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24 Jan, 2021 by Lisa
I hired this lawyer she is extremely unprofessional and always late. She is money focused and lied to me on many occasions, stating where my case was and what she filed but never did. Do not waste your money on this woman.
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01 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
I am still currently working with Tiffany on a child custody case and she has been a great help not only legally, but she is responsive and whenever my mind gets the best of me she helps me get back on track.
She is honest and upfront about what can and can't be done so she keeps it real and won't build false hopes. I'm still awaiting the outcome, but so far I am very impressed with Tiffany and grateful she's taken my case and at a reasonable rate as well.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Andrea
She wins and keep precious babies out of the hands of mad men. Can’t say enough positive things about her. Even in the face of a group of loons she keeps her cool.
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24 Aug, 2023 by George
Lol she’s making so many mistakes I’ll help my ex get her money back if she ever files for malpractice. I’ve been pro se for a few years and she hasn’t loaded anything in my case. Beware lol
Go check out my review on google
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14 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I’m a man and felt less than a person dealing with this attorney. She stopped taking my calls after I paid her thousands and thousands of dollars in a child custody case. Please do better and find another career.
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21 May, 2018 by Judy h.
I had been married for 38 years and hiring this Lawyer was absolutely the worst Lawyer ever !!!!!!!
1. Never calls you back NEVER !!!
2. Filed in the wrong County
3. She didn't look into important information that could have helped me financially
4. Finally after my Divorce I called for months to ask for all my documents that I summited to her that she never checked into for me and AGAIN she has never called me back. It is now 7 months after my divorce and she still has never called me back after leaving 4 voicemails..
I DO NOT Recommend this Family Law Attorney
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28 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Terrible experience. RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK! Impossible to reach Lisa once you pay. She doesn't return phone calls or emails and you can't reach her office either because the part time assistant also doesn't answer the calls. She operates a part time business/office, never communicates with clients in a timely manner. I actually spent over a month trying to reach her. She gives no notice about court or due dates. She told me one day in advance that we had a court date. I was handed my divorce decree and asked to 'hurry up and sign it' - luckily I took the time to read the decree because Lisa Thiele did not or she was trying to get me to sign it because she know it had a bunch of wrong and damaging info in the decree that I had never agreed to. It had so many errors that it had to be redone a number of times. It is still not correct. Lisa did not read the decree, but tried to get me to sign it. Imagine that kind of legal representation! It has been a terrible experience and Lisa Thiele provided no representation. She does not protect or represent you. I wish I had read some of her reviews before hiring her because I see many people have had the same horrible experiences with this attorney.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I shopped around for lawyers for months before finally deciding on hiring Lisa... I was going through some tough times with my ex not paying his child support for over a year and the kids coming home every other weekend complaining that they were having to sleep at random places because their father was too drunk to even walk. I gave my last penny to Lisa hoping that she could help me with my situation for the safety and best interest of my children and she just took off with my money. She was so easy to talk to and her secretary praised her at how good and compassionate she was.., nothing but lies. Once I handed over payment there was excuse after excuse on why my ex couldn't be served ( papers weren't ready, he couldn't be found, etc. ) and then her office stopped answering my calls and emails completely. The last couple of times I called the office someone actually picked up and hung up on me. My ex hired a lawyer to modify his payments down to the minimum allowed and his lawyer had me served and in court in 3 months! I am going on a year with nothing... Now I'm looking for ways to report her and her office. I beg anyone that needs help to please not use her... One of the worst mistakes I made was trusting her and her office to help me when I needed them the most.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Elizabeth camacho
They will twist the story around and let you do a very very long maximum sentence in prison over a very very very serious accusation that was so dam false to begin with. Even a dummy could read the fine print and have common sense. Beware! Just keep it moving and hire yourself a real good professional. But…“Instead they should be called the criminals and of the state for allowing such behavior of a dirty trial from the officers, detectives, to the jury and then to the judge….not to mention the cross examiners and cross examination they did was very questionable how can you allow such verdict without sufficient evidence let alone a minor was interviewed without permission of a parent. They will violate your constitutional rights from left to right but they will fight to keep themselves standing innocent at the cost of what?? An innocent man’s life. I’m sure this isn’t the first time they do something this dirty but I do believe more proper investigation shall be given in any case given that will jeopardize someone’s impeccable life…to be exact this all happened in the city of Montgomery County Texas to be Exact….
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25 Oct, 2020 by Lucille briles
Negative answers..
Attorney was late do to a video call.
Was not happy on court date . Was explained the contract an then word was not turn after judge signed papers. Don't like words o. Paper being twisted very un professional. Will not use them again. Unless the fix the problem.
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24 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Reneka and Kary Gregg were put on my case last minute and did not do anything they were ordered to do by the courts in Montgomery County. I would highly recommend finding a different attorney as this entire law firm is a joke. Don't read and believe their reviews. they literally pay employees to put good reviews on there site to make them look better. Run as fast as you can.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Kt
Ms. Hayes was assigned to my case last minute by Bryan Fagan Law Firm, after my attorney resigned days before my trial. She was totally unprepared, unassertive, and lacked any evidence of properly preparing for my trial. As a disabled veteran on social security, I am still questioning how is it that I was billed over $10,000.00 for what amounted to horrible legal representation.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Kt
Over $10,000 was billed and then he left my case without notifying me.
My opinion, observation, and experience are that my case was not handled properly despite the overpriced bill I've paid them. Bryan Fagan Law Firm & assigned attorney was not prepared; was not up to date on my case details, and did not properly represent me in court, In fact, I didn't witness any effort or desire to win. After my trial, I reached out to the law firm for clarity - and despite four (4) attempts to contact Bryan Fagan Law Firm, via email and their chat services I have not heard back from anyone except their billing department.
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18 Oct, 2018 by Shawn bainum
Beware! HOA's (KPM) Enforcer. They send out threatening letters, charge ridiculous fees and threaten legal action to take you home or charge you 200.00 a day for non compliance. But when you call them to email a requested form in they can't give you an EMAIL address because their email is not "reliable"? What legitimate company doesn't have email or a website? But they have a 40 year old fax machine!
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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.
