Lawyers map
>1,018k
experienced lawyers
Thank you for your service. You are the best lawyer I have ever hired.
Different
review sites
review sites
>7
Filter by
3.0
4 Reviews
4.5
17 Reviews
09 Jul, 2023 by Connie
Unfortunately Ellie is not incorrect in her opinion of Ms. Klapp. I would reiterate her comments on Nikki’s lack of interest and practical assistance in our case plus note that her ineptitude led to 2 kids being hospitalized with serious injuries. Nikki had been warned that their father had an extensive history of drug and alcohol abuse as well as mental illness diagnoses, and that he was often irresponsible with them. She did nothing but make excuses and deny any responsibility especially hers. She is not detail oriented and often misses the specific nuances of her cases like safety completely.
The schedule she created for us was also difficult and impractical for our kids. She refused to acknowledge or rectify any poor planning on her part that was due to her lack of attention and inexperience. She mixed up their schedules several times then would go MIA. Her priorities were extremely poor at that time, and other authorities stated the same. They were involved when Nikki left the country without finalizing our schedule, and after my ex refused to return my son’s Codeine pills. She was literally nowhere to be found. Nikki’s level of inaction actually caused a lot more harm than good, but she covered so much a at county she got away with it.
Nikki then helped drag the case out another year after my ex dropped all of his motions l except for coparenting. I had been told by KITM that I didn’t have to coparent with someone that abusive, but was hounded about talking to my teenagers about the case. It was usually to ask if they’d ever heard from Nikki! I got contempt while the man who lied to the court for child support got nothing but a pat on the back and $870 in savings for a new car. I was also forced to pay $250 an hour unnecessarily to argue for things like a laptop that was free. Nikki wanted to know if I had gotten him a Christmas present as if that’s due diligence, and I told her no those aren’t for people who sue me. My ex husband who broke into my car, was passed out with his Secretary for a decade and fell down drunk at our kid’s school didn’t even get me a card for my birthday when we were married, but Nikki thought he deserved a present. I had forfeited my alimony & maintenance so my daughter could get a new car that year. I don’t even have one because I got stuck with paying her legal bills for no reason. Furthermore, my ex was illegally taking my income tax refunds for himself with her permission! I also had thousands of dollars of expenses that he refused to share and she knew it. She knew all of these details and then some, yet was so out of touch with reality and self absorbed with her own wedding she was incapable of providing any credible counsel to our family whatsoever. Her attorney colleagues in Family Law have shared this same observation with me about her as well. She should have been be reprimanded by the bar for negligence and victim blaming if nothing else.
The worst thing about Nikki is that she’s vindictive too. She did not like being questioned about her lack of attention to detail, availability, memory, billable hours, or motivation to bring about resolution in our case. I commented that I thought it was distasteful how she and other attorneys show up with $5000 purses when people have to work all day to pay for one hour of their time. She labeled me obsessed as if I waste on those things. She had the audacity to accuse me of making up stories about my ex to get even with him when not one syllable of it is untrue. Nikki just didn’t want to have to work to verify any information or relay it while all the time flashing her cash and inflating her bill. She was incapable of impartiality, or doing her best to promote a healthy relationship for her clients.
You could hire almost any other attorney in St Louis and have a better experience.
Read more
16 Dec, 2022 by Ellie
From the beginning it appeared she had no interest in our case, but certainly logged some hours. She was not responsive, did not enforce her own rules, did not step in when she needed to, put no plan together, her recommendations made no sense, she just seemed along for the ride. At times she was unprofessional and didn’t seem to know she was doing. Very disappointed in her work
Read more
27 Oct, 2022 by Robert crisp
Patrick Bader and Jacob Murov are awesome guys. Patrick has been honest with me from start to finish. They will make sure you get the best medical treatment and most importantly they communicate with you about your case and make sure you’re comfortable. No hidden agendas like most and they are very, very honest. When no other attorney wanted to take my case Patrick & Jacob ensured me that they will do their best and fought for me and got me the best results. I was able to get all of my attorney and medical fees paid in full and also was compensated a hefty amount for pain and suffering I couldn’t ask for better attorneys. I’m extremely satisfied with the entire team!!!! Great job guys!!! If i could do a commercial for them i would!!!!
Read more
02 Sep, 2024 by Daniel anderson
with just a phone call ,the office took an appointment and scheduled a one on one sit down meeting.
what more can you ask for when you need help.
Read more
21 Mar, 2024 by Keith alcibiade
What stands out for me is Mr Dougherty's willingness to respond to questions in such a timely manner. It's not always easy to find someone at the top level in their field, who is also willing to communicate so quickly.
Read more
07 Jan, 2024 by Andria goss
14 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
He represented and recommended me a Collaborative Divorce process, elaborated an Settlement Agreement WITH OUT a child support work sheet, medical plan, education plan, visitation guidelines. Resulting in a great injustice to my family. I do not recommended him at all. Do not waste your time and money. I am still trying to mend in court what he did to my children.
Read more
17 Mar, 2022 by Sandra glodjo
I recommend David totally! He's a great mediator. Thanks David!
Read more
27 Dec, 2021 by Lloyd dunn
Great person
Read more
20 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Jeanne for my divorce and child support. I had to stay on top of her CONSTANTLY to get things done. I was supposed to have my car signed over to me within a few weeks. I did not get the car for 10 months! She just didn’t do anything about it. I had to follow up to make sure she sent in the paperwork for me to collect my portion of his military pension!! She did not file the paperwork with DFAS!! She comes with a ton of attitude. She can be nasty and very rude at times. One more huge complaint I have with her is that she did not follow through with getting me the back pay I’m owed for 3 months of military pension that I was legally entitled to, according to the military agreement. I asked her about it and she gave me a typical nasty response from her stating that it would cost me extra for her to follow through with this. Meanwhile, I contacted a colleague of hers and he told me that the attorney that handles the divorce agreement usually follows up with that as a courtesy to their client. Jeanne does NOTHING out of courtesy. She has a nasty side and she shows it. She would not fight for my three months of military pensions that were due to me and I am disabled and have an autistic son. I really need the money. She doesn’t care. She also DID NOT FILE the paperwork with DFAS! If I wouldn’t have checked for myself a year before it was supposed to start, I’d be screwed. She didn’t file it. She said she did. DFAS said she didn’t. They had nothing from her. She either lied or was just neglecting my case as she had all along.
When I emailed her she was on vacation, as usual and she told me that she was not going to help me get the money owed me. She is not a good attorney. Even two of her colleagues said so because of her lack of follow through. I will be filing a complaint and or charge against her. I had a terrible experience with her and I would suggest a different lawyer. She took money from me for a case that never happened regarding my autistic son. Hire another lawyer.
Read more
27 Aug, 2023 by Neil wiest
21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I had to hire another attorney because this attorney is extremely unprofessional and unreliable. I’m in the process of reporting her to the Barr Association. She kept my retainer money even though she literally did not do any work on my case. She didn’t file anything on my case in 7 months and makes up very long winded, ridiculous excuse for not getting her work done.
Read more
12 Jun, 2023 by Nite crawla
16 Apr, 2021 by Megan goins
01 May, 2020 by Enas
I met Dannie in her office back in 2018 when I was going through a rough time. My Ex husband left me high and dry and disappeared on me. I had no money or any idea what to do. Every lawyer I spoke with turned me down till I met Dannie, she Gabe me all the tile I needed and was direct and understanding. I could pay her partial at first and she agreed on charging me the rest when I got paid through court. She fought hard for my rights even when I had to leave Texas and go back to California. She was sharp and knowledgeable. She also caught so many mistakes and opportunities when she saw one, that I felt bad for my Ex’s attorney. I highly recommend having her in your corner.
Read more
17 Jun, 2024 by Dora graves
Great people.
Read more
26 Jan, 2024 by Graham
While I adore several of these attorneys as friends and people I admire, it does not make up for the worst experience I've ever had with a law office. The first time I called, I was constantly cut off and could not finish a sentence. I was spoken to as if I were a toddler. I still ended up booking a consultation, as I'm bleeding thousands due to fraud that I need legal counsel to fix. I requested it to be conference call due to inclement weather - but they just flat out didn't call me. They did a consultation and declined my case without asking me a question or even showing me the respect of calling me as I requested. I felt completely dismissed and unimportant. When I asked about not receiving a call, despite requesting it a few hours earlier, their staff responded with an attitude, spoke down to me, and hung up on me! I waited 5 days for an appointment, which didn't happen. I've since requested additional callback through their website, as their phone staffer will hang up on you, and have heard nothing back. If you want to deal with a gatekeeping headache, this is the law office for you.
Read more
27 Feb, 2023 by Soribel hernandez
10 Sep, 2023 by Sierra ballard
05 Apr, 2023 by Derrick welch
Never returned my phone calls
Read more
31 May, 2019 by Diane stewart
We met Josh initially for a worker comp case for my husband and we couldn't be happier with the result. He was always in contact to let us know what was going on with the case. Since he was attentive in our case we have since decided to use him again for other matters. Josh never made is feel like a dollar sign. Attorneys like Josh are hard to find.
Read more
15 Sep, 2024 by Varfee bility
13 Sep, 2024 by Omar mandour
Last week 9/5/24 our 16 years dream came true. Finally, we received our green cards. David Wilson worked on our case for the last 5 years.
It is very rare to find someone with passion and dedication towards his clients like David. He treats every client like a close family member. Two things will distingue him forever way above any other lawyer we have met in our long journey towards our residency dream:
1- He offered us a two-year payment plan for the office legal fees, without my family or me even asking for it, he just offered it due to his deep commitment to helping his clients.
2- On the day of the green card interview, he came to the USCIS office half an hour early before our time, he just waited with us addressing our worries and anxiety, he spent almost two hours with us until the interview is over, he did it all with no extra penny charges, just out of his deeply passionate and support to his clients.
With his help, support, and deep understanding we became USA residents.
Read more
02 Sep, 2024 by Heberth gutierrez
David Wilson and all the staff from Wilson Law Group has showed a very professional and respectful service during all the different legal requests from myself and family. The results have been excellent after being dealing with many attorneys with failed results. I can recommend his services to someone else who needs an answer to his immigration issues. Thank you to Wilson Law Group, for the great job done for myself and my family.
Heberth G.
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Laura gray
Mr Bryant Armstrong do get the job done I appreciate all what he have done for me and my family he's an honest man and you can hold him to his word I just want to let him and his whole team knows me and my family appreciate what he have done for us God bless you and keep you thank you
Read more
12 Aug, 2024 by Alisbex galvan
07 Aug, 2024 by Brenda gardner
25 Nov, 2023 by Carson passey
Incredibly informed and helpful!!
Read more
26 Oct, 2023 by Andrew olson
They were able to get back to me within 10 minutes and answered all of my questions to the best of their ability. Very grateful for this free service.
Read more
12 Oct, 2023 by Megan jensen
30 Jul, 2024 by Rhonda mccants
Very Very Very Good Attorney!
Read more
21 Jul, 2024 by Brian fields
Was excellent. Helped my wife win full custody of my stepson.
Read more
10 Jul, 2024 by Ilene soto
I live in Michigan and got a ticket while driving through Lawton. Thankfully, I found Mr. Eddie Valdez online and he got my ticket dismissed! He was very professional, personable, and kind, and made everything such an easy process even though I live states away.
Read more
21 Sep, 2024 by Riley munoz
14 Jul, 2024 by Alejandro arenas
They know all about man's rights
Read more
17 May, 2024 by Kevin
I wasn't your client but this is for Theos 1 star. You're amazing
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Kim watkins
We had a long road ahead of us with adopting my daughter. Every single member at the office was very kind, welcoming, understanding. They walked us through step by step on things we didn’t understand. I would refer anyone, going through this process to them.
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Santiago fajardo
18 Jun, 2024 by Michael blake
My case was unique and took way longer to resolve than first anticipated. The cost was higher than originally anticipated, but it was due to the complications of the case. They were always helpful when questions arose. The only negative is the original lawyer quit and moved on so I had to have another lawyer assigned, but it did not really affect the outcome.
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by G m3
Kyle Witherspoon has a brilliant legal mind. But what makes him such an excellent attorney is his ability to vigorously represent his clients with a compassion and humanity that many other lawyers lack. In every instance where I have brought a legal matter to Kyle, he’s done exactly that while achieving great results. As a fellow attorney, I have no hesitation recommending Kyle to anyone looking for legal representation.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Melissa gleason
I was introduced to Kyle Witherspoon through a family member. I live out of the state but the issue was involving someone in Utah. Of course this added another layer of work and representation, but he and Katelyn Kendall were always very responsive, worked with me to answer my questions and keep me informed of the process. They were always very professional and I would definitely use them again. You will be in good hands if you use Kyle and Katelyn.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Celesta oliver
This one star review is for PGAL, Sam Sorensen. Overcharged for rediculous items, and added no value. Minimal effort to collect a check, and poor judgement. In the end, God knows. Thank heavens for Anna Trupp, our custody evaluator. She came through for us in the end. Think about a custody evaluator over a PGAL, is my recommendation. Especially if you have parents on the other side involved in various versions of substance abuse. It’s not just clients that feel this way, it’s attorneys in the industry that see his lack of effort, as well.
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Mark
My wife decided to divorce me after 35 years of marriage. I was very concerned about what this would do to my financial future, and especially being late in my career, my future retirement. I had heard many horror stories about how the laws in Kansas favor the female in a divorce. Only having very limited experience with lawyers, I decided to treat my lawyer selection like an interview process. I scheduled meetings with 2 lawyers to get started. Prior to my meeting with the lawyers, I reviewed all of my divorce papers in great detail. I identified several significant concerns with the terms that my ex’s legal counsel created. My first lawyer meeting was with Desiree Smith.
When I met with Desiree, my first question was about how she was going to represent me. Was I just a lost cause, because I was a male, or was she going to fight for everything she could get for me to protect my future retirement? She reassured me that she was working for me, and she would be doing everything she could for me. She asked me several general questions to understand our financial situation, and then laid out the typical scenarios that could happen in my situation. That immediately set me at ease, knowing that my financial future was not ruined, and that I had a path forward. She then reviewed the terms in the divorce papers. Within only 3-4 minutes of review, and without my assistance, she identified every concern I had about their terms, and a couple more that I hadn’t noticed. At that point, I knew I had found the right person to represent me, and I didn't need to meet with the next lawyer.
Throughout the rest of the divorce process, Desiree’s experience and knowledge showed in every conversation we had. She could quickly discuss detail, easily recall detail from previous meetings, easily answer questions, and was able to help me think through strategies for moving forward. Every meeting I had with her was very productive.
In the end, Desiree helped get a great settlement for me, and we did it without going to court. I got a far better settlement than I ever thought possible in the beginning, and I feel like I probably got a better settlement that most divorced men. Desiree was a very big part of making that happen. I can’t say enough about her knowledge, and how she could explain legal concepts in ways easy for me to understand. Desiree was very easy to work with. I would highly recommend Desiree to help anyone through their family legal needs!
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Eva glover
27 Apr, 2024 by Nathan dawson
05 Mar, 2024 by Roberta gordon
Highly recommend this firm. They were responsive and amazing to work with. They made the process as easy as possible.
Read more
12 Feb, 2024 by Cory raphael (penguin)
18 Dec, 2023 by Tony gonzalez
11 Jul, 2024 by Adelina wooldridge
Do not use this office they tell you things are gonna do and they never do it. You leave messages now for return phone calls. They never do even if you do an email to them stay away from them. They take your money and then when their money is gone, they drop you and tell you they’re withdrawing.
Read more
02 May, 2024 by Nicole oslin
She just took my money and didn't file the appeal and kept my tribal application for two years.
Read more
28 Apr, 2024 by Cameron claytor
12 Jun, 2024 by Ken siddles
Attorney Ayache is absolutely a skilled counselor that has a caring heart . His professional level is top notch. I have used him for Estate planning and he made the experience very knowledgeable and calming. I would give this attorney 10 STARS . Definitely the man I would want beside me in the court room.
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Kimberly pope
28 Apr, 2024 by Nocona bumgarner
16 Apr, 2024 by Diane o'hara
Doug is very nice and has very good prices. He did our wills and charged much less than the quotes I got. Nice family practice. I have been recommending him to everyone.
Read more
12 Apr, 2024 by Rick l.
Known Doug Shults for years. Top shelf class A, honest attorney. A rare find these days.
Read more
31 Mar, 2024 by John hood (thief in the night)
I hired Shults and Shults to represent me in a custody battle. Lois Shults is the attorney that was supposed to represent me I payed . For months now I can’t get a straight answer on what’s going on. I’ve definitely been told things that just where not true at least from what I can see from the text and emails. If you fire Shults and Shults you have to take the firm to small claims court to get your money back. I would suggest to NO ONE to use this firm. If you do good luck. No representation. It took months just to draw up a draft. Don’t use em.
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Scarlet tobin
Incredible to work with!
Read more
15 Aug, 2023 by Tiffany stewart
100% would recommend. He’s NOT just an attorney trying to get your money. Very knowledgeable and wise, listened to my questions and answered them quickly without hesitation. I feel he gave me very important advice and I appreciate the level of professionalism at this firm with not only Mr Ryan but the desk lady as well.
Read more
13 Jul, 2023 by Christina robidoux
I hired Stuart Hall for a landlord tenant dispute, and he was phenomenal. On court day he was very thorough and is very good at redirecting to the main points. He is very straight forward and very kind.
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Katy fasching
Lateesha is wonderful. She is very to the point, and she was a great neutral party in a recent custody disagreement of mine. We highly appreciate her contribution to our case.
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Get bak'd university
Very professional and more importantly honest. Highly recommend for council.
Read more
30 Aug, 2023 by Patrice gates
Lateesha has been the most patient and honest attorney I've ever met. She plays by the book and will be honest with you, she will do the work on your behalf. I've had a difficult case but she's been by my side the entire time. Thank you
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Jennifer orten
So absolutely pleased with this firm! Chad Shattuck has been so professional and impressive to work with on two different cases. Honest and hard working. Highly recommend!!
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by David adsit
Chad and the team at Tycksen & Shattuck saved the day for our family in a construction issue. We had worked with a builder who didn't fulfill their responsibilities including paying for materials and subcontractors. When the subcontractors came after us for payment, Chad was able to quickly and effectively protect us from having to double pay those bills (once to the builder and again to the suppliers/subs directly) despite unexpected complexity with our contract. Everyone in their office was great to work with and always made us feel supported. They were strong advisors through the process letting us know what we could expect and what we could do to further recuperate from the builder's failure to perform.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Steve aste
Chad Shattuck was incredibly knowledgeable and understanding as he helped me work through and resolve some difficult circumstances. I am grateful for the Tycksen & Shattuck team and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Read more
11 Jul, 2024 by Randy waldman
Judy is very helpful and very professional. I wouldn’t go anywhere else if I had a choice.
Read more
06 Apr, 2024 by Sean yeomans
20 Mar, 2024 by Adam ragsdale
Lani Skipper is an outstanding and fierce advocate for her clients. Not only as a family law attorney but as a guardian ad litem to the court. The practice is also diverse in offering corporate and property law services and has an outstanding reputation in her community. Lani is a trusted counselor and advisor.
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Steve ingram
Kind
Read more
01 Jun, 2023 by Nicholas coram
This is an email sent to me from Paul Faraci
Mr. Coram,
Your access to MyChart was terminated for misuse. You have been provided with copies of all your records on several occasions. If you want additional copies of your records in any format, please provide me with a HIPAA compliant release and let me know in what format you want those records and DHHA will provide them.
I did not provide him with the form he requested and he still accessed my private information. He's is currently being employed by Denver Health as a defense attorney. YOU CANT DO THAT PAUL!
Read more
01 Apr, 2023 by Terry ritz
Sam's great
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Wk out
Very thorough and professional!
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Sharron counas
I first went to Chris regarding probate after my mom passed away. I was very impressed not only by his professionalism, but also his patience and how explanatory he was. I recently went back to Chris to have a will prepared for me. He took care of seven different documents all included in his extremely reasonable pricing. Chris took the time to explain each document to me and ensure I completely understood each one. The staff at his law office are very kind and helpful. I highly recommend Chris and his office to anyone seeking legal help.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Steve sheehy
Great service
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Bret koth
05 Nov, 2023 by Yvette harris
22 May, 2023 by Joseph brown
Michael was easy to work with and helped me through my divorce process. He explained in detail everything that I needed to know and guided me from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend Michael for any family law related issues.
Read more
01 Jul, 2024 by James ackerrman
cant wait to meet ..im sure well be besties
Read more
23 Apr, 2024 by Joshua bermudez
Erica was an amazing lawyer and helped so much on my case. I had to take a leap of faith since I live outside of the county and could not meet people in person, and it payed off completely! Not only did she handle my case well, but I was quoted 3,500 by another lawyer and she did it for a fraction of the price! Thank you again, Erica!
Read more
17 Mar, 2024 by Kathy ireland
Very good
Read more
4.4
7 Reviews
4.1
13 Reviews
11 Jul, 2024 by Paula murray
If you need a divorce lawyer, Michael Switzer is the lawyer for you! His kindness and understanding helped me through a very difficult situation. He was able to deal with a manipulative narcissist who thought I deserved less than half of my share but thanks to Michael and his expertise and thoroughness, along with his Paralegal (Rustam), I had excellent representation and got the settlement I deserved. I not only consider Michael an excellent lawyer, I also consider him a great friend!
Read more
29 Jul, 2022 by Dana siens
Mike is super helpful, and very thorough. Always my go to. Thanks Mike!
Read more
06 Aug, 2021 by Phil small
18 Sep, 2024 by Joe flores
Ms Bonilla Harold is not only a great but also an excellent attorney of impeccable character and reputation. Joe F
Read more
05 Aug, 2024 by Ginaca plazola
NOT OPEN 24 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read more
10 Jul, 2024 by Bobby mcclurg
Mr. Bonilla worked on a legal matter regarding some property for me and my brother. He handled all the necessary paperwork, gave us outstanding legal advice and went above and beyond to get our desired outcome.
We are extremely satisfied with Mr. Bonilla's professionalism and with work ethic.
We will definitely be using him for any future legal matter.
Read more
11 Dec, 2023 by Jessica wright
27 Nov, 2023 by William stewart
I wanted 50/50 custody with my child, and this is what I told Brenda. She pretty much ignored me and told me the only option I has was the standard parenting order. The mother violated the order and when I asked her to file contempt charges, she told me the judge would never find her in contempt. She didnt fight for me. She didnt fight for my child.
Read more
26 Mar, 2022 by Courtney pyse
She is my lawyer for A very important child custody case coming up and she's been there for me professionally before and I'll let you guys know how it goes
Read more
Find by
State
- Oklahoma
- Florida
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Illinois
- California
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Missouri
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Colorado
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Washington
- Utah
- Virginia
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Minnesota
- South Carolina
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Arizona
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- District of Columbia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Maine
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
Find by
City
-
Houston
-
Oklahoma City
-
Chicago
-
Tulsa
-
New York
-
Knoxville
-
Salt Lake City
-
Atlanta
-
Nashville
-
Indianapolis
-
Saint Louis
-
Denver
-
San Antonio
-
Dallas
-
Seattle
-
Jacksonville
-
Orlando
-
Edmond
-
Marietta
-
Tampa
-
Austin
-
Colorado Springs
-
Norman
-
Phoenix
-
Pittsburgh
-
Washington
-
Columbus
-
Kansas City
-
Miami
-
Las Vegas
-
Birmingham
-
Memphis
-
Boise
-
Charlotte
-
Fort Worth
-
Huntsville
-
Philadelphia
-
Fort Lauderdale
-
Murfreesboro
-
San Diego
-
Springfield
-
Omaha
-
Franklin
-
Clayton
-
Columbia
-
Fayetteville
-
Fort Wayne
-
Minneapolis
-
Buffalo
-
Cincinnati
-
Honolulu
-
Reno
-
Baton Rouge
-
Fargo
-
Raleigh
-
Saint Charles
-
Tucson
-
Enid
-
Los Angeles
-
Springfield
-
Wichita
-
Boston
-
Brooklyn
-
Columbia
-
Cookeville
-
Coral Gables
-
Fairfax
-
Portland
-
Virginia Beach
-
Yukon
-
Albany
-
Brentwood
-
Chattanooga
-
Fort Myers
-
Harrisburg
-
Media
-
Pensacola
-
Salem
-
Anchorage
-
Boca Raton
-
Fort Collins
-
Little Rock
-
Madison
-
Naperville
-
Provo
-
Rogers
-
Saint George
-
Saint Petersburg
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.
