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29 Mar, 2019 by Dd hargrove
Ms. Sheridan represented my husband and I in a successful modification proceeding. Her experience and knowledge in family law proved to be invaluable. She worked diligently on our case from beginning to end with the utmost professionalism and integrity. We will be forever grateful for her kind and sincere guidance through this challenging time.
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29 Mar, 2019 by Bobby tang
JoAl Sheridan and her practice demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and respect in my experience with them. I highly recommend them to others, and I am grateful for their partnership, education, and determination in seeking to help find the best outcome for the situation for everyone.
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29 Mar, 2019 by Kelley baker
I work on Family Law cases as a mental health expert. JoAl Sheridan is one of the best attorneys in Travis and Williamson counties. When my clients ask me for referrals, her name is on my "top five list". She is dedicated to her clients. She takes their concerns to heart and conscientiously advocates for them and their children. She does not unnecessarily take issues into the courtroom, but is not afraid to enter that realm if the case warrants such action.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Shawn farmer
Cofer and Connelly were amazing.. there is no other way to put it. when engaged in their service not once did I feel that I wasn’t their top priority… they exceed professionalism but they are very down to earth and genuinely good hearted team.. I hope not to need them in the future but they will always be my first choice moving forward.. I insist you use them, you would be a fool to not use them if they’re available.. just my opinion..
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13 Aug, 2024 by Dwayne johnson
I just want to start off by saying how much I highly recommend Cofer & Connelly Law firm, Top tier service. This was my first time having to seek legal help & I must say Jeremy & Kassidy were thee BEST! The whole process was very fast & professional. Kassidy kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the short process. The firm even worked with me on my payments. Thank you Cofer & Connelly & special Thanks to Jeremy & Kassidy!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Madison montville
Outstanding Legal Team - Highly Recommend Cofer & Connelly
I am incredibly grateful to the team at Cofer & Connelly for their exceptional work on my boyfriend’s case. Facing two serious felony charges, we were overwhelmed, but the team guided us through with professionalism and empathy.
They were patient with our difficult schedule and treated us with genuine care throughout the process. Thanks to their dedication, both felony charges were completely dismissed.
Special thanks to Rick, Jacob, James, Jackie , and Yasmine for their outstanding support. If you’re looking for a legal team that combines expertise with compassion, I highly recommend Cofer & Connelly. We couldn’t have asked for better representation.
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02 Aug, 2016 by Suzanne
We are so blessed that we found Simi when looking for an attorney to help us through our surrogacy journey. She was a valuable resource for myself and our gestational carrier. She helped provide information and support that we both needed. The legality of our case was seamless. Not a single issue or concern. She was so much more than just an attorney, she was a supportive friend to us all. I was thrilled that our travels through Texas allowed us to be able to thank her in person. I highly, highly recommend her.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Emily
I cannot recommend Simi highly enough! We're intended parents, and Simi was an invaluable resource to us through every step of the surrogacy process. She represented us in our contract negotiations with our surrogate and always provided thoughtful and speedy responses to all of our questions. We felt very confident in her judgement and recommendations because of her extensive knowledge of reproductive law and her experience as a surrogate herself. She is one of the kindest and most genuinely friendly women I've met and you can tell she truly cares about her clients. She is an outstanding lawyer--efficient, knowledgeable, and a true joy to work with!
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23 Jun, 2016 by Lyndsey
The whole process of surrogacy is so overwhelming but she made this part easy and took on the stress for this area and I greatly appreciate it. Would HIGHLY recommend.
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20 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Karen was very informative, she gave me a better understanding from the information I provide red her with. Very upfront and honest. I felt really comfortable tell about my situation. I feel hopeful and positive after speaking with her
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06 Apr, 2021 by Michelle
I could not be more grateful to have found Karen Wang. I am extremely impressed by her direct approach, personable skills, honesty, wisdom and passion. This woman gave me the confidence I needed to work through my case and I don't think I could've done it without her. We had a favorable outcome through her guidance and Iwould highly recommend her for anyone going through a family case, especially with children involved. She is responsive, understanding and detail oriented. Thank you for working with me, Karen!
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Karen has been a fantastic resource for us. She is passionate, confident, articulate, knowledgeable, and experienced. Her communication is easy to understand, direct, and prompt. She was not afraid to give us the difficult truths, but also walked us down paths of reasonable solutions. Our engagement with her thus far has been less than a month, and yet she accomplished the limited contracted services quicker than expected. I recommend that you reach out to Karen for foster/ adoptive legal representation to see if she is a good fit for you.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Julia
ana and her team are truly supportive advocates. She walked me through my custody journey, explained everything, was so quick to respond, and offered so much comfort during such a stressful experience.
Even after my case is over, Ilana takes my calls and answers my questions that come up.
She’s not an attorney, she’s a powerhouse support system that I’m lucky enough to have in my life.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Kristin
If you're searching for a lawyer who will not only fight fiercely for your rights but also provide you with unwavering support and guidance, look no further than Ilana Tanner. Ilana and her staff are an exceptional advocates and a true professionals who will go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for you. They treated me with respect and empathy, making me feel like more than just a case file. It was evident that they genuinely wanted the best for me, both legally and personally.
Thanks to Ilana and Nisreen's unwavering dedication and exceptional legal skills, my case had an outcome that surpassed all expectations. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have achieved such a positive resolution without their guidance and support.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ilana Tanner and her staff to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Amy
When I needed a lawyer for a divorce from out of state, Ilana called me back right away. She and her team are very responsive and effective. My settlement was very fair and I give Ilana all the credit!
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23 May, 2016 by Mike
Garrett Higley and his team are phenomenal from every aspect within family Law. Garrett is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate to your needs, concise, upfront, thorough, fair and simply a great advocate. Him and his team have shown nothing but the utmost respect and attention to detail with my situation and have fought hard for me and my rights. His experience and art of his craft; are apparent and valuable. I would absolutely recommend using Garrett as an attorney if you are in need of an excellent family law practitioner. I could go on and on about how great Garrett and his team are, how they have helped me tremendously through this stressful time in my life and how they actually care about me, my situation and a providing a positive outcome. Let me just say, Garrett was highly recommended to me by another attorney and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs an honest, hardworking and productive family law attorney.
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22 Oct, 2015 by Stacy
I interviewed several attorneys before choosing Mr. Higley. He and his staff handled my case thoroughly and professionally every step of the way. They were always available to address my questions and concerns. Going through a divorce brings a ton of emotional stress. It was good to not have to worry about the competency of my representation along with the life altering changes a divorce brings.
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15 Oct, 2015 by Kimberly
Garrett C. Higley has served as my attorney on more than occasion. His professional attention to every detail of my case, timely return of phone calls and correspondance, as well as superb representation, always put my mind and heart at ease through some difficult circumstances. To say that Garrett is not only an outstanding attorney but also a truly genuine human being would be an understatement. I'll never hire anyone else to represent me should the need arise.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Trish smith
Tim Whitten was excellent to deal with during our post-nup update. He was very knowledgeable, thorough, with a great personality!
We highly recommend him.
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10 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Tim was referred to me by another attorney that I had previously worked with in the Real Estate law sector. Tim has a wonderful reputation in town serving his clients with excellence and bringing a calm and peace to a process and time in life that can be quite tumultuous. I found Tim's knowledge of the industry and resources required to bring our case to a close to be incredibly helpful especially when the process would stall at times. Tim would bring ideas, team members and strategies to keep the process moving forward, which was invaluable!
I consider Tim and his team a trusted resource that truly had my best interests at mind. If you have to go through this process as many of us will have to do, consider taking the journey with the Nicest Attorney in Austin, who will be a peaceful guide by your side - doing right by you and your family.
Wishing you the best! It does get better on the other side and there truly is a brighter future as a result of this process.
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25 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Tim has represented me over the last 6 years during my divorce and a few ongoing child custody and support issues. His demeanor and desire to seek an amicable resolution to my divorce as well as the ongoing custody and support issues made the process that much more palatable. I am very happy with the outcome. Divorce sucks but Tim and his team made it less painful while ensuring I received equitable treatment and splits during the process.
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23 Jun, 2013 by Haley h
Carolyn went above and beyond for my case. She made sure to have all the information and facts to best represent me. She was able to make this whole process as easy as possible. Providing excellent guidance and knowledge. I know that I would not have had the same outcome with any other lawyers representation. Carolyn didn't hesitate to seek advise on very specific, yet difficult, parts of my case to insure that she represented me to the fullest existent. As challenges arose they were met head on by her willingness to go the extra mile. She was always professional and made sure to keep me informed throughout the entire case. I have full trust in her knowledge and capabilities. I would not hesitate to hire Carolyn for any legal matters in the future.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jackie
Ms. Skogman assisted my husband and I with establishing our wills & directives.
Upon my husbands death she guided my though the court system and rewriting my will and directives.
She is very knowledgeable in working with elders.
I would highly recommend her.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Crystal ken
Denise represented us in two counties for three adoptions. Couldn't have survived without her!! THANK YOU SO MUCH, DENISE!!!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Natalio lozano
Great Law Firm, awesome communication, All staff very nice and will put maximum effort toward helping you and your family.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Don
I can’t thank Robson Law Firm enough for their exceptional work in helping me navigate the aftermath of a serious car accident in early 2023. The accident left me with a concussion, herniated spinal discs, and constant pain in my neck, shoulders, and back. From the moment I contacted them, I felt that I was in good hands.
Chris, my attorney, was incredibly knowledgeable about the dark tactics and machinations employed by insurance companies to protect themselves at the expense of individuals like me, who just want the care needed to restore their health and wellbeing. I would have been chum in that shark-pit if I had gone at this by myself (or probably anyone else). Chris was compassionate and attentive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand the full extent of my injuries and made sure that I received the best possible medical care. His guidance on which medical providers to see was invaluable in my recovery.
Eloise and Jenny, Chris’s assistants, were also fantastic. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me informed at every stage of the legal process. Their dedication and professionalism were evident in every interaction, and they made a difficult situation much easier to manage.
The Robson Law Firm’s expertise truly shone during the mediation hearing. They prepared me very well for my deposition and skillfully negotiated a settlement that fairly compensated me for the pain and suffering I endured. I am so grateful for their hard work and commitment to my case.
If you’re looking for a law firm that will go above and beyond to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve, look no further than Robson Law Firm. Chris and his team are simply the best, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Osman a noor
Great experience having Chris handle my injury claim. Very knowledgeable and never had a problem contacting the office. Thank you Chris, Jennifer, and Maggie! Exceptional team!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Sandi batik
25 Jul, 2024 by Sandboxcode
23 Jul, 2024 by Herman whitfield
05 Sep, 2024 by Lane “sonnylane” wilson
Chris is the best there is, if you need it sold-no excuses, If you need it done!! Watters international is The One .
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23 Aug, 2024 by Ameritex builders
Shelly Breidenbach Is absolutely amazing! She was on top of every aspect of our property purchase. Shelly isn’t the type of realtor that goes silent once the contract is signed and can only be found before closing. She is very attentive and knowledgeable in real estate and it was honestly great dealing with someone who is very professional and does what they say they will do. I look forward to working with her again.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Samuel russell
Aaron at Watters International Reality did a fantastic job helping us find a home we were happy with; he was responsive, consistent, and supportive. His knowledge of the area and ability to work within our constraints was extremely helpful to us. Highly recommended.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Sandi batik
16 Aug, 2024 by Mauricio
I had a consultation that went very well. I was given good advice about my case and the options I have moving forward, which I didn't get from my previous attorney. The consultant was very understanding and swift with regards to answering my questions and letting me know what they can do to help. I will definitely recommend that anyone in need of an attorney to reach out to this firm.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Miles
Garrett Smith was excellent. He listened to my case well and was able to give me a clear explanation of the law firms process and how you guys work together with the client. He also gave me great insight on how to move forward.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Cassandra kennedy
Fantastic representation! Christine and Jessah were wonderful! Everyone is very professional, meticulous and honest. My divorce was handled with incredible efficiency; it could have easily become a year(s) long nightmare, but they worked hard to get it done in a timely manner, potentially saving me thousands (which they would have made). Christine and Jessah really fought for me and guided me through an emotionally difficult journey. They also handled my name and gender change with speed, efficiency and consideration. I just can't overstate how magnificent Cha Law is! Best decision I ever made!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Harper meredith
The team over at CHA were absolutely fantastic! From start to finish they made sure that everything was just so and as a result I am legally me. 😊 Not only do I not dread social situations where I may be carded anymore, or going through the airport, I'm excited about being carded (which at 40 is no small feat 😅)
Are the services offered absolutely necessary? No, you can go through this process on your own, but their fees were not exorbitant by any stretch and they were work every penny for the peace of mind alone that it was being done right and wouldn't get kicked back.
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21 May, 2024 by Charles l smith
We were seeking legal support to gain joint conservatorship of our grandson, who lives with us. The CHA Law group was very understanding of our situation and provided excellent legal advice that ultimately resulted in a joint conservatorship agreement.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I worked with Shara MacDonald-Dixon and had a good experience. Going through a divorce is never wonderful, and while we did have some hiccups through the process, and things always take more time than anticipated, Shara and Nichole Zapata, her assistant, were always responsive and pro active, and in the end we had a positive outcome. I would recommend Shara and her team anytime.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Jd
**Review for Jimmy Evans at Evans Family Law**
Going through a divorce is never easy, but having Jimmy Evans by my side made the process bearable and, dare I say, even smooth. From our first consultation, I knew I was in good hands. Jimmy's professionalism, compassion, and deep knowledge of family law were immediately apparent.
He took the time to truly understand my situation and concerns, patiently answering all my questions and guiding me through every step of the divorce proceedings. His communication was impeccable, always keeping me informed and ensuring I felt empowered to make the best decisions for my future.
Jimmy's negotiation skills are truly remarkable. He fought tirelessly to protect my interests and secure a fair settlement. His dedication and expertise made all the difference in achieving a positive outcome for my case.
I am incredibly grateful for Jimmy's support throughout this challenging time. His professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart. If you're facing a divorce, I highly recommend Jimmy Evans at Evans Family Law. He will be your advocate, your advisor, and your champion.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Jeff
Evan’s Family Law made the challenging process of divorce significantly more manageable. From the very beginning, Jimmy, Dina, Roxi, and the whole team demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of my entire family, ensuring that the best interests of both my spouse and children were always prioritized. Their team guided us through each step with remarkable efficiency, making a stressful time much easier to navigate.
What truly set Evan’s Family Law apart was their exceptional communication and transparency. Jimmy, Dina, Roxi, and everyone involved were always available to answer questions and provided clear, accurate cost estimates, which were spot on. Working with them was a positive experience, despite the difficult circumstances. I highly recommend Evan’s Family Law to anyone in need of compassionate and professional legal support.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Cassandra kennedy
Fantastic representation! Christine and Jessah were wonderful! Everyone is very professional, meticulous and honest. My divorce was handled with incredible efficiency; it could have easily become a year(s) long nightmare, but they worked hard to get it done in a timely manner, potentially saving me thousands (which they would have made). Christine and Jessah really fought for me and guided me through an emotionally difficult journey. They also handled my name and gender change with speed, efficiency and consideration. I just can't overstate how magnificent Cha Law is! Best decision I ever made!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Harper meredith
The team over at CHA were absolutely fantastic! From start to finish they made sure that everything was just so and as a result I am legally me. 😊 Not only do I not dread social situations where I may be carded anymore, or going through the airport, I'm excited about being carded (which at 40 is no small feat 😅)
Are the services offered absolutely necessary? No, you can go through this process on your own, but their fees were not exorbitant by any stretch and they were work every penny for the peace of mind alone that it was being done right and wouldn't get kicked back.
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21 May, 2024 by Charles l smith
We were seeking legal support to gain joint conservatorship of our grandson, who lives with us. The CHA Law group was very understanding of our situation and provided excellent legal advice that ultimately resulted in a joint conservatorship agreement.
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12 Mar, 2020 by Mark
I hired Bryan in the later stages of my divorce and he fought hard for me to ensure everything ended up as fair as possible. He is incredibly responsive, professional and I felt like he always had my best interests in mind. I highly recommend him.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Bryan helped me out so much with my divorce and custody. It was a difficult case and he was very helpful and reassuring. He assisted me financially and made sure I was taken care of. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone!!!
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07 Jan, 2020 by Krista
When you’re in the position of needing a family lawyer, Bryan doesn’t fall short. Bryan is very professional, straight-forward, responsive, knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly works to get the best results for you and your children. Communication has never been an issue- he always kept me informed of the process and status of my case. You’ll never feel pressured to make a decision you aren’t in agreement with, only guided to do what is best for your family. Bryan was fully prepared when going to trial and did a fabulous job preparing me for questioning. He definitely out performed opposing counsel! Cassie, his paralegal, is amazing and very knowledgeable as well. Great team, don’t waste your time hiring anyone else!
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12 Jun, 2022 by Elizabeth
In 2012 my husband and I contacted Tracy to help us prepare a living will and overall estate plan. I will say that she was very professional and courteous, and her prices were quite fair.
My husband has been in oil and gas his whole life and we were specifically concerned about putting money away so that I would be okay and our disabled oldest daughter would be okay.
In general she did a good job and was easy to work with.
My husband passed in early 2021 and my son worked with Tracy to probate the estate. When we involved our tax specialist there was a 7 figure tax bill that was completely unexpected!
It felt like she didn't do her homework or involve the right tax specialist. We've been blessed to have more than we need but I am upset that she didn't do this properly when my husband was around to help.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I found Tracy through Avvo. She was so kind and thorough helping my father and I through the living will, MOA, and POA process. I had no previous experience with lawyers; she has set the bar high for other lawyers, that's for sure!
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08 May, 2016 by John lydick
I have worked with many attorneys, across a range of different legal disciplines. My experience has definitely varied. Tracy has proven the very best attorney with whom to work.
I enlisted Tracy's help on estate planning. My situation included will, trust, inheritance trusts, and a special needs trust. Tracy's legal advice was rock-solid, she was patient with my many questions, able to communicate, responsive, organized, and reasonably-priced. These are precisely the attributes I seek in an attorney.
I plan on continuing to enlist her services. I recommend her highly.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos aguado bolaños
I initially chose JP Law Office for my divorce case based on their reputation and the promising start I experienced. Nicolette was approachable, proactive, and seemed genuinely committed to guiding me through this challenging time. In the beginning, I felt confident that I was in good hands. Their close attention to detail and prompt responses gave me hope that my case would be handled with the utmost professionalism.
However, as the case progressed, I began to notice a concerning shift. What started as a proactive and client-focused approach gradually turned into a frustrating experience. Communication became less frequent, and important aspects of my case seemed to be overlooked or delayed.Instead we were wasting hours in not so important details. It became increasingly clear that the level of care and diligence I initially received was no longer a priority. They were managing different cases but also mine and they had no incentives to spend the hours in the relevant and important details.
Unfortunately, this decline in service had significant consequences. Not only did it lead to unnecessary delays, but it also resulted in considerable financial strain and a disastrous sentence. I had expected a higher standard of service, especially considering the costs involved. Instead, I was left feeling that my resources were wasted, with little to show for the time and money invested.
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Ahora en español si les sirve.
Inicialmente elegí JP Law Office para mi caso de divorcio basado en su reputación y el comienzo prometedor que experimenté. Nicolette era accesible, proactiva, y parecía genuinamente comprometida a guiarme a través de este momento difícil. Al principio, me sentí seguro de que estaba en buenas manos. Su atención a los detalles y respuestas rápidas me dieron la esperanza de que mi caso sería manejado con la mayor profesionalidad.
Sin embargo, a medida que el caso avanzaba, empecé a notar un cambio preocupante. Lo que comenzó como un enfoque proactivo y centrado en el cliente se convirtió gradualmente en una experiencia frustrante. La comunicación se hizo menos frecuente, y los aspectos importantes de mi caso parecían pasarse por alto o retrasarse, sino que perdíamos horas en detalles no tan importantes. Cada vez estaba más claro que el nivel de atención y diligencia que recibí inicialmente ya no era una prioridad. Estaban gestionando casos diferentes pero también el mío y no tenían incentivos para dedicar horas a los detalles relevantes e importantes.
Por desgracia, esta disminución del servicio tuvo consecuencias importantes. No sólo provocó retrasos innecesarios, sino que también se tradujo en una considerable presión financiera y una sentencia desastrosa. Esperaba un servicio de mayor calidad, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta los costes. En lugar de eso, me quedé con la sensación de que mis recursos se habían malgastado, con poco que demostrar por el tiempo y el dinero invertidos.
No recomendaría esta firma si lo que necesita es diligencia, cercanía y atención a los detalles durante todo el proceso.
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06 May, 2024 by Drew williams
03 May, 2024 by Alejandro deibe
Nicolette and her legal team are awesome. She was really invested in the case, with a full knowledge of the applicable law. She also listens and is open to accepting suggestions that improve the legal strategy. Nothing was left to chance.
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4.7
13 Reviews
2.3
6 Reviews
03 Jun, 2024 by Robyn richardson
My mother used this attorney for a family matter not only did he fail to properly represent her, he made several seedy attempts to be inappropriate. When my mother denied his advances her became careless working on her case. She lost her home and thousands of dollars as a result. Don’t trust him.
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05 Jan, 2024 by Derek ulrich
Mr. Mason is one of the most personable lawyers I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with, I hope I never have to use him again but if need be, he’s the man.
He has went above and beyond in my case, as cliche as that sounds, the statement has never rang more true for me, than me saying that now.
A true man for what’s right, and I believe that in my heart of hearts.
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10 May, 2023 by Fabiola banda
Discover the ideal lawyer
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
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.
