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22 Feb, 2024 by Gillian thomas
19 Jul, 2021 by Astrid wynter
Andre is an experienced professional. I recommend him highly for estate and trust planning and advice
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09 Jul, 2021 by Melanie d.
Unfortunately my Mother passed away without having a Will or any of her Estate affairs in order. Prior to my mothers passing I had never handled an Estate before. I contacted a few attorneys but didn't feel they were the right fit for all of the complications pertaining to the Estate. Some attorney's weren't even willing to take it on. A neighbor of mine (who is an attorney) suggested that I contact Mr. Andre McDonald to handle my Mothers Estate. After our initial phone consultation, I knew immediately that he was the the right fit for all that needed to be accomplished. It was around the holidays. Mr. McDonald went above and beyond the typical duties that involve getting an Estate opened. He stayed involved and was on top of every aspect regarding the Estate throughout the entire process. He followed through with getting the Estate closed in a timely fashion. Mr. McDonald was very professional and knew exactly what to do and how to handle the Estate. He was always informative and reliable. Mr. McDonald always personally returned my phone calls and my emails in a timely manner. His staff was very pleasant and a joy to work with during a very hard time in my life. He kept me up to date on anything that needed to be done. He took the time to answer any questions or concerns that I had. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a challenge within itself but Mr. McDonald put my mind at ease. I felt comfortable and confident knowing that he was the attorney handling my Mothers Estate during a very hard and difficult ordeal. I highly recommend Mr. Andre McDonald for any and all of your Estate needs.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Kysha drew
25 May, 2023 by Reed diskey
16 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I worked with Jane L. Rodgers, Esq recently for a pre-nuptial agreement in early 2022. Jane was great to work with! Jane was attentive, thorough and professional. She thoroughly answered any questions that I had whether simple or complex. All email communication between us had quick and meticulous responses. The final pre-nuptial document that was drafted was extremely detailed and well-written. I would easily work with Jane (or the nice folks at her practice Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld, Chartered) again.
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Lynette is an excellent attorney. She's pragmatic and knowledgeable, but perhaps her best characteristic, is that she's an excellent judge of character. It shocked me how often she would predict the other party's next move.
I credit Lynette with making sense of the complex situation I was in, keeping me calm, and also giving me the insights and clarity I needed to frame what success would look like. This was important, because my case ultimately settled outside of court, during the tense days leading up to the court date.
During the process, Lynette accompanied me to hearings and waited outside during mediation. She read emails and text messages, and also helped me craft responses. I have taken these lessons on communicating with the other party forward into my future, to ensure that my communications are clear and emotionless.
If you're going to hire a lawyer to get things done and counsel you through the process, hire Lynette.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Kevin
As a military member, I had to juggle everything that comes with deploying around the world in addition to a stressful divorce. Lynette proved to be extremely helpful and quickly became someone I relied on to help me through this difficult time. Her expertise, advice, support, and sincere interest in my well-being put me at ease. She was always available and responsive to every question or concern I had. I was afraid of being taken advantage of by my ex-wife and her lawyer, but Lynette fought for me and I am pleased with the resulting settlement. I feel like I gained a friend during a moment in my life marked so heavily by loss. I highly recommend Lynette for anyone requiring any legal service or anyone going thru a difficult time and in need of a knowledgeable friend.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Aaron
Working with Lynette was a seamless, professional, and pleasant experience. After having put off addressing the preparation of a prenuptial agreement longer than my (now) husband and I should have, Lynette was able to work efficiently to help us through the negotiation and execution of an agreement with which we were both happy, which is no easy feat. She was incredibly responsive and pleasant to work with, and she found creative solutions whenever it seemed like my husband and I had reached an impasse or run out of ideas. Her work was excellent, and she made a difficult process as painless as possible. I would work with her again without hesitation on any family law issue.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Micah has been my attorney for a number of years. He has always been respectful. thoughtful and above all, honest. That is what I look for in any business relationship. That shows me that he is not " all about the money". Micah represented me in an employment case and it took a very long time. He never gave up at any time. I did work with other attorneys in his firm however, that is what it is about in a team environment. God forbid should anything happen along the way. I think it is a great idea to include others. Everyone can then be on the same page. I also went to him with a family estate issue as well as a medical billing and coding problem. We can't always have our way but I will say this, I can be sure I will understand what the law says about matters that I bring to him especially if there is nothing he can do to help. I will understand why. There was only one time when things did not go my way. But it was not because he did not try for me.
I have seen some of the other reviews that are, shall we say, less than glowing? I have to whole heartedly and respectfully disagree with those people. We cannot make everyone happy that is clear but I will say that I endorse Micah and his team. I will always turn to him for legal advice when I need it. I am grateful for his knowledge and expertise in the matters that I bring to him.
Thank you Lippman, Sempsker and Salb for being my attorneys!
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23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Micah Salb. He didn't return my phone calls, and I was constantly passed on to one of his junior associates who also wouldn't return my phone calls. Drafts of paperwork was scheduled to be sent to me by certain dates but it took multiple weeks to even receive an electronic copy. He only cares about the money and not really about the client.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Micah Salb to deal with a family estate matter. After nine months with no resolution, I needed to seek other council.
It’s hard for him to listen to the client’s requests. He is arrogant and confrontational, while blaming the client for not cooperating with him.
He had to be pushed and prodded concerning updates on my case. Days and weeks would be go by without any emails from him.
His billing practices are extremely inefficient. My credit card company had to resolve a disputed bill.
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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).
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.
