created a path forward for me. She was always profressional but also compassionate. I felt that she really cared about me and my situation. In the end my outcome was extremely favorable and I have no doubt she was vital in that outcome. If you need help with a divorce and custody I would recommend her.
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30 Jan, 2021 by Kene
For fathers that are very involved in their kids lives and have to deal with the nightmare of divorce I would highly recommend Bryan Fagan and request specifically Jessica Horace and her paralegal Estrellita Ventura. Jessica is a strong and true advocate for fathers in the courtroom and has an assassins' vibe where opposing counsel has no idea what's coming. Jessica enabled me to win primary possession of my kids in a very long divorce case that lasted 17 months!? Jessica, Estrellita were very open minded, patient, professional, and prepared me well for the trial, expected tough cross examination from opposing counsel, and were open to my ideas for the trial as well to ensure I got what I wanted.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Elly
Jill is extremely educated and trained she has worked with the best she is very well versed in her profession of the law. She did the impossible for me. The state of Tennessee does not give annulments normally but Jill was able to convince the court that I had grounds under the law and my annulment was granted. Jill was always available and returned my calls and emails in a very timely manner.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Martymcfly
I have used Mrs. Baxter on three or four different occasions for family law issues. What you get is REAL answers. Some lawyers tell you what you want to hear, just to get you into court and run your costs up. What I received from Mrs. Baxter was real expiations of what my chances were of gaining what I was looking for. She has worked in the court system for so many years she can tell you what the judge typically does, or she sometimes will tell you that you would just be wasting your money if you perused something. WHAT a lawyer that tells you that you don't need to spend money! Real life means that all issues are not clear cut, that's why you need someone like Mrs. Baxter that you can trust. I also appreciated that Mrs. Baxter is a mother and has handled split family issues within her own family. Give me someone who has dealt with the same issues that I'm going through and that opens up a whole new avenue of trust. I also have to say that her prices were very fair for her work. I'm no longer dealing with any issues and have moved past that stage of life, but if anyone came to me for advice, I would have no problems sending them to Mrs. Baxter.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Lindsey has been my immigration attorney for 2 years now she is highly professional, she had work with my case very carefully. My case turn to be more complicated than expect and she was able to manage and work will all the possibility there is in the immigration laws to help me in my case. We are still working together to finalized and i can be more happier I highly recommend her for any complicated immigration case.
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04 May, 2015 by Lindsay
Mrs. Rosenberg's attention to detail and willingness to fully advocate for her clients is exception. She always takes the time to ensure that her clients fully understand the legal issues. She is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend her for any immigration matter.
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24 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
My husband and I met with, and hired, Peggy to assist us with our adoption. We had never worked with an attorney before, and were impressed with her warmth and compassion. Peggy walked us through the entire process with patience and confidence. We are forever grateful for her time and services. Our adoption was finalized in 2016 and we could not be more pleased with the entire process. We highly recommend her. She is an excellent attorney and a wonderful person.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Mary
We had encountered a unique situation regarding our adopted daughter and a previous foster parent. Ms. Peggy Bond was not only knowledgeable in adoption law, but was a great advocate for ensuring every decision we made was for the best interest of our daughter. Issues with adoption are emotional. Parents may not be thinking clearly, nor know long term consequences of adoption decisions. Ms. Bond was honest, has outstanding support connections / referrals within the community, and genuinely cared about the future of our family unit. This case was 10 years ago. Now as we reflect on the decisions and court actions we made with Ms. Bond, they had been for the best for our daughter. We highly recommend her for all adoption situations requiring legal assistance.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Mark
My sincere thanks to Susanne Bonilla Harrold and David Henry for doing a fantastic job in handling my child support case. This was my first experience with a court case and the entire process. I did not know what to expect; especially being abroad; it was very hard on me, but Suzanne tranquilized me through the entire process.
Suzanne was professional, and although we only talked on the phone, she was genuinely empathetic, competent and most importantly, honest. Her compassion towards me was unique. She did not set false expectations, and she was very patient, taking care to explain every step of the process to me so I was able to make informed decisions. Everyone at Suzanne’s Law Firm was professional, courteous, and extremely helpful. They took care of all the stressful phone calls and emails which made it less complicated as possible! When I had questions, no matter what they were, they responded quickly by telephone or email.
In court, for my case, I worked specifically with her associate David Henry, he was knowledgeable, assertive when necessary, and patient with my questions, keeping me updated the entire time. During the hearing, David Henry kept in touch with me so I was able to follow the entire session as if I was actually there. He is as caring and sincere as he is a skilled professional. I highly recommend this firm because it will not disappoint you! Thank you Suzanne’s law firm! I appreciate your time, experience, and trustworthiness!
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03 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I paid for a consultation regarding a child custody issue. The attorney was very responsive, and was able to see me very quickly. She listened carefully, she gave me good information and advice. Would use her again if I needed an attorney
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22 Apr, 2020 by Whitney
Working with Ray and his team created an atmosphere of calmness, trust, and faith. They helped us from the beginning to the end, and were there every step of the way. I would recommend Ray Godwin and his team to anyone, and I have, many times.
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19 Mar, 2019 by Elizabeth
Ray’s and his office staff are kind , courteous and extremely knowledgeable. They respond to your emails and phone calls in a timely manner. When we had questions they always presented us with clear cut answers. Trust your instinct, his office is who you want helping you navigate this unfamiliar journey.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I worked with Katie regarding child custody. She was incredibly kind and assuring during a difficult time. She handled everything for me and followed my lead to get the outcome that I felt was the best fit for me. She was always very informative and thorough and answered any and all questions I had. I hope to never need her services again but would without hesitation if the situation ever arises.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Susan
From my first meeting with Katie Fults, I knew my family was in good hands. Her attention to the details of my case was amazing. She was available when I had questions and followed through on my every request. Katie is a fanastic attorney and stood by my side through one of the most difficult times of my life.
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29 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
This has been my first experience meeting with a lawyer. Surprisingly, my meeting with Jason went so well. It was very informative and educational. After listening to my situation patiently, he advised me on what steps I need to take to protect my children and myself in my pending divorce case.
Jason believes in being there for his clients when they need him. If he is occupied for a period during the business day he returns phone calls and e-mails as quickly as possible, the same business day, using the technology he has in place to stay in touch.
I believe Jason listens to his clients and really understands what the client wants and needs, and works within that framework. Jason works to ensure that the scope of his legal work stays consistent with the client’s expectations. He also realizes that many of a lawyer’s future clients come from existing clients, and he seeks to make his clients so satisfied with his services that they are eager to send their friends and family to him
Should any of my friends, family or associates need professional legal advice, I will be happy to recommend Jason as highly capable and effective.
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24 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I went to him concerning a custody issue after I was pretty much told by another lawyer that my children's emotional feelings were irrelavent & I had no argument as long as they were not coming home bruised or physically broken. He took the time to talk with my children. He fought for my children's rights & he is - in my book - a child advocate. He was very informative & great with the kids. He made a scary situation not so scarey. I trusted him with my children and they are getting the help they need. He made the law work for the little people.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Brandi
Lindsey did an amazing job! She and her staff were incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. She explained the process thoroughly and answered all of our questions. I would recommend her to any of our friends and family without hesitation.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
After having endured some pretty negative experiences with other lawyers, I found Lindsey. Her professionalism, genuine concern, and integrity made ALL the difference in the world for me. Her legal expertise and wise discernment literally was the difference of life and death for me and my child. Lindsey went above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome to our suit. I will forever be appreciative to Lindsey for her diligence in serving us. It is not an understatement to say that we couldn't have done it without her. I would recommend Lindsey to everyone I know! Thank you, Lindsey!!!
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26 Mar, 2022 by David
When I found myself embroiled in the criminal justice system, I call Robin McCarty. I was afraid and facing a very uncertain future. Robin expertly and honestly evaluated my situation. He did not make any empty promises; instead, he promised only that he would do his best. And that is exactly what he did. Ultimately, I obtained a result that I neither expected nor deserved. If anyone finds themselves dealing with a criminal case, Robin McCarty is the one to call. He delivers results!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Jason
The first thing Robin McCarty did was lay out my case, the possibilities - both good and bad - with straight forward, even if brutal, honesty. Many people have ended up with dire consequences because their case was sugar coated and made to look like no problem. Robin sits with you and tells you the truth.
Robin then carefully, patiently, guided me through the process for almost two years - the end result was a full dismissal of charges.
One unique thing about Robin, he was a former peace officer and previous prosecutor - so he understood both sides of the system. This was tremendously helpful.
I call him Robin because he is a really great guy and it didn't take long before I realized he truly cares about his clients and is just as concerned about their future as any loved one would be.
Overall, I would highly recommend Robin McCarty.
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16 Nov, 2022 by Josh
Brian was immensely helpful handling complex aspects of our family's legal needs. He was proactive, and went above and beyond with perfect balance of professionalism and personal care. Fees were fair and transparent, and his expertise in this area of the law are superb. We would definitely retain him again!
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16 Jul, 2014 by Chris
Creating a gay family has enough struggles - and until we found Brian, sperm donor contracts and all of the confusion surrounding what we needed to assure custodial rights was certainly one of those struggles! But once Brian was helping us out, the clouds parted and he expertly guided us in creating the contracts we needed - that were not only legally precise but also reflected our unique family arrangement and ideals. Brian was thorough, kind, clear and communicative. If you need a family lawyer, you can not find a better one than Brian. We are forever grateful for his guidance during this stressful - but joyful - time in our lives. He made us feel safe and secure with his expert legal guidance, and even went above and beyond what we asked of him to make sure we were super protected from every angle. I don't think Brian wears a superhero cape, but he should - he is truly amazing.
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08 Apr, 2020 by Geoffrey
My divorce became entangled with accusations and charges that faced overwhelming consequences and losses that no person is prepared for. It was impossible for me to see any possible resolution or hope of a happy future. Meredith was able to take on all the emotionally charged fears and concerns and help me understand that nothing was ever being conceded, but that her process was a method of reducing risk. Not only did each “Step” improve my life, but the entire process exonerated me too. It also allowed for a dialogue that prepared me for things to look out for in the future, how to safeguard myself and greatly lower my stress and anxiety. Overall, her efforts improved the quality of life for me and my children. At one point, I had to put my entire life and future in her hands. If I were ever in another situation spun out of control, I would, without hesitation, put her in charge again.
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24 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Meredith is one of those rare finds: she listens and she understands. She's reachable and she returns calls immediately. She knows what it's like to go through a divorce, especially the impact on the kids. Meredith fought for me and she helped me see so many things I had no clue were important, all of which meant a better settlement for my children and me. I had started with another attorney who did not return calls timely and did not know anything about retirement accounts, oil & gas income, or future earnings. Meredith's knowledge about the money part was critical to my case and she did her best to protect me every step of the way. Several of my friends have already called her because they could not believe how well she took care of me and my babies.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Cynthia
Mr Sykora and I were faced with the challenge of obtaining Full or Joint Managing Conservatorship following a SAPCR case in which I filed. My grandson had lived with me since he was a 1 year old, because I had no problems with his mom, I didn't feel the need to have anything Court ordered (my mistake) to ensure that no one would be able to separate us.., Right before he turn 12, WALLA!! He was forced to live with his mom. The worst of times began. It was time for me to do something because he wanted to be home and to see me as well as the rest of his family. After hiring and meeting Mr Sykora, I felt at ease, I know I drove him crazy with keeping him informed of Everything, I wasn't missing a beat, he was kind as well as compassionate and totally understanding of what I was going through, whenever I needed to see him, he was a visit/call away! He advised me of everything to expect at the FH/Trial, the good as well as the bad, he was upfront and didn't cut any corners.. We were ready!! Fortunately, due to a delicate issue which I certainly didn't want my grandson exposed too, the opposing party reluctantly agreed in order to avoid Trial. I was awarded Joint Managing Conservatorship. It means the world to me as well as my grandson that I now have legal rights to him. I can legally remain in his life, regardless. It's in his best interest. Mr Sykora wasn't worried at all, matter of fact before the agreement, his Confidence level of me winning Full Custody was at an all time High. Sometimes when a Childs heart is involved, you have to come to an agreement, TO PROTECT THE CHILD!!! Thank you Mr Sykora, you were so nice to me and my family and I'll never forget what you made possible, I hope to bring my grandson to meet you all in person in the near future... To all whom may feel that you're being torn out of a child's life, don't let it happen, no matter what the situation is, FIGHT for whom you love, never just give up, seek legal counsel, and Mr Sykora knows his stuff!! I highly recommend Attorney Brent T Sykora in getting the Job done....
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09 Aug, 2015 by Matthew
I was dealing with an older situation. Mr Sykora was more then reasonable. Everything worked out 99.9% better then I had hoped for. Super realibe, very professional, & just an outstanding understanding human being who works for YOU. Other lawyers I consulted with were not worth my time or effort. This man knows & practices the law & is darn great at what he did for my family & myself. Hands down best lawyer I have ever dealt with. Would give him my business again & refer him.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Dominic
I needed a marriage dissolution and didn’t know where to begin or what the process would entail. After calling a few different lawyers and meeting with more than one of them, I began to feel intimidated by the whole legal process. That changed once I called Jason Treherne. Jason was able to explain everything to me in a concise and direct manner. He talked with me like I was a person and not just a paycheck. Jason was the perfect combination of legal professional and informal adviser to me. He had all the paperwork done promptly and accurately. I was able to make changes as needed to satisfy the other party that was involved. He was able to explain the process to me in a way that I could understand and was available to answer questions as they arose. That helped me to feel as if I wasn’t going through the dissolution alone. If you want an attorney that's straight forward and trustworthy, stop wasting your time and call Treherne Law.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Nick
A little over 1 year ago, i was in a custody battle with the mother of my child. I decided to get some legal assistance to back me up and my grandfather came across Mr.Treherne's law office. I was able to get a shared parenting plan written up and executed in an extremely timely manner. Jason was always keeping me informed with telephone and email updates throughout the duration of our case. I have no complaints about the service he has provided for me, in fact i would recommend him to anyone that may be having a custody dispute. After 1 year and three months of having everything settled i still am able to call and ask Jason for advice on something regarding the case. He is always available and happy to help me.
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14 Jan, 2021 by Shawn scruggs
22 Jan, 2020 by Jo dawn most
22 Feb, 2024 by Luke kannady
Have no complaints. Thanks so much.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Ron ingle
I have all of our family's legal matters done here. Attorney Patrick Gibson does a great job for me.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Michael vernon
Molly is a fierce advocate who takes her client’s needs seriously. She is a proven winner having worked hundreds of cases. Her combination of experience, poise, intellect, and empathy not only make her strong in the courtroom but also someone who is relatable and approachable outside of it. Highly recommend her for all of your family law needs.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Laszlo tallai
Molly has been great to work with. She is knowledgeable, helpful, and respected by her peers.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Joel acosta
03 Sep, 2022 by Andrew oberhoulser
04 Dec, 2018 by Jeriah
Amy was very thorough and detailed. She stood and fought for me in the courtroom and helped get things right and in the best interest of my case. She has a DHS background which is a great asset in family law. Amy is very personable, passionate and driven. The end results of my case went far better than I ever dreamed possible thanks to Amy and her guidance. Would highly recommend!!
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04 Dec, 2018 by Chrissy
Amy has taken such care to our case and kills it in court. She is always two steps ahead of the other side and prepares for trial in great detail. With her background at DHS she knows the system with child support as well, which proved to be helpful for us.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Sandy
You couldn't find a more professional, yet caring lawyer in the NOVA area! She definitely knows the law and uses this vast knowledge to help her clients, all the while being kind, considerate and understanding.
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09 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Erin Robinson handled my gestational surrogacy agreement (I am the GC) and she did a great job at communicating as well as providing feedback and suggestions. The Intended parents had previously used her as their attorney in a separate manner and we both agree that she has been great to work with. Highly recommend.
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06 Jun, 2011 by Tristian
Hello I'm Tristian and I'm about to be 13,
She's my mothers lawyer. But from what I know of her she's very well educated and has helped out my family alot I highly recommend her as one of the best lawyers in Tennessee. To some of yall this may not mean much but to me she has kept my family together and she is my roll model.....She's the reason I wish to be a lawyer.
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26 Nov, 2012 by Corinna
After years of lousy efforts and money wasted by previous attorneys we have hired in the past, we received a referral to Jamie Foster. Best decision my husband and I had ever made. Instantly we were finally seeing results in our custody case. We actually got what we were seeking in court and then some, and we owe every bit of it to Jamie, her hard work and professional work ethic. We are treated like people, not just another client. She truly cares about her work and is VERY thorough and detailed when handeling her cases.
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12 Jun, 2021 by Susan
I have been very impressed with Mickey’s knowledge and professionalism. He is usually available when I call with questions or returns my call in a reasonable time.
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10 Oct, 2016 by Scott
We have had the opportunity to adopt again in our home state since using Mr. Brodowski years ago in a previous adoption. Our middle child was adopted out of Alabama and our most recent Tennessee. We hired Mr. Brodowski after our Alabama adoption was contested 16 years ago. He was compassionate, extremely accessible all hours. Very thourough and professional. We owe the privilege of having been able to raise our 16 year old to these people. Our current experience in Tennessee is still ongoing, but the experience is no where close. If you want to adopt a child, you cannot go wrong with Micheal and his legal staff.
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25 Apr, 2017 by Claudinette
I sought the services of Attorney Williams. I was very pleased with the service as well as the professionalism of her as well as staff. She provided wills, POA (financial and medical) as well living wills.
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16 Mar, 2020 by Howard
Attorney Green recently closed a law suite for me. Attorney Green is a compassionate, professional lawyer with integrity, with a very friendly capable staff who works tireless to insure the client receives all entitled within the law. Without hesitation I will recommend her to anyone looking for a well equipped attorney.
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29 Jul, 2013 by Elizabeth
I want to let anyone that is thinking of hireing Mr sexton that you would be getting a great attorney he is very good at what he does and will do everything he can to help you with your case he has done so much to help me and my case i have had mr. sexton as my attorney for 2yrs now and would recommend him to anyone
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30 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Matt is a kind,considerate lawyer. I felt like he treated my case as if he was going through the same situation. I highly recommend him
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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:
-
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.
