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10 Feb, 2025 by Hooka
Saved my life, a great lawyer and takes his time and notices all mistakes thank you Mr. Swerling
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05 Feb, 2025 by Sean watt
Eleven out of ten I highly recommend Jack B. Swerling.
Jack Swerling is hands down the best defensive attorney in South Carolina, if not the whole country. I've hired him twice and both times he's been on point. He knows how to do his job and get the results you need. He's very attentive to details, no matter how small they may seem. His name alone strikes fear into prosecutors and D.A.s. I can go all day about how smart, charismatic, respectful, and great he is. What realt matters is Jack is a super lawyer who will get the job done, get the win, and beat the case. You will not find a better lawyer around. Thank you Jack for getting me the results I needed and taking care of me so I can take care of my family.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Kyle chan
I hired Jack Swerling, ESQ. for my tough case. He worked with not only me but my family. He was attentive and caring. He made sure we were aware of the process, the steps, and action to be taken. He was always transparent and honest. You can really see how experienced and professional he is. He has a great team behind him and he has always responded to my calls and messages promptly. He really worked hard to help with my case. He is notable with a strong background. I felt confident that I made a great choice hiring him. I would definitely seek him again. Thank you Jack!!
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30 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Lyn was extremely supportive. She was very upfront and set realistic expectations-no fluff. She handled my case in a very timely fashion. My schedule was always full and chaotic, of which she accomodated well.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Kim
At first our personalities clashed alittle. However once we got a chance to talk, I found she's amazing at her job but also as a person.... I'm truly grateful for all that she's done so far and can't wait for our reunification as a family. She is absolutely an amazing attorney. But also a beautiful human being.
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05 Feb, 2012 by William
Lyn was straight up with the facts; she laid out the scenario for me, and didn't offer confidence that would later be a hard hitting realization in court. She told me the weaknesses of my case, and how she'd work to overcome those. She was great.
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06 Apr, 2019 by Denise
Handled a Contempt of Court case for us. Always stayed in contact with us, listened to us, gave my daughter confidence and most important won the case and got us attorney fees. Her Para legal Kim was top notch, kind, caring and the both together are an unbeatable pair. Wish she had been our divorce attorney. Highly recommend them.
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25 Mar, 2018 by Eric
Alyssa Richardson is the most exceptional lawyer I have ever worked with / hired. She helped me during an extremely difficult child custody case in Sumter, South Carolina. I would recommend Alyssa's services to anyone who needs a dedicated, experienced, and honest Attorney located in or around Columbia, South Carolina. Also, all the staff at Alyssa's office are always courteous and helpful. I can never thank Alyssa enough for her expert guidance. If you need an exceptional lawyer, give Alyssa's office a call! I'm grateful I did!
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23 Mar, 2018 by Tyler
Alyssa Richardson really has been fantastic. Going through a divorce is something I NEVER imagined, obviously, but she has been right there for me in so many ways every step of the way. She has really become like a counselor to me. I know it's her job but she makes me feel like she truly does care. Just exactly what I need during this time.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Steve
April handled our uncontested divorce efficiently, promptly and with concern for all. She was wonderful to work with and I could not have been more pleased! Thank you, April!
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19 Jan, 2015 by Candi
April was assigned to us by the courts and she was the best thing that ever happened to us! She was truly a angel sent, She showed so much compassion and love towards our little girl that we were fighting so hard for. She took everyone's sides into consideration and did what was best for our little girl! So with that said we got to adopt our baby! And we thank her so much and everyone else that was involved. She is one of the best lawyers you could ask for.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Daniel
My name is Daniel and April Gremillion, was recommended to me by another attorney and I sincerely thank God for that recommendation. April is helping me with a matter regarding my son. She is extremely diligent in everything she has done for me. She keeps her promises and constantly is in contact with me about the proceedings, no matter how many emails I send her in a day.. She always ALWAYS reply within MINUTES, even during holidays with her family, she still replied to my emails of concerns. She has the highest standards of ETHICS, INTEGRITY, DEPENDABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND TRUST!! I completely trust her, her expertise, opinions and guidance. I highly recommend April to anyone.
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14 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Necesito hacer una cita y no miro la opción quiero adoptar legalmente a una bebe que me la regaló su mamá cuando ella nació en el hospital necesito de su ayuda
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28 Aug, 2024 by Shauntai p
From the looks of these reviews they must’ve caught Brandi on a good day, bc I would never recommend or give my money to someone so rude! She doesn’t know me at all, I’m asking questions about a simple divorce vs. using an attorney and she had an attitude like I did something to her. I literally hung up in her face for being so rude. It’s a shame. Glad I found someone else who let me ask as many questions and walked me through the process.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Walter simpson
Don’t trust this lady with the most important things in your life. My divorce, went on for a year and a half. I paid $12k to this Law Firm to do nothing. First mistake the judge will appoint one lawyer to turn in the paperwork for child support. They appointed my lawyer She never turned it in. I Kept calling the courts house to see how much my child support . Then I find out she never turned in the paperwork. Her mistake made me behind $5000. Me and my ex-wife gave my father-in-law $50,000 to buy his company. Which we had 500 shares of stock in the company. Miss Bowen told me that in evidence finding that it was no proof of 500 shares. She kept on giving me the runaround about this. We went to mediator, That Miss Bowen did on zoom while my ex-wife and her lawyer was there. Saying that she had a flat tire but still charge me $3000 dollars for it. While she was never really present leaving the zoom turning her camera off so we couldn’t see her. Nothing got settled. Then the day before the final court date she called me saying that we did have 500 shares, but it was gonna be a problem in court. So I made a bad decision to go with what she advise me to do. But to find out later she was wrong. So I settle out of court to get half the money back from company that I put in. My settlement agreement was $75k. Miss Bowen told me I would receive that money within 3 weeks. It took 3 1/2 months before I got the entire amount. Had to call her and she only send me 25k. She said that the other money was held up in HER bank. 4 weeks went by had to email her she only sent me $20 thousand more. Then another 4 week went by I had to email her again then she sent me another $20 thousand. These went on for months. She did these like it was her money. A couple more things went wrong but I’m running out of room but I think you get the message. REALLY BAD EXPERIENCE.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Ha’keem brown
I am immensely grateful to Brandi L. Small, Attorney at Law, for her exceptional assistance in helping me gain custody of my son. From our very first consultation, Ms. Small demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, dedication, and empathy.
Her deep understanding of family law and her strategic approach to my case were evident throughout the entire process. Ms. Small's ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system, combined with her clear and effective communication, made me feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Ms. Small was always accessible, promptly addressing any questions or concerns I had. She provided thorough explanations of all possible outcomes, ensuring I was well-informed and prepared. Her compassionate demeanor and genuine care for my son's well-being were truly remarkable.
Thanks to Ms. Small's expertise and unwavering commitment, I am now able to provide a stable and loving environment for my son. I highly recommend Brandi L. Small to anyone in need of a dedicated and skilled attorney. She has made a profound difference in our lives; I am forever thankful for that.
It
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10 Feb, 2025 by Lilly
Rebecca and her staff are wonderful, and have always supported me and my family through challenging situations. I would give her 10 stars if I could.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Donna whitmire
This fine lady brought us through what felt like an impossible situation! We couldn’t be more pleased. Our case was so difficult with many twists and turns.
If you need someone fair, willing to fight for you and your family, and most knowledgeable about family law…. Here’s your perfect match! We will be forever grateful for this lady! Much love to you Rebecca!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ann mantilla
I have had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Creel during the most difficult time of my life as I processed the road to divorce after 26 years of marriage. She was extremely professional and also compassionate.
If you are looking for a family lawyer do not hesitate for one second to choose Creel Family Law you will not be disappointed. It’s definitely a law firm of INTEGRITY.
Thank you Rebecca Creel and staff for all that you helped me through. God Bless you all🙏🏼♥️
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10 Oct, 2021 by Tnisha green
Very under handed practice. Mishandling funds and client funds. This establishment, the attorneys are outta pocket and outta line! Extremely dishonest! Never again in life , won't refer anyone to this law office!
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14 Apr, 2021 by Tarence thames
06 Nov, 2020 by Janet warner
Very professional...caring about clients needs very informative
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14 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Relatively new attorney in the Strom firm, who is knowledgeable, but is meeting an hourly monthly quota, so your divorce will be dragged on with no forward movement by Patty. Patty also does not play well with others, so do not expect negotiations to happen. Do yourself a favor and keep looking for an attorney that actually wants to settle your case and not destroy your children’s future in the process. Sometime you can be too young and not have enough life experiences to understand the detriment being caused by one’s actions. This is certainly the case with Patty.
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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.
