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Kristy Brown Blackwell, experienced Adoption attorney in Chandler, AZ with 102 reviews
Average
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43,40
star star star star star
4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
23 Reviews
Google Maps
4.8
79 Reviews
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14 Feb, 2025 by Edmund bates
Cory Stuart, Kourtney, Kylie, and pretty much everyone here at Stuart & Blackwell played such a huge role in helping me make it through my divorce in one piece. They arranged getting my ex-wife served, talked me through how the divorce process would work, fought for me during the extremely frustrating negotiation process with my now-ex-wife and her new partner, gave me honest and upfront advice the whole way through the process, and they helped me get those crucial final papers signed and filed. They were also just genuinely kind and understanding. It was such a hard thing to have to do, and I can’t thank everyone at Stuart & Blackwell for giving me such incredible support throughout the process. If you need a good law-firm, this is it.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Madison wetter
We had the pleasure of working with Kristy Blackwell and her team at Stewart & Blackwell to finalize the adoptions of our two sons over the past three years. The entire process was seamless, with clear and well-organized communication that made everything simple and stress-free. We couldn't be happier with their professionalism and support, and we highly recommend Stewart & Blackwell to anyone navigating the adoption process.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Juan armenta
Our entire process from start to end has been very smooth and easy. We love Kristy and all of Blackwell. They made everything seem so easy and simple. Very well please. I was recommended by a friend and I can truthfully understand why she recommended me to Blackwell. I will forever refer and recommend this practice to anyone who is in need. Thanks again!
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Cory A Stuart, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Chandler, AZ with 92 reviews
Average
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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.
39,79
star star star star star
4.7/5
Avvo
4.4
13 Reviews
Google Maps
4.8
79 Reviews
star star star star star
14 Feb, 2025 by Edmund bates
Cory Stuart, Kourtney, Kylie, and pretty much everyone here at Stuart & Blackwell played such a huge role in helping me make it through my divorce in one piece. They arranged getting my ex-wife served, talked me through how the divorce process would work, fought for me during the extremely frustrating negotiation process with my now-ex-wife and her new partner, gave me honest and upfront advice the whole way through the process, and they helped me get those crucial final papers signed and filed. They were also just genuinely kind and understanding. It was such a hard thing to have to do, and I can’t thank everyone at Stuart & Blackwell for giving me such incredible support throughout the process. If you need a good law-firm, this is it.
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star star star star star
17 Jan, 2025 by Madison wetter
We had the pleasure of working with Kristy Blackwell and her team at Stewart & Blackwell to finalize the adoptions of our two sons over the past three years. The entire process was seamless, with clear and well-organized communication that made everything simple and stress-free. We couldn't be happier with their professionalism and support, and we highly recommend Stewart & Blackwell to anyone navigating the adoption process.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
27 Sep, 2024 by Juan armenta
Our entire process from start to end has been very smooth and easy. We love Kristy and all of Blackwell. They made everything seem so easy and simple. Very well please. I was recommended by a friend and I can truthfully understand why she recommended me to Blackwell. I will forever refer and recommend this practice to anyone who is in need. Thanks again!
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Holly A Bartee, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Chandler, AZ with 10 reviews
Average
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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.
39,15
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4.7/5
Avvo
4.7
10 Reviews
star star star star star
17 Jun, 2019 by Carrie
As this was my only divorce, after a 32 year marriage, I was clueless as to how to proceed. Both Holly and Marlo were professional yet caring, and made the process as non-complicated as possible. I highly recommend Holly if you are need of her area of expertise.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Rachel
I hired Ms. Bartee based on a referral from a friend who highly recommended her. From my first call to schedule a consultation, I was impressed by her staff’s courtesy and sense of urgency to meet my needs. Ms. Bartee is honest, upfront and gives you the nitty gritty truth of the justice system and what to expect. Ms. Bartee is very experienced with family law and is a seasoned attorney who leads with confidence and knowledge, which gives her great power and distinction in the court room. She guided me through every step of my divorce and was very level headed in the midst of a very emotional time for me. She is very fair with negotiations and will tell you up front if your expectations are unrealistic. She did a hands down phenomenal job on my case and advocated for my requests. I came out of what could have been a potentially devastating outcome, with victory. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome! I would definitely recommend Ms. Bartee if you’re ever faced with the unfortunate reality of divorce or any family law matter.
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11 Dec, 2018 by Brent
I hired Holly to gain 50/50 Parenting Time and Joint Legal Decision Making of my two boys. My previous lawyer recommended her for being tough and consistent in winning cases against opposing parents who are unreasonable. Thanks to Holly and her level headed eye for flaws in the opposing counsel's arguments along with her knowledge of the lawyers, judges and other resources, we were able to put together a strategy to win against some of the most aggressive curve balls we could have anticipated She was quick to act when needed and reassuring when there was a need to be patient. I would recommend Holly to anyone looking for an exceptional lawyer that will fight hard for the well being of their children. Thanks to Holly, we won our case through a settlement that I would never have imagined possible before hiring her!
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Benjamin Hart Cunningham, experienced Adoption, Estate Planning attorney in Chandler, AZ with 433 reviews
Average
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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.
38,75
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4.9/5
Google Maps
4.9
433 Reviews
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03 Dec, 2024 by David paap
I spoke with Tim today about a criminal charge, and he presented information to me honestly and straight forward. I will be recommending him to anyone who needs his services. Thank You!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Elaine couture
I was the passenger in a MVA. I was optimistic that responsible party would be concerned about my injuries and help me by getting insurance information to me timely. However that did not occur and I realized I needed a lawyer. I contacted Phoenix Injury Law. They have been wonderful to work with. They told me I needed to focus on getting better and they would focus on everything else. What a relief! Their follow up, compassion and concern has been evident throughout this entire ordeal. I highly recommend this firm!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Gretchen piojo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I had an excellent experience withPhoenix Accident and Injury Law firm From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case What really stood out was their attention to detail and quick responses to my questions. They went above and beyond to secure the best possible outcome for me. I truly felt like they cared about my case and had my best interests at heart.
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Timothy V Nelson, experienced Adoption, Criminal Defense attorney in Chandler, AZ with 2 reviews
Average
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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.
31,56
star star star star star
4.5/5
Avvo
4.5
2 Reviews
star star star star star
22 Jan, 2018 by Lila
Mr. Nelson was very knowledgeable with my case. I hired him for other stuff I had as well and was very pleased on how he handled my cases. I also have referred him to many people.
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11 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
Tim is very responsive and has been keeping me informed and he is quite knowledgeable. I've dealt with other lawyers in the past and none of them have been as responsive or as knowledgeable!!!!!
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Renee Lynn Cook, experienced Adoption, Family Law attorney in Chandler, AZ with 0 reviews
Below Average
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0,00
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0.0/5
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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:

  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.

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