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27 Apr, 2020 by Sam hapke
I had a fantastic experience with Bill and his team! Bill's thorough, highly knowledgeable approach allowed me to fully understand my options during each step in the process and feel confident that my intentions were represented in the resulting documents.
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07 Nov, 2019 by Trevor campbell
He shares not only his great advice but also perspective about how to accomplish the goal in the best possible way. Always enjoy working with jim.
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29 May, 2018 by Jason best
I sought Bill out when needing to understand my property rights in relationship to an encroaching neighbor. I have the utmost confidence in the legal information he provided. In addition, he provided great practical advice for navigating the situation. I highly recommend.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Bobby vang
Alicia has been a delight to work with. She always communicated with us throughout the whole process which was really appreciated. Another lawfirm initially took our case and came to a dead end but Alicia was able to work her magic and see the whole thing through. Without Alicia we'd be stressed not knowing what to do but because of her, we can finally move forward with our lives knowing we were fairly compensated for our troubles. Thank you again Alicia!
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19 Oct, 2024 by Mckinney goes to:
19 Oct, 2024 by Noah mckinney
19 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
From consultation to court, Alia held my hand throughout the process. Extremely kind, honest, well versed and experienced, and with excellent communication she navigated me through a very tumultuous and complicated divorce.
This phase of your life will be challenging beyond expectations. The bestthing you can do for yourself is hire the best and most aggressive lawyer to fight for everything you deserve.
With grace, patience, compassion, amazing knowledge of the law, and an aggressive and ambitious attitude whatever the BEST outcome is for you, without a shadow of a doubt Alia will accomplish that and probably exceed expectations. At the end of this journey, you will truly not have a single what if, not a single stone left unturned, and not a single question unanswered.
She goes above and beyond her professional duty. Part lawyer, part psychologist, part friend, part your personal warrior, she will serve you with everything she has tirelessly. If you have found her, look no more and hire immediately.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Will canestaro
I had a wonderful experience working with Mark. He got up to speed quickly, was extremely thoughtful, and found a path to resolution. I would highly recommend him.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Sana
We approached Ms. Ahmed with a very complicated divorce case. It was a devastating severance of a 50 year marriage that completely unanticipated. Culturally, even in this modern and progressive day of age, divorce is not a matter that is commonly experienced, especially within the generation we were dealing with. We are Pakistani and Muslim which brought significant complexities into this case for us and especially for Ms. Ahmed as she navigated through our situation tirelessly first simply to understand all these components. We were really left in the dark by the opposing party, and we could not 'help' Ms. Ahmed much. I know we did not make it easier for her. At every turn we presented her with 'I do not know". We did not have anything in our control, we didn't know where anything was, we could not untangle anything for her. We made her work as challenging, and difficult as it could possibly be. We were completely an utterly in the dark, and that is how we approached her. Yet, she managed us, emotionally, professionally, compassionately, step by step along the way, and investigated our situation from every single angle and then some. This was over a year of harsh struggle and she unwaveringly stood by our side. There were times where we did not want to hear what she wanted to say, but that did not deter her from always being realistic and honest with us. She wouldn't give us one possible outcome, but ten. She did not treat us as a client, but from her communications, from her availabilities, from her constant checking in with us, at every and any hour, we were confident knowing she genuinely cared and treated us as family. All this aside, Ms. Ahmed's knowledge of the law, is impeccable. She is both calm and aggressive, she is both graceful and a beast, she is so strong that even when things are looking impossible, you always see the light through her confidence. Everyone must be wondering did we get the outcome we wanted? Ms. Ahmed did God's work. She not only protected my mother, but protected her legacy and our generations to come. The outcome that other legal professionals prepared us for, the outcome that friends, community, and family told us we would probably get, was not going to be a devastating outcome for us and not one that we could live with. Ms. Ahmed fought hard for us to get us the impossible, and she won...we won. Whatever stone she could un-turn, she did, whatever creative angle she could investigate and research, she did, whatever approach her mind had not considered yet, she found and researched. No matter what the case was looking like, through all the ups and downs, we always found peace in her consistent limitless determination. Before we were able to think of presenting a thought or an idea, she was 100 steps ahead of us. We ended up in court, terrified, sleepless nights, anxieties that led us through 1000 paths of 'what ifs', but she held our hand through all the mess, the complications, and the nonsense. Do not let her calmness or gracefulness, fool you, she is a force of nature. She is one of the strongest most confident women I have ever met. Saying thank you to her is almost embarrassing and we are sure this review is not needed by her. Her reputation precedes her a thousand fold. The intention of this review is for someone that is dealing with an extremely impossible divorce, where there is no hope, when you are flailing around in the universe facing with extreme anxieties, when there seems to be absolutely no hope and no way out. If you need someone to untangle a situation that seems just impossible and are truly looking for a miracle worker; please reach out to Ms. Ahmed. If it is a matter of your life, there is no better hands to put them in. We as a family are always, and will always for our entire lifetime, be ever so grateful for what she has been able to accomplish for us. We truly believe she was an answer to prayers and did divine work and serves as a shield for my mother and our family.
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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:
-
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.
