Best Adoption lawyers in Darien, IL

1 Adoption Lawyers in Darien, IL

experienced lawyers

Joseph A. Olszowka Jr.

2620 B 83rd St, Darien, IL

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

3 Reviews

06 Mar, 2021 by Randy

I paid this man to review my documents to see if I could achieve my goals. He told me that I could, so I paid him an additional retainer fee. I called him a month after he cashed my check, and he neglected to return my call. I finally reached him by phone and he said there was a problem, some clause, that might prevent the attainment of my goal. He said he would look into it. Why didn’t this come up when I first paid him to review my documents? I spoke with him once more, and he told me that he was still looking into it. From that time on, he never returned my calls or letters, nor did I receive any refund of my retainer. Purely unprofessional behavior. If someone makes a mistake, they should own up to it.

23 Jul, 2020 by Tony

When I initially went into Joe's office I was taken back by his confidence and charisma, and though I was skeptical of hiring a lawyer, he put my mind at ease telling me that my case should be easy. I explained to him that the last time I hired an attorney, it cost me close to 14k and he reassured me that it shouldn't be close. Well my horror began after receiving my first billing statement, He had somehow blown through my entire $2500 retainer and an additional $850 without even setting foot in a court room. His fee agreement clearly outlines, that the costs for paralegal services at $125 an hour, but not once during the ten months I had him hired as counsel did I see a charge on my bill to reflect this. He wrote motions that were never addressed as promised, He charged me repeatedly for sending and reviewing similar and same documents. He told me twice, once on the phone, and once via email that this would be the final bill, and neither time was it. I eventually had to give up on my original reason for entering his office because the costs of modifying my child support, which he assured me would be a no brainer, became staggering. I started to feel like him and the other attorney were working together to run up our bills. I would have rather given that money to my ex. At the end of the day, it cost me $15,000 to save about $4,000 in child support. So I feel like I threw a staggering $11,000 into a paper shredder. Oh, but unlike other attorneys he'll return your calls.

07 Jul, 2013 by Sue

He returned about 10% of my calls, he asked me for numerous documents that I spent countless hours on providing and he basically did nothing with them. I feel he did not inform me on my options and did what he felt. I am the one paying the bills, so I certainly wanted to make the calls after being properly informed, which didn't happen. He did not follow my directions as I plainly indicated via email or directly handing them to him. I document everything! So, if you hire this guy......save all your emails. But, at that point....when you realize he is just stringing you along for the long haul.....it will be too late :( Mine was a simple divorce that took over 2 years, I was strung along thinking it was about over till I finally got smart and got another attorney and we had a trial withing 2-3 months. She was very good and listened and acted to my concerns.

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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).

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.