Filter by

Thomas M. Clark, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 44 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
43,26
star star star star star
4.6/5
Avvo
5.0
23 Reviews
Google Maps
4.2
21 Reviews
star star star star star
11 Dec, 2024 by Naomi aa
Some of the Attorneys in this law firm are con artists. Trying hard to make my friends give up their property to their client’s that has no legal right. I have never ever seen unprofessional attorneys in my life. I don’t know how many clients they have conned. They shouldn’t be allowed to practice in the US, they are rogue attorneys. I have been privileged enough to read the communications between them and my friends and I couldn’t believe my eyes. How do people like this get away with such blatant disregard of the law.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Clark is outstanding! He will work for what is right. His staff and him are very responsive. Thank you!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 May, 2024 by Kendra
Tom is the type of attorney you need on your side. Hands down the best. He truly cares about you and your financial future. He is thorough, prepared, and thinks of all avenues and obstacles that may arise. He explains everything in detail and keeps you informed on every aspect of the case. If you are looking for someone to be aggressive, knowledgeable, kind to your feelings Tom is your lawyer. I recommend him 100%.
Read more Avvo
See more
John F. King, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 8 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,79
star star star star star
4.5/5
Avvo
4.5
8 Reviews
star star star star star
21 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
He’s not the kinda of attorney that will make false promises for you to hire him. He’s very honest and up front. He also focuses on the big picture and how a judge will see things. He’s very knowledgeable on the laws. All around he’s a good attorney. We have kept him on retainer for two years now for child custody purposes and he has yet to let us Down. He also gives sound legal advice and always gets back to us in a timely manner.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Jun, 2018 by Louis
John King is a no bs attorney with a mind for fairness. His legal counsel has proven both useful and calming in an altogether stressful situation. And seriously, you’ve got to see him in the court room. Professional, courteous, an avid listener, and a force to be reckoned with: we can’t speak highly enough of John F. King.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 May, 2018 by Mark
This attorney is out of touch and a waste of your time. Hired him for alimony modification and he attended court hearing unprepared and made agreement with judge without my concent. Avoid this Attorney!
Read more Avvo
See more
Lindsay Gingrich Maclay, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 13 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
29,92
star star star star star
4.4/5
Avvo
4.4
13 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Oct, 2019 by Rebecca
After a severed relationship with another attorney, Lindsay stepped right in and took the reigns with my case. She set clear expectations and the communication I received from her and her team was refreshing in comparison to the experience with my prior counsel. After our initial consultation, I was impressed by how well Lindsay had studied the history of my case. I felt like she had experienced the timeline of events with me and I was never worried about her missing important details. I appreciate that she spent time preparing me for each appearance in court and maintained a professional appearance and demeanor. Lindsay was ready for any obstacles that came in our direction from opposing counsel and I felt confident with her representing me and my children. I would highly recommend her services!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired her dor a divorce in 2014 and it drug on and on. She seemed intimidated by opposing council and did not work to move things along. Tried to convince me I needed to keep her on after the divorce was final.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
21 Jul, 2018 by Jesse
Lindsay has been my attorney since we enlisted her services when we purchased our house in 2015. She also represented me in a domestic relations case when I found out I had a teenage daughter from a past relationship. She represented me in support hearings and was extremely influential it mitigating a possitive outcome. She is always my only recommendation for family and real estate law.
Read more Avvo
See more
Jeanne H. Bereznicki, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 14 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
28,56
star star star star star
4.2/5
Avvo
4.0
12 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
2 Reviews
star star star star star
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 Avvo
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2023 by Neil wiest
Google Maps
star star star star star
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 Avvo
See more
Cara Ann Boyanowski, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 32 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
28,17
star star star star star
4.1/5
Avvo
4.9
11 Reviews
Google Maps
3.7
21 Reviews
star star star star star
17 Jan, 2025 by Nicole grim
Avoid this firm! After paying 12k to this firm within a short period of time, I was told to find a new counsel ( via phone call) due to the retirement of my attorney. My case was 30 days away at this point. I called the firm to inquire about my options . I was then transferred to Maria Cognetti, who was extremely rude to me and kept saying I couldn't afford her and that her retainer starts at 20k, and she refuses to take my case. My case had one court date left. All other tasks had been completed. Lynn ( her front desk) called back almost immediately and stated both attorney's spoke and attorney Kendall agreed to continue my case BUT the retainer had now gone up TWO THOUSAND more dollars than the original bill I received a day or two prior. When I questioned Lynn regarding the retainer increase, she stated it was due to attorney Kendalls retirement. I then called to question that & I was transferred back to Maria. She then told me he wasn't taking the case period. I then asked Maria if the judge had honored attorney Kendalls withdrawal on my case. The next morning, attorney Kendall emailed me and said he would take my case for the original retainer amount. They only care about the money. The fees were outrageous. I paid $170 for attorney Kendall to review a three worded email. Go anywhere else! I obviously obtained a new attorney after this who handled my case with care.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Sep, 2024 by Lady bug
I've had two experiences with this woman. First time was positive. Second time (years later) her firm refused to take a meeting with me. Unless you have a lot of money you need to get the help you need elsewhere.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
10 Jul, 2024 by Andrew powley
I am dissatisfied with the behavior of this law firm, which has wronged a friend and respected member of our community. After attempting to address my concerns with the firm's owner, I was met with a lie from the paralegal about the owner's availability. This incident reflects the unprofessional conduct that I have observed since my friend first retained this firm. My friend, a responsible and law-abiding individual, was taken advantage of financially by this firm. They have failed to provide adequate communication and have not honored their obligations under the retainer agreement. I have filed complaints with the local bar association and will continue to advocate for my friend and protect others from this firm's unethical behavior.
Read more Google Maps
See more
Jennifer Bush Archer, experienced Adoption, Appeals attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Teresa Roos McCormack, experienced Adoption attorney in Camp Hill, PA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Scroll to top