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17 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Dan represented me in two adoption cases through the foster care system, and while one case was successful and the other wasn't, Dan was an excellent resource and ally throughout the whole process.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Patric stewart
During the time that we were going through the process of processing the processes that were connected with the estate of our mother, it turned out that Russel was of great support to us. His ability to communicate was excellent, and he never failed to respond to our emails and phone calls in a timely manner. He never missed an opportunity to respond to any of our inquiries. The services that he offers come our highest recommendation, and we have no reservations about recommending them.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jorcheer98
I am beyond pleased with my experience with Mazzu Law!
I was very impressed with Ed’s kindness, professionalism, swift responses and attention to detail!
Ed made the process stress-free and straight-forward!
I would highly recommend Mazzu Law to my closest friends and family!
The very BEST!!!!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Delinda doyle
Ed is the most knowledgeable and hardworking attorney out there. He handles each case and client with the utmost concern and puts his heart in to every outcome he gets for his clients. If you get injured, you won't regret hiring Ed to help you...Nobody is better!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kash dinero
On August 27th at 2:00 PM EST, I called your office seeking legal advice and assistance. Unfortunately, I encountered an individual who displayed an unprofessional and discourteous attitude. When I initially explained my situation, she abruptly informed me that your office does not handle such matters and hung up without allowing me to ask any further questions.
I called back to inquire about the specific cases your office does handle, as I believe my civil rights have been violated. However, before I could fully articulate my question, she interrupted, stating, "I said we don’t handle this, and I said have a great day," and then hung up on me once again.
Frustrated by this lack of assistance, I called a third time to request to speak with a supervisor. On two separate occasions, she answered the phone only to immediately hang up. When she finally responded, she simply said, "Please stop calling."
I would like to bring this matter to the attention of her supervisor, as this behavior reflects a lack of customer service skills and professionalism. It is disheartening to encounter such a response, especially when reaching out for help in a difficult situation. Individuals who prioritize dismissing potential clients over offering assistance should not be in positions where they interact with the public. As a college student in need of legal help, I expected better treatment.
I hope this feedback is taken seriously and that appropriate steps are taken to ensure others do not experience the same level of disregard.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Sena kara
29 Jul, 2024 by Breonna monique
20 Aug, 2024 by Dee oakes
I can’t say Thank You enough to this law firm and Eric Winnert! We live approximately 5 hours from the office and Eric came to our home to get the much needed paperwork signed by my very ill spouse for a mesothelioma law suit. Poor man had to drive through the snow belt in February just to make sure we got what was needed before anything happened. Whenever I have questions and need to contact him, he is always there to give me answers. He has walked me step by step through every part of the process as my spouse was terminal and passed. Even when I haven’t bothered him in awhile, he will shoot me a text with any needed updates on our case! He’s very caring, empathetic , and personable with his clients and their family! No matter what we threw at him he always had a smile and a chuckle while maintaining his professionalism! Great Job Eric and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done and continue to do for me.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Mike c
Calling them was best decision I ever made from the ladies who answer the phone to Karen who handled my cases could not be happier with my representation
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21 Jul, 2024 by Tim
Not sure why, but right from the start Beth seem annoyed and unwilling to listen to the specifics of
my divorce. She suggested that I move out because abandonment doesn’t exist anymore and that I should start preparing for a huge child support payment that is inevitable and mandatory, and that my prenuptial agreement was worthless and unenforceable after 6 years of marriage. She told me that regardless of the circumstances my ex-wife will get custody and to prepare myself for that. She certainly didn’t feel like she was helping me, more like she was trying to do a little as possible to get through the case, or even make it easier for my ex to get the judgements she wants. 3 other lawyers told me very different things in their consultations. I hired a different lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jeffrey hileman
I have been with Sawer & Sackel for 3 separate workers comp claims and have been very unsatisfied until recently. Up until Holly took ownership in my cases I was left wondering what was going on. I was the one that had to initiate any and all inquiries into correspondences from the insurance carrier. And I rarely spoke with a lawyer and it was Never the same individual. Since working with Holly things have change my thinking entirely. She has taken ownership in my case and has gone above and beyond my expectations (or at least what my expectations of a law firm should be) and have reaffirmed my choice in a workers compensation law firm. Holly will initiate and follow up on all inquiries and respond in a timely manner. I have enjoyed working with her and look forward to a positive outcome in my pending cases.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kk eagen
I’ve been with Sawers & Sackel for a few months. From day one, they have been professional and answered all of my questions. Going through this process has been difficult. During a phone call, Holly was so supportive. A few days later, I received a letter from Holly, with handwritten encouragement from her! It brought me to tears. I’ve never heard of a law firm that cares this much, to not only work diligently on my behalf but to take an interest in me personally. Bill and Julie have also been so supportive to me I would recommend Sawers & Sackel to anyone!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lambo
This law firm unlike any other law firm is friendly courteous polite and quickly responds to my phone calls they treat me as if I was a member of the family and I've never had that before by any other law firm I would recommend this law firm to others that needed a good team of lawyers.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Tyler jones
Ms vesper was assigned to my custody case it was the most unpleasant experience I could have imagined. Guessing her law degree came through education connection.
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09 May, 2024 by Jason
She is horrendously unable to respond in the timely manner. If you need a divorce and you want it done in the timely fashion this is the worst person you could possibly choose
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08 Jan, 2024 by S w
13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Charles for my divorce and although my divorce was finalized pretty quickly, I am very unhappy with how things went. He confused me on two separate occasions with a different client, with one time having an entire conversation about 'going to court' before realizing he had the wrong person. My documents written were too vague and had to hire an additional lawyer to write an addendum upon hearing that my divorce was finalized. I was very dissatisfied with how things went and am very disappointed with how much money I spent on mediocre service.
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31 Jul, 2022 by Weslyn
Mr Messina was very knowledgeable and kept it real! He did not recommend pursuit of my case as he said it was a hit or miss. He seemed straightforward and honest. I would love to have him for representation. I would recommend anyone to at least talk to him and consider him for representation.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I contacted Chuck due to him having stellar reviews all over the inter webs. I had a few questions for a legal matter and he advised me within hours. I hope I don’t need him. But if I do I can tell that I would be in good hands.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jimmy santos
I have no idea what happened I was called in sat down and this lady without hesitation tells me that a judge don't care the new laws don't help tenants. I'm being evicted because I refuse to do yard work for free after 15 years so he wants me out. I refused the eviction notice what is happening
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03 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth reger
This attorney office is God awful. They support the other side and are against low income individuals. They are obviously an organization that supports the real estate market and contributes to putting people on benefits in the street. Sharon, a lawyer there lied and said Good Cause Eviction Law wasn't good across NYS and went against Assemblyman Pat Burke's office. I called to make sure my illegal, discriminatory eviction case was closed, and at first told me it was closed, then proceeded to give me 5 outcomes and go against Pat Burke's office and NYS Division of Human Rights Bronx, NY. She then told me I supposedly had no understanding of the Good Cause Eviction Law. Sharon ought to be fired and get a job at something she is good at, not law.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Jean klimczyk
Best landlord/tenant defense. My problems started when I was admitted to the hospitsl for six
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07 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
My husband hired her , then after 3 months we realized that she has no clue what she was doing.
But it took time to find a new lawyer . We spent over ten thousand dollars for a case which she was totally clueless. Finally we got a better result with a new attorney.
I wouldn’t recommend Lana Tupchik to anyone.
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25 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
SCAM. She takes $250 for a consultation and does nothing. Hurt me as survivor domestic violence as she tricked me. Failed to provide any legal advice or a retainer. Completely unprofessional and draining as an experience, the opposite of holistic. Save yourself the annoyance and time, and money. This is how the fake attorneys sound that takes your money.
Good Morning Miss ____
Thank you for your email, I wish you the best of luck in finding the attorney you are looking for, it was my pleasure speaking with you.
Good luck and best wishes,
Lana
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09 May, 2021 by Anonymous
In 2020 I hired Ms.Lana to represent me in a Family Court matter. Before I engaged her to represent me, I had spoken to other attorneys who seemed more interested in the retainer and fees than in my concerns. Due to my past experiences I had absolutely no faith in the Legal System and did not think that there was an attorney who would really care about my situation. When I met Ms. Lana all of that changed. She was truly a gift from God. She definitely is the attorney you want on your side. She fights for you from the beginning until the end. She has your best interest at heart. Ms. Lana wants to know how you feel about situations and will not just make her own decision without discussing things with you first. She keeps you fully informed. She is a great listener, caring, compassionate and understanding. She is never to busy too address any concerns that you may have. Ms. Lana always responds to emails, text messages and calls very promptly. Ms. Lana is the best! I assure you that if you hire her you will not be disappointed!
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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.
