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03 Jan, 2023 by Jeff
We were in a very challenging spot, taking care of our nephew with major behavioral problems as legal guardians. Doctors advised us to call the state to put our nephew into the state conservatorship so additional facilities would be available to us. When we call, CPS threatened us with legal action, tried to intimidate, and were the opposite of helpful. Greg came through for us in a big way, when we needed it most. He calmed us about how CPS tries to intimidate guardians, advised us on how to prepare for court, and represented us. He was fantastic.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Regina
Highly recommend! Is always there to walk us through and explain the details that we did not understand.
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18 Apr, 2018 by Carla
He was very honest and straightforward with me, and I would recommend this attorney. Even though I didn’t hire him he seems to be a true expert in his area of practice.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Barnes called me back the same evening! After discussing our needs he responded with documents and has been very accessible for answering further questions. He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Walt a. cleveland
I have known John all of my life. I would not have made it through law school or my first year in private practice without is gracious help. John is efficient and extremely meticulous in his work. Most importantly he genuinely cares about his clients, this is unfortunately to rare in our profession. I highly recommend this lawyer !
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20 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
In the general forum, another attorney threw out a ball-park figure, which I was able to confirm with Mr. Barnes was reasonable for Texas attorneys. He was also very encouraging about the plans and changes our family intends to make.
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05 Jan, 2021 by Rachel
Zoe drafted a partition and exchange agreement (post-nup) for my husband and me. She was extremely detailed, listened and advised on every concern or account, and ultimately her final draft was nothing less than amazing. She was reasonable, highly intelligent, and very well equipped to execute this legal agreement for us. I highly recommend Zoe.
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28 Apr, 2020 by Tom
Zoe is an excellent divorce lawyer along with her staff. Divorce is something you shouldn’t do on your own. Zoe answered all of the questions I had and really made this easier than I expected. She was referred by a friend and he was right. Highly recommend her.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Meredith
My family and I had the honor of working with Zoe when we adopted our daughter. We had never gone through this process before and Zoe helped walk us through the process. She is very professional and thorough. If I ever had a question, I always felt comfortable calling or emailing her and knowing I’d get a straight response. Our situation called for a bit more “know how” as both biological parents were in prison. Zoe had no problem navigating those tough situations. We will continue to use Zoe should the need arise. We highly recommend her and the staff at the law firm.
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24 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Contacted this firm for advice in handling a divorce they suggested I speak with my husband first. They weren’t eager to sign me up and get my money they wanted me to think about and discuss with my spouse. I just went in for a consult but came out feeling better will definitely be contacting them back soon!
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04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Ryan was able to get my case dismissed. He has a very friendly staff who was easy to communicate with. They were always very affordable. Thanks Ryan and Cheryl!
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01 Nov, 2017 by Greg
I had a very complicated divorce case and Mr Hardy did an excellent job.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Deborah Bankhead is one heck of an attorney. She was able to move mountains to help us on an very complicated criminal interstate matter. Her drive and tenacity knows no bounds.
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31 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Belker handled the adoption of my daughter. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. The adoption was handled flawlessly and Belker was a very kind and generous individual.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Cameron forsythe
Excellent
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27 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hernandez
Lindsay is fantastic! She stayed on top of my case and made sure I understood everything. She made sure i was comfortable and understood the entire process. Highly recommend!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tammy kershaw
I hired these guys to help me with my son on a felony charge, and Dustin was his lawyer, and the charges were reduced to a misdemeanor, and we could not be more pleased! They messaged me every time I sent a message and kept me informed.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Kirsti
William and his legal team made my divorce fast and painless for both parties. I would hire them a million times over. I felt heard and understood. The process was explained adequately to me. I never felt out of the loop or in the dark. When it came down to fighting over assets they prepared a rebuttal quickly and I ended up with everything I wanted and more.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Patty
First time adoption family used Mary Hannah Burke. She was prompt, very informative and affordable. Best adoption lawyer around. Will use her again.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
If you ever want to feel like you have to be a lawyer to talk to your lawyer, by all means hire this group. Hannah was quick to reply back when it came to withdrawing representation and got it signed by Judge same day, but didn't even bother to let me know until I looked on e-file and asked.
Any time I asked a question, she seemed irritated and bothered by me. She would pick apart my question and make me feel like i had to be a lawyer just to ask the question right. She would constantly interrupt me, raise her voice and just act like she had no time for me when she was the one who would request we do a phone consult!
She tried to get me to sign a final divorce decree that didn't even address any of the issues I asked (but yet still had to pay for them to write up something I didn't even want and then pay more out of my retainer to get it fixed).
When I would ask, she would take forever to get back to me and then if I emailed weeks later to ask about it, she would either blow me off or act irritated over the phone about it.
The only brightside was I was smart enough to request a copy of my bill (that they weren't sending regular so they could sneak in extra billable hours) and was able to get in writing that that would be refunded to me so she couldn't empty out the whole retainer out of pettiness.
She was not very empathetic at all. I ended up filing pro-se and finishing the rest myself and even editing parts of it even though she tried to sink me by saying I would have to hire a whole new attorney and be out double just to finish the last bit of it.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.5
44 Reviews
23 Jul, 2024 by Nancy capra
09 Dec, 2023 by John vinzant
Terrible experience with Sarah particularly. My coparent withheld my ability to see my infant on multiple occasions, Sarah charged me for documentation that didn’t improve or remedy the situation; the coparent was not held accountable whatsoever. The response I received from filing the expensive paperwork Sarah’s firm advised was my coparent filing a false police report saying their vehicle was broken into implicating me for which I had proofs were 100% false (the vehicle was NOT broken into or tampered with and I was nowhere remotely close to area it was located at the time in question). I was required to meet at police stations following that accusation - know what the coparent showed up in?? The undamaged vehicle in question on the DAY FOLLOWING the accusation. (For the record, it’s supposed to be a crime in Texas to file a false police report). Again, none of it mattered when we *never made it to court* — saddled with $25k worth of representation debt (when the standard for family court settlements is ~$11k to my understanding), a hefty child support amount, and ONE day more than a standard possession as a non-custodial parent. I wrote her an angry, frustrated “who do you work for here?” email to which she felt the need to call me personally at 3 am having me tell her I thought she was the perfect person to help me with my situation or she would be resigning my case. Should’ve dropped her then and there. I’m an honorably discharged veteran, a former federal employee, an Eagle Scout, etc. I was up against someone with a an assault record. Continuously told her firm I wanted a 50/50 coparenting agreement and wasn’t trying to skirt child support because I didn’t think it would help my case. Not what was presented at the 2-3 court days we were supposed to have, I took off work for and made special arrangements for but didn’t actually “take.” We never made it to court - ended up in mediation with a RETIRED judge who didn’t read or pay any attention to the facts of the case whatsoever as his blanketed opening statement at mediation was - “I don’t care what the facts are here, I’m not taking any child away from his mother short of something drug related” - a determination based solely based on gender/sex. I did 90% of the talking during mediation; Sarah and her assistant sat there and barely spoke. I’m not an attorney. I didn’t get paid $25k to represent someone. Had no idea what I was doing. Sarah worked with the coparent’s attorney and came up with a 30+ page document that provides more coverage for my co-parent than me and I was billed for it; co-parent walked away from the case on a pro-bono basis. If I mess up, jail time and fines. If the co-parent messes up, there would be hefty court fees for me to enforce anything and then next to 0 repercussions for them. My coparent has been so empowered by how easy it was to walk over me that she has continued to violate the agreement (never missed a day with my son, coparent’s missed a plethora; coparent doesn’t send written updates when our circumstances change, I’ve had to; coparent moved outside the agreed upon living area, repercussions are supposed to be me becoming custodial, NOPE; coparent filed 2 more false police reports since implicating but not naming me to avoid harassment charges, nothing stopping them). If you’re a single father out there for any reason and are looking for help, know upfront no one (courts, attorneys, etc) cares about the dad’s rights or involvement in a child’s life. Since the resolution, I’ve struggled to make ends meet between the debts and my obligations. Think when I’m struggling to this degree that I can afford or would even bother going back to court to have my coparent “held accountable” for the violations?? Steer clear of Sarah’s firm; felt massively overcharged for the minimal support or intervention I received from them.
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25 Oct, 2023 by C. lee
Thank you for all your help Christopher Almanza
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29 Apr, 2024 by Nina siripanyo
Lori and her team are amazing!! Lori is very knowledgeable and was always responsive to all of my concerns and questions about my case. It was a breeze to work with Lori and her team. I am so happy that I found Lori, my case had a very positive outcome. Lori is an amazing attorney and I highly recommend her!
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08 Mar, 2024 by Ivan olvera
Lory is the worst attorney for males. Please do NOT waste your money. I made a review on her before and it seems that it has been deleted. I hired her on a custody case presented SO much evidence for her to use and bring up in court and she CHOOSE not to present or bring up MOST of the things I provided for her. She has no fight in her doesn't for you to get the best most reasonable outcome. She came into court really unprepared and didn't help prepare me for the terminology. Upon hiring a different attorney is when I realized the mistake I made in hiring her. The initial court is what sets the tone for how things will proceed forward. It sets the tone for how things will follow and the emphasis and fight She put into the initial court it was as if she just waved the white flag without fighting it. My child support was set by her at 1100$ a month for one kid. ONE kid. I make 80k a year my ex makes 60k a year I SHOULD NOT BE PAYIN THAT MUCH! the initial court and how she failed to properly represent me is to blame for that. SAVE UR MONEY IF YOU ARE A MALE. If this law firm doesn't like my review they can contact me personally and we can discuss how they misrepresented me. DO NOT TAKE MY COMMENT DOWN I WILL COME BACK AND POST IT AGAIN. I AM DEALING WITH SO MUCH FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS DUE TO HOW LORY RESPRESENTED ME. WORST WROST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE!!!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Michael cook
Lori and her Associates - ARE THE BEST! You can’t do better. When it comes to your legal needs - she’s the best. That’s what you need - the best legal representation. But with Lori you also get someone who you want on your side. Someone who is personable, genuinely nice and easy to communicate with.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Murphree12 - very pleased
At one time or another, over the years, I have employed both Patton Maynard or Creighton Maynard to represent me and I have been EXTREMELY satisfied each time with their representation. People should remember that Attorneys have to deal with the facts brought to them by the client and sometime the Attorney can only do so much, given the facts. The Maynards have handled cases for me over the years where I ended up on top and where they effectively minimized my losses, due to the facts. I would GLADLY recommend both Patton Maynard and Creighton Maynard to anyone looking for a hard working straight forward attorneys.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Bryant
He did what I needed to do with my situation. Really helped me out a lot when I needed some guidance. Would strongly recommend.
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21 Jul, 2017 by David
I practice family law but when I needed a divorce I turned to Patton. He is knowledgeable and he gave my case the personal attention it needed. I have also referred family to Patton for their legal needs. He takes care of his clients.
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5.0
5 Reviews
4.5
44 Reviews
23 Jul, 2024 by Nancy capra
04 Apr, 2024 by Tara
Laura Zachariah is an attorney who is compassionate. personal, annd thorough in every detail of her cases. She was a tremendous help during my custody battle the last year and a half. She puts children first ensuring justice will prevail. My family and I are incredibly thankful for all her hard work and dedication to my children and I. Thank you for going over and beyond for us Laura. You are appreciated!!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Paul
I recently finalized my divorce after a yearlong process and couldn't have asked for better representation. Laura made sure that not only was I fully aware of my rights and responsibilities but ensured that my children's well-being (priority number one for me) was a primary focus in all discussions and court appearances. In the court room she is a professional through and through.
No one wins in a divorce, but Laura kept me honest with myself and on track towards my goals to help me get the best outcome possible. I am truly thankful that Laura was honest with me, even when things were not in my favor, so that I could be prepared for each step of the process. Laura will definitely be my lawyer for any future litigation.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I do not recommend this law firm. I was told when I started the probate for my mother's estate that it would cost anywhere from $5K to $6K. Months later I was told by Mr. Leonard that it would be closer to $8K. Now the price ends up being almost $11K!!! I was very clear about what the estate involved upfront so I don't understand why the price was so high. I was provided a 15 page bill when I questioned the charge. They have a portal to use as a way to communicate and upload documents. There were a few times I asked questions and I had to beg for an answer (or they just ignored me). Find another attorney unless you want to pay a crazy amount of money for minimal service.
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01 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Kind. Generous. Educational. Patient. Absolutely wonderful. Blessed to know him.
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03 Feb, 2016 by Charles
I had a great experience with Bob Leonard and his knowledgable team--from Bob, himself, to his paralegal, as well as his office staff. Everyone is helpful and really cares about their clients. I also loved their online system that allowed me to interact with any of them 24/7 or to see what was going on with my case. I would definitely hire them again!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mickei
Really took the time to listen and understand the situation looking forward to working with them.
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30 May, 2024 by Alex muzolf
If I could rate this guy a 0 I would. It requires insanity to trust him.
He was assigned to a family member's case He waited 6 months to even go introduce himself & visit that family member. He didn't even know if family had been indicted or not. That 1 visit was all of 5 minutes when he did finnaly go see his client. He was told to contact me because I had exculpatory evidence that proved the charges were false & with a 250,000 bond.. family was stuck in tarrant county. I called a few times trying to make contact, check statuses, and even sent him a good portion of what I had as evidence in the mail. I got NO answers.
In the end, I was able to out right PROVE our case. But would have never happened with this guy.. he was trying to get family to take a plea for prison time. The offer was 30 years. After 13 long months in jail, for bogus allegations and an attorney who clearly did not care about helping his client.
I put my resources together & went & hired another attorney who actually cares about doing his job. Our new attorney, Nickols of Nickols & White PLLC was able to get the bond reduced less than 2 weeks after being hired. From 250k to 25k which was more reasonable for the charge. Family bonded out that day & a couple months later, Nickols had the charges dismissed.. I would NOT trust RAY "Harvey" HALL
ANY lawyer is better than this guy.
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04 May, 2024 by Marks fishing
I hired Ray Hall for my legal troubles with my neighbor and got found Not Guilty!
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17 May, 2024 by Audrey
Breanne took my retainer and RAN. She would take weeks to respond to a call or email, and constantly missed deadlines. She promised me she would lead me through this divorce and did the absolute opposite. I had to let her go due to her negligence and she refused to give me a refund. Please do yourself a favor and NEVER work with the Clark Law Firm.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Breanne was thorough with everything! She is really good at what she does. 10/10 will hire again if I need to!
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11 Oct, 2021 by Jessica
Breanne was my attorney, and myself and my children are so happy for her work. My ex husband was refusing to see the children and was never placed on child support. To top it off a long string of verbal and electronic abuse toward me and my many attempts to resolve the children needs such as visitation and help in buying clothes, we’re always met with flat out bullying, from him.
She was brilliant in every Proceedings and In communicating to the court exactly what my family needed. I always felt understand, well informed in what to expect and how things would play out. She was an absolute blessing. Her knowledge of the law, but above all else her personality and kind nature , gave me an irreplaceable strength in the journey. I never felt judged as I shared the emails and text messages, that I was embarrassed to share. Rather she was kind and validated that my kids needed more. Because of her knowledge of the law and guidance, I spoke up for myself for the first time. In truth I was always acting tough in regards to my ex husband but would end up always giving in to his bulling because of intimidation or just sheer exhaustion. Breanne’s empathy gave a safe environment to seek help and get results. Everything we asked for we got in the case. And much more. God showed up and showed out as the saying goes, or in other words Breanne Clark has been an absolute blessing. Writing this brings me to tears, because it’s hard to explain how invisible I felt , compared to now, how much mine and my children’s lives have changed for the better. We’re infinitely grateful. It was a roller coaster no question. But now there’s finally some peace.
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07 Jan, 2021 by C i
Ms. Barr did the impossible, she won my husband full custody of his children in the State of Texas!!! Ms. Barr is the second attorney we have hired, (first attorney was with a completely different law firm) and I am so thankful she was recommended to us! She did everything she said she would do, and kept us informed every step of the way. We were never made to feel like "just a client", and her team consisting of Amanda Rowan, and Summer Chappell, were just as helpful and informative as Ms. Barr was. I cannot sing Ms. Barr's praises loud enough, she truly was a Godsend to us during this very difficult time!
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17 Oct, 2018 by Joyce
I was lied to, paid lots of money to her, signed papers to be filed into court which was NEVER DONE she led me on for approx 3 years and in the end nothing, never stepped into court the last year and a half but continued to charge me. When i fired her she sent me a bill for more money. She received approx 13,000.00 from me.
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21 Jul, 2015 by Conor
After meeting with a few different attorneys, I met with Genevieve Barr and was not only put at ease, but was more than impressed with Genevieve's approach and direction. I hired her on the spot. My daughter was then taken out of state against my will and within 36 hours, I had three Texas judgments signed and ordered for my daughter to be returned back to me immediately. I cannot explain in words the joy that this brought me as a father. In the time since, we have been preparing for our upcoming court date and I feel that I will be represented in the best manner possible. Genevieve also has an all-star crew that made me feel comfortable, informed, and really put forth a huge effort to make things happen quickly for mine and my daughter's sake. I sincerely appreciate all that they have done for me and my daughter over the last month. If anyone out there is considering a family law attorney - I highly recommend Genevieve Barr and her outstanding staff with Bailey & Galyen.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Bill lane
Big Firm, Big Reputation, Very poor representation, no client advocacy, billing so high they would need to add hours in a day to justify. Intentional delays at every corner. All about double and triple billing. Stay away if you want to win your case and have a good experience.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Joe frunzi
Read into the AA case, whoever was the genius to come up with that defense should be fired, and anyone who concurred or ran it up the ladder...
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29 May, 2024 by Mike giumento
The fact that they say it was a mistake with that statement, that means internally one of your lawyers wrote that out and thought it was a good idea because you wouldn't have accidentally sent it if it wasn't written or printed. Honestly, get a law firm that treats people like humans. Also, we need to know the lawyer's name who wrote that paper out. Protecting this person is disgusting. You should be blasting this person even if it was a mistake, which again, if it wasn't written or printed, you couldn't have made that mistake, which means at one point you thought it was a good idea.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Amaris castillo
Personally, I would not recommend Sylvia. She was very helpful initially, as I was recommended her by a close friend. I paid her retainer to her in cash, then I was informed that she moved to a new firm shortly after hiring her, then was asked for another retainer with her new firm. Not sure if this is normal, but the way I was communicated with about the situation by the new firm wasn't very professional and quite rude.
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07 Jan, 2020 by Leittia knight
Sylvia is an amazing attorney! She is very knowledgeable in regards to Family law. Sylvia is very easy to talk to and compassionate as well. Don't be fooled though, she is tough and will go to bat for her clients. I am very pleased and will use her in the future.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Tommy dowden
Do not go to trial with this lawyer. The opposing party ran away with the show and I lost my child. Any objections we're disregarded by the da and the judge let it happen. Other times I told lawyer to object and she didnt. 3 days trial over 10 grand later and the results don't add up. Sorry kayla, but im deeply unsatisfied with you overall.
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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.
