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Cynthia F Buhr

1301 Fifth Ave, Suite 3401, Seattle, WA

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +3

4.9/5

4.9

20 Reviews

27 Apr, 2020 by Elizabeth

Cynthia Buhr was a lighthouse in the storm of my divorce. She gave strong advice but always left it to me to make the decisions. She offered clear explanations and was always kind when I asked her to explain the process repeatedly. She was determined to help me get a settlement that was fair and equitable. I could not have gone through the divorce process without her sensible and prudent advice. She has a huge amount of family law experience, and she was able to deal with my ex and his lawyers in a calm and judicious manner.

31 Jan, 2017 by Jay

Cynthia worked well on my case. She provided clear direction for my actions, as well as providing cost effective counsel. She was professional while helping clear up emotional responses to things that needed a fact based response. My case was complicated, and she helped me to understand what was normal and abnormal, while providing excellent strategic thinking.

26 Apr, 2016 by Cathy guljord

Cynthia is extremely attentive and very knowledgeable. Cynthia takes the time to answer my questions in an excellent timely manner. She treats me with respect and I am very happy with Cynthia.

Anthony M. Brown

100 Merrick Rd Ste 103 E, Rockville Centre, NY

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

17 Reviews

17 May, 2019 by Jennifer

I highly recommend Anthony Brown for help with family law and estate planning. His knowledgeable meticulous helpful way with experiences that were new and out of our league put us at ease, and delivered in a way that we could not have done without him. He was clear an explanation throughout the process including about his fees which were reasonable. My family has gone to Anthony twice for help legal help that we have no expertise in and will continue to go to him when with our estate planning. He is also very responsive to questions

01 Apr, 2019 by Jashvant

This was by far the best experience I had working with a lawyer. Anthony is extremely client-oriented, transparent, checks in regularly and takes time and goes out of his way to explain any legal issues which can get complicated very easily. He helped us with the adoption of our son and we had an amazing experience and would recommend him to any of my friends or family members.

12 Mar, 2019 by Sara

I called Anthony Brown to understand my options regarding a Sperm Donor Contract. Suffice it to say, though NY State laws sadly do not protect the parental rights of single parents, Anthony led the conversation with honesty and sensitivity. He spent time and gave attention so that I could fully understand the legalities of using a known donor and took the extra time to review additional options. He was a pleasure to speak with and clearly an expert in this area of the law.

Frank Turner Hollon

18410 Pennsylvania Street, Robertsdale, AL

Adoption Criminal Defense Family Law +3

4.9/5

4.9

16 Reviews

29 Jul, 2024 by Vlad avoronski

15 Jun, 2023 by Wilson gregory

Good lawyer.

30 Oct, 2022 by Georgia channell

Marissa Lea Walters

136 Fourth Avenue South, Franklin, TN

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +2 +5

4.9/5

4.9

15 Reviews

24 Aug, 2024 by Charisse

If you got a week to wait for any type of response in back-and-forth communication with her, she your girl. If you're looking to be treated with any level of respect in regards to timely communication, I would look elsewhere

12 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous

The divorce process has been a new and stressful experience for me, as it also involves my children. I did my due diligence, as a first time candidate, and interviewed 3-4 attorneys to familiarize myself with the process, understand the expectations and see which attorney best met my expectations on knowledge, partnership and engagement. After meeting and speaking with Marissa on a couple of introductory/exploratory meetings, I was convinced that she will be a great lead and I can confidently state that she has been that and more. Marissa has been a sounding board and strong proponent of me throughout the process and her passion/compassion and knowledge has been on full display. I do highly recommend anyone going through such an unfortunate and stressful time to find the right legal partner - Marissa is that person!

01 Mar, 2022 by Trey

Marissa is compassionate, vigilant, knowledgeable, and precise... I highly recommend Mrs Walters for legal representation...

Michael L Rich

32 Middlesex Circle, Waltham, MA

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

14 Reviews

17 Dec, 2016 by Amanda ellason

He wasn't my lawyer but he still gave me pretty good advice and looked out for me when he didn't have to. He also answered my questions very quickly. If I lived in his area I would probably hire him.

26 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous

Mike's help was crucial it getting our family through a difficult time. We had a case opened at DCF--an organization that has broad administrative powers and little oversight--during a difficult time for my son. Another lawyer told me there was nothing I could do except follow DCF's requests. Mike was much more helpful. He told us all of our options and the associated risks. We worked out a plan going forward, and he implemented it to perfection: today we are free and clear of DCF involvement. This has been an enormous relief to my son who is suffering from anxiety, as well as my wife and me. I am glad we found Mike; I would recommend him to anyone in a similar position.

19 Jan, 2016 by Andreea

Mike was referred by a friend. From the beginning he was very compassionate and caring and understood my case. I can't even describe the scary moments when you get the DSS/DCF call. That is nothing compared to the thorough interview they complete. You will feel like you have no privacy whatsoever. You will feel that your kids can be taken away any minute, for the most stupid and simple reason ever, reported by people that don't even know you. Well, throughout the whole DCF in-person interaction, I always felt safe when Mike was around because I knew I had someone that believed in me and was there to protect my family. I wish no real parent in this world goes through those moments but if you see yourself there, I would not even make a call to DCF without hiring Mike!

Kristopher T. Smull

611 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +1 +4

+1 (717) 432-6110

4.9/5

4.9

14 Reviews

03 Nov, 2023 by Scott

Kristopher was absolutely fantastic for my family. He was fair throughout the trial and informed of on the law, strengths and weaknesses of the case as well as provided us with a feeling of ease during the hearing. Kristopher was able to win and close our case and bring a time of closure and healing to my family.

15 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous

Kris does a great job of tailoring the need and guidance to the clients he serves. Providing sound guidance and support, and comprehensive service to meet the needs of his client.

08 Oct, 2020 by Jen

I was referred to Kris by a friend who raved about him & I quickly learned why. He is very calm & knowledgeable & quickly reassured me when I was unsure about things.

Elizabeth S Gerbasi

1901 First Ave., Suite 118, San Diego, CA

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +3

4.9/5

4.9

11 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

19 Aug, 2024 by Ruben talamantes

Michelle is amazing, Having to deal with my legal issues was stressful. I don’t know what to expect. When I met Michelle for the first time she was easy to talk to, answered all my questions and explained how things would go each step of the way. She was always available to answer my questions. I feel like she worked really hard to help the judge understand my situation and took time to write an extensive client report that was helpful and supportive to my case. I often refer her to my friends and family. I hope I never need her again, but if I do I would definitely work with Michelle!

16 Aug, 2024 by River tepetla

Ms.Reynoso advocates fearlessly and is dedicated to her clients. During very difficult times she assisted in walking me through the legal process with clear and expert advise. Reynoso Law made me feel safe and protected and I highly recommend to anyone needing their services

22 Jun, 2020 by Keri

Elizabeth handled my divorce with ease. I would highly recommend her for family law issues.

Wendy Louise Hart

2363 Hwy 287 N, Suite 108, Mansfield, TX

Adoption Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

13 Reviews

23 Sep, 2022 by Janine

I hired Wendy and Nick for a divorce and custody situation. They were amazing to work with from the first phone call all the way to the finalized papers. I felt not only like a valued client, but also a real person going through an extremely trying time. You will not find a better team to take care of your family law concerns. They were prompt with every communication and made this process extremely manageable.

18 Sep, 2022 by Amy

Wendy Hart is an experienced Attorney who cares about her clients and works hard to get the desired results. Wendy and Nick go above the norm, they are very accessible and always respond quickly. They made a difficult divorce and custody case go smoothly. I highly recommend this firm!

30 May, 2019 by Debra

I was going through a very rough time, living out of state. Wendy and Nick took great care to explain everything I needed to do, in order to execute a expeditious divorce. Everything went smoother than I ever expected, even with changes that were thrown at them. Divorce is never easy, but they made it painless.

Dena Katherine Dionne

265 Essex St Ste 104, Salem, MA

Adoption Child Support Estate Planning +2 +5

4.9/5

4.9

12 Reviews

23 Jul, 2024 by Alexis c.

My husband and I had an incredible experience working with Matt when we bought our house and sold our condo. He was deeply knowledgeable in all facets of the process, helped us through a variety of hurdles we ran into along the way with patience and understanding, and was unfailingly kind throughout the entire experience. Should we ever choose to buy or sell again we would reach out to him in a heartbeat, and we recommend him and his firm without reservation.

22 Dec, 2022 by Rachael f-n

Matt Rando was an amazing resource in my first time home-buying experience. He was friendly, thorough, and non-judgemental. Highly HIGHLY recommend working with Matt.

12 Oct, 2022 by Renee hoekstra

I used Matt to purchase my home and the process was straightforward, succinct, formal, and timely.

Joanna L Posey

3115 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

12 Reviews

05 May, 2024 by Anonymous

Jo was so great to work with! I really enjoyed getting to work with Jo for my prenup. All of my questions and concerns were answered. My partners found her lawyer was difficult to work with, but Jo helped us coordinate the entire process. My partner wish she had worked with Jo. I would gladly work with Jo again!

13 Feb, 2022 by Megan

Jo was great to work with from start to finish. In the beginning, I had a million questions about divorce and especially collaborative divorce. She answered them all fully and patiently. As we were going through the divorce, she was very knowledgeable about prior judgments that helped bolster my case. She and her team were able to handle the divorce in ways that made me most comfortable. Their professionalism and kindness made what I thought was going to be the worst time of my life and made it into something manageable.

30 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous

Attorney Jo Posey was recommended to me when my wife decided to file for divorce. I am very glad to have her as my advocate. Attorney Posey thoroughly explained the potential paths my divorce could take, and was realistic of how it would turn out. At the same time she was caring and sensitive to my thoughts and emotions, listening intently to everything I needed to say whether is was grieving the end of my marriage or going through the different specifics of my case. Jo has extensive experience with divorce cases and it shows in how she handled my case. She accurately knew what would be a reasonable and fair settlement, so she was able to direct everything toward that end, saving me a lot of money. She also knew potential pitfalls and ways the other attorney could game the proceedings, and so she proactively made sure to protect me from those tactics. While divorces can be very costly, Jo was extremely efficient with her time -- be it writing documents, making phone calls, or discussing my case with me -- which made sure that my divorce didn't cost any more than it needed to. Invoices were thoroughly itemized so I knew how my money and her time was being spent. I highly recommend hiring Attorney Jo Posey for any legal issues regarding marriage, separation, or divorce.

Alexandra A Filutowski

1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA

Adoption Business Estate Planning +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

11 Reviews

14 Feb, 2016 by Kate

Alexandra completely understood my sensitive matter at hand. With kindness and understanding and professionalism, she drafted the document I needed efficiently, and covered all angles needed, even ones I was not aware of. In communication, acknowledging every concern.

03 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous

Alexandra was wonderful to work with. I was in a motorcycle accident last year and was getting pushed around by the at fault insurance co. Alexandra explained everything to me helping me understand all of the logistics along the way. All in all, I ended up getting my motorcycle fixed, all medical bills paid and even a little money left over to cover any needed future physical therapy etc. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a great attorney.

01 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous

After going through quite a lengthy ordeal with a car accident, I finally decided to hire Alexandra. Not having worked with any attorneys before, I had no idea what to expect. Alexandra educated me by breaking down an intimidating process and judicial system into something comprehensible and digestible for me, walking me through every step of the process. I knew she was an advocate and had my back when she provided confidence, courage, and energy, when I thought I had none left to give. Alexandra helped me get through a long process, one that I never thought would end. I would definitely hire her (though I hope I don't need too!) if I was in another car accident. The only thing to note is that she is a start up and has a small team. This means she's personable, relational but sometimes is really difficult to get in touch with and coordinate schedules. It was a periodic challenge but nothing concerning as I had the utmost confidence that she was taking care of everything that needed to be sorted out.

Nancy Anne Burnett

1015 E. Lakeshore Drive, Dalton, GA

Adoption Child Custody Estate Planning +1 +4

4.9/5

5.0

2 Reviews

4.9

9 Reviews

31 Aug, 2024 by Chuck h.

Nancy and her team are too notch.

02 Feb, 2024 by Kim marcum

Great Lawyer

31 Jan, 2024 by Maria garcia

Megan A Combs

1189 S Perry St. #220, Castle Rock, CO

Adoption Child Custody Estate Planning +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

11 Reviews

27 Apr, 2024 by Jen wyatt

06 Apr, 2023 by Charlene johnson

We feel so good having our affairs in order for our family! Karen and her team made the process of deciding what kind of will/trust would best serve our family so easy. We thought about trying to do this on our own before contacting them, I am SO glad we didn't. They are true legal professionals, but also a small and welcoming family office. I highly recommend.

15 Feb, 2023 by Carla knowles

Karen Shirley is smart, thorough, professional, and compassionate. I highly recommend her firm for any estate planning needs.

Dempsey D. Nash

200 E. Joppa Road, Suite 106, Towson, MD

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +1 +4

4.9/5

5.0

6 Reviews

4.8

4 Reviews

13 Feb, 2022 by Amelia s.

Dempsey helped me resolve issues pertaining to my divorce and custody dispute of my two year old son, and by way of referring me to another attorney also helped me resolve debt / financial ailments. As a 25 y.o. (at the time) dealing with divorce, I initially was very embarrassed of my predicament however I never once felt judged or dismissed by Dempsey. Additionally I had a hearing that was supposed to last 1.5-2 hours which, I kid you not, ended up lasting 9. I really appreciate that she was able to be present and attentive during that unexpected turn of events. Ultimately I was awarded exactly what I was petitioning for. I'm happy my son and I can now move forwards with our lives.

21 Dec, 2020 by Elizabeth

My experience working with Dempsey Nash has been professional and therapeutic. Dempsey is extremely patient and kind as well as professional as she gathers pertinent information and works toward resolution. She works from an emotional and sensitive platform and really understands your pain and challenge in making difficult decisions. She understood that despite the incredible pain, fear, anxiety and abuse I was enduring, I was still very concerned and worried about my ex-partner and wanted to work with him despite the mental health issues he expressed. She was sensitive and worked to help me understand my options and bring me to reasonable and supportive conclusions. She takes time to listen to you and your story and create a plan that works for you. Working with Dempey provided and opportunity to explore my relationship from a perspective that included my empathetic emotional feelings but was also objective and fair. This is difficult to do when you have endured years of abuse and control by a mentally ill individual. Dempsey never condems and always listens. She is as much a psychological counselor as she is a legal guide. Working with Dempsey was as healing as working with my counselors and you will learn about yourself and what you have endured in addition to finding your strength through the process because of her compassionate and passionate style. I feel so very fortunate to have found Dempsey to work with during one of the most difficult times of my life. I highly recommend consulting with and working with Dempsey Nash. She is a unique blend of a compassionate, intelligent, caring and confident humility...a rare find in the legal world. Elizabeth

27 May, 2020 by Robert bieretz

Randy was very professional, easy to work with and she accommodated my schedule.

Rebecca Ann Randen

7400 Metro Boulevard, Edina, MN

Adoption Family Law Probate +3

4.9/5

4.9

10 Reviews

22 Jan, 2020 by Nicole

I hired Rebecca Randen as my divorce attorney and have no regrets! She was very responsive and knowledgeable about the whole process and I felt like she went above and beyond with her services. She was very professional, yet it was clear she cared about my wellbeing as her client. She is kind, yet firm and direct. I have no doubts that she can get any job done successfully for her clients!

17 Dec, 2019 by Carolina

Rebecca is thoroughly knowledgeable and capable when it comes to Family Law. She's an incredibly compassionate individual who took the time to not only understand my needs, but also to educate me on decision impact. I really appreciated her patience, insight, and foresight during an emotional time.

17 May, 2019 by Anonymous

Rebecca was so kind. She really listened and took my needs into consideration. I would fully recommend Randen family law. She’s extremely knowledgeable and puts your needs first.

Roy Huddle

10101 Southwest Frwy, Houston, TX

Adoption Child Custody Family Law +1 +4

4.9/5

5.0

1 Reviews

4.9

9 Reviews

01 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy mcbride

30 Sep, 2024 by Mr. g

Ms Mcbride keep real with you. I was looking at 4 or 6 case but they was dismissed. So yep 5 stars for a beautiful woman that keeps it real with you and 🏆

28 Nov, 2023 by J taylor

Mr. Huddle provided me with a a very honest and ethical approach to my case. He’s a great listener and is a highly recommended attorney.

Samuel Adam Krystosek

224 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD

Adoption Business Estate Planning +2 +5

4.9/5

5.0

3 Reviews

4.8

5 Reviews

29 Aug, 2024 by Gary l. oxford

19 Aug, 2024 by Ken a

So far, this firm has been good to deal with.

21 Jul, 2024 by Lonnie white

Scott Stephen McCormick

909 Poydras St Ste 3000, New Orleans, LA

Adoption Family Law Litigation +1 +4

4.9/5

4.9

1428 Reviews

24 Oct, 2024 by Tamika billups

Mrs Natasha was very helpful and explained everything to me I understand everything need so far thank u so much

24 Oct, 2024 by Samuelniek ellis

Thanks to Natasha that I felt well-informed, and I truly appreciated Natasha’s professionalism and commitment to getting every detail that was needed about my case. Great service !!!

22 Oct, 2024 by Madison martin

While, I have not been a client, I would not hesitate to recommend Scott Vicknair law firm to anyone because of the way their marketing coordinator, Myles Kuss describes their firm. Scott Vicknair exemplifies the way every law firm should treat its clients: with respect and sincerity. I highly recommend Scott Vicknair Law Firm because of Myles and the entire staff.

Yanine Dominique Krohn

23212 Red River Drive, Katy, TX

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +3 +6

4.9/5

4.9

186 Reviews

19 Sep, 2024 by Alpa bavishi

I am really grateful and Thankful for Hunt law firm.They have really best strategies and most honest lawyers.I would like to special thanks to Alex hunt who helped legally to get my Jwelery to court’s custody.Thanks to Sohaib Rehman who is very honest , faithful and straight forward lawyer.He did good job with discovery and gathered all facts.Cant thank enough to Sohaib Rehman.In addition to these two lawyers, Melissa Massom is also really helpful and knowledgeable attorney.

13 Sep, 2024 by Liana dixon

Bri was amazing with the estate planning process for my uncle. She was very patient and explained everything thoroughly. This is the firm to go to for anything you need for family law, guardianship, estate planning, etc. You will be in good hands with Hunt.

28 Aug, 2024 by Ben d

I think Walmart offers same services…. (Self checkout) I have more to come…… they lie in court about serving me the opposing side legally which cause THEIR client 7-8 months of attorney fees….. also idk if her attorney and paralegal got fired or quit or whatever but didn’t finish the case…. Still on going

Liana Noelle Dixon

23212 Red River Dr., Katy, TX

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +2 +5

4.9/5

4.9

186 Reviews

19 Sep, 2024 by Alpa bavishi

13 Sep, 2024 by Liana dixon

28 Aug, 2024 by Ben d

Stephanie Melgar Garcia

23212 Red River Drive, Katy, TX

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +2 +5

4.9/5

4.9

186 Reviews

19 Sep, 2024 by Alpa bavishi

13 Sep, 2024 by Liana dixon

28 Aug, 2024 by Ben d

Michelle Elaine Schmitt

600 Old Country Rd Rm 500, Garden City, NY

Adoption Business Real Estate +3

4.9/5

4.9

175 Reviews

06 Aug, 2024 by Kanwal batool

Asad and his team were an extreme pleasure to deal with. He made the process so smooth and answered all my questions! I highly recommend this firm for any of your real estate needs! I look forward to working together in the future! Thank you again!

14 Jun, 2024 by Hus sain

Team of professionals.

08 Jun, 2024 by Gaurav kerney

Recently worked with Sardar and his office. They were very professional and my client was very happy with the service provided. Mr Sardar was a call away throughout the transaction and overall a 5 star experience.

3 East Evergreen Road, New City, NY

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +3 +6

4.9/5

4.9

60 Reviews

13 Aug, 2024 by Sarain martinez

Excelente servicio

24 Jul, 2024 by Hope emore

19 Jul, 2024 by Camilo varón

Exelente trabajo

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FAQs

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What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You

An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.

If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.

When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?

You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:

Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.

What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?

An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:

Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.

How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?

Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:

Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.

How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.

In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).

How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.

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