Lawyers map
>355
experienced lawyers
Filter by
10 Dec, 2024 by Magaly cuautle
I had the pleasure to work with Catherine Sheehan, she did a wonderful job with my case. Hold my hand through everything and always gave me positive energy throughout the whole process! She is a mother and also when through divorce her self so she knows what to expect and will always look for the best interest for your self and your children.
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by John tsang
George Frederick came highly recommended by my business coach, and George recently helped me with my ongoing post marital agreement lawsuits with my ex-wife. Since my lengthy and most challenging divorce, I had multiple attorneys and George by far has been the most effective, responsive and caring divorce attorney that I have worked with. He was able to help me keep my emotions in check and provide the clarity needed for us to focus and execute the necessary steps for my case resolution. George was always super responsive and provided excellent consult - I highly recommend George to anyone who needs a top divorce attorney.
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Melissa clark
I have been very happy with the effort and work done to complete my divorce, Jessica McGary, showed compassion and concern to both parties involved in the divorce., she was fair in working with everyone involved.
Read more
29 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Rose Ann Montgomery has represented me twice, my divorce back in 1999 and again for real estate in 2005. I would highly recommend her.
Read more
25 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege of working with Ms Montgomery several times over the past ten years. She originally handled a court case for me and has since handled a real-estate closing and Will documents. She is professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of law. I would highly recommend her to any of my clients.
Read more
02 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
RoseAnn proacactivly found over $2000 for our family when she discovered on our tax bill that we had not taken a homeowners exemption for over four years. This was not the primary reason we had hired her but because she went the extra mile and was looking out for our best interest, she brought this to our attention and helped us file the necessary paperwork to recoup that money.
RoseAnn is intrinsicly motivated, communicative, knowledgeable and an advocate for her clients.
Read more
08 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Ellyn represented my wife and I when we adopted our son. Our son's birth mother lived in another state, which made the adoption more complicated. Ellyn anticipated and was prepared for every complication, and she kept us informed throughout the process. She's an excellent adoption attorney, and I highly recommend her.
Read more
02 Sep, 2011 by Erin
We have worked with Ellyn twice in the last 3 years, and have in turn referred at least two other clients her way as well. Our family would not be if it were not for her. She's thorough, honest, sincere, smart, and understands the adoption process inside and out. We were comforted in knowing that regardless of the information, we were always receiving the truth. We were always informed every step of the way, which if anyone has been through an adoption can attest to how critical that is. I whole-heartedly recommend her if you're looking for an adoption attorney.
Read more
18 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
Ellyn Bullock and staff are easy to work with and readily available to keep the legal process on track and answer questions along the way. We have used her professional services 3 times and never been disappointed.
Read more
19 Mar, 2019 by Shari p.
I am very happy with Phil and his team. Highly recommend him. He is always prompt in returning calls. He also takes his time when explaining details.
Read more
15 Feb, 2018 by Daniel & catherine
Thank you Phil and Lori for totally handling our house closing completely and efficiently. We appreciate your promptness and professionalism with this whole process.
Read more
04 May, 2017 by Rich
Phil has helped in my selling and buying a home. He also was great with my Will. He has helped many of my friends in selling and buying a home, saved them many problems and money. I highly recommend Phil!!!!!!
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by The fbm corporation
Aaron Bryant has always been of great help for my entire family. Highly recommend!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Melissa rajcevich
Bardia is very easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable. I have used The Law Center on 2 occasions to help me with an investment property. He works quickly when you need him to and is very good at stalling when it benefits your needs. He has great communication and follow through. I trust his professional opinion and would use him again if I need to.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by William agnew
04 Nov, 2024 by The fbm corporation
Aaron Bryant has always been of great help for my entire family. Highly recommend!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Melissa rajcevich
Bardia is very easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable. I have used The Law Center on 2 occasions to help me with an investment property. He works quickly when you need him to and is very good at stalling when it benefits your needs. He has great communication and follow through. I trust his professional opinion and would use him again if I need to.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by William agnew
18 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Phyllis is an excellent appellate attorney. I found her to be an expert on appellate procedure and strategy and very eloquent and concise in framing her legal arguments. In short, she handled my case brilliantly and succeed in getting a favorable opinion. She will give a straight forward outlook on the likelihood of success in a case and not give false hope or encourage an appeal to generate business. She is responsive and open to suggestions and input. In addition, she is very fair on billing. If you are looking to appeal a case, you can't go wrong by hiring Phyllis Perko.
Read more
28 Jan, 2014 by Amy
Phyllis tells it like it is and doesn't sugarcoat anything or lead you in the wrong direction. She is very knowledgeable and firm. I felt like she did exactly what she said she would do. Her price is pretty much the same as all the other attorneys in the area but she is very flexible with payments. I would recommend her.
Read more
01 Aug, 2012 by Michael
Darren Miller did an excellent job at representing me against a case of a vendor that wanted to charge me thousands of dollars for work not done (a broken construction contract due to incompetence). Not only did he address the other lawyer in a very professional way, he asked good questions and did not give up. I won my case. I have a rule, that my attorney has to be very intelligent and competent and Darren Miller fits the bill. I would use him for larger cases as well.
Read more
08 Aug, 2019 by William
I have used Nicole Bauer for several legal needs including estate planning and Corporate work. I have always considered her work beyond exceptional. If a subject wasn't correct she would take care of it. When purchasing real estate she found things that needed attention that made me feel very comfortable with the end result.
Trustworthy, honest and brilliant in her field would be some words to describe the work of Nicole Bauer.
Read more
06 May, 2010 by Julie
Lisa is a wonderful lawyer. She handled my child support case at a fair price and expert service. She also handled my adoption case when after I got married my husband wanted to adopt my children. She was wonderful, kept me up to date, returned phone calls in a timely mannor, was always kind and accurate. I love Lisa and I have recommended her to many others. Thank you Lisa for all you've done for my family. Couldn't have done it without you!
Read more
13 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Great easy to talk to lawyer. Most lawyers are more concerned about clock. Some folks cannot get there message across and Bryce while looking at clock, did make some adjustments. He is the only lawyer I ever felt comfortable and confident in although we lost case due to 2 crooked life long lazy street smart people that played a Dual Bankrupty I was at ease knowing he was trying hard to protect me and did not bother me with cumbersome details.
Read more
13 Apr, 2020 by Renee
I was adopting a Baby Boy and my friend seen her and ask her what type of Lawyer she was. After meeting with Mrs. Walker and listening to her about what needed to be done everything went as she said. Mrs Walker was Excellent in getting it my Adoption for me. Thank You
Read more
12 May, 2015 by Sandy
I recently worked with Joe Rominski on a very difficult real estate transaction and know without hesitation, it was his knowledge, expertise and professionalism that closed the deal. As a realtor I only want the very best for my clients, and Mr. Rominski & his staff far exceeded my expectations!
Read more
08 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I met with Dave a few years back for a family law matter. A year later I used him when I sold my house, and 6 months later I used him again to incorporate my new business. Dave was able to clearly explain the answers to all of my questions regardless the area of law. He returned my all of my phone calls, did a great job keeping me informed, and even gave me a few tips that helped me save money in my start up business!
I had used a few other attorneys before I met Dave. ALL of them had a higher hourly rate and were less attentive. I couldn’t be happier with his services, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a hardworking, honest attorney!
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Davis was amazing. She went above & beyond. She handled my divorce professionally & with class. My ex's attorney tried to drag a simple case out & extend dates because my ex didn't want to cooperate with paperwork. We were only married for a year. We were not asking anything from each other. It should have been a cut & dry case. The opposing attorney completed paperwork the night before the court date. Ms. Davis had to scramble to get everything together the morning of. She was able to have the divorce finalized & complete in my favor, even though the opposing party was dragging their feet. If she wouldn't have pushed to get things done when she did, I'd have to pay more & wait longer. Attorney Davis is also a down to earth human & will have a pleasant conversation with you. She's truly amazing at her job & it's obvious she has heart in it. I highly recommend her! She saved me money & time!
Read more
28 Jan, 2024 by Robert wiedemeyer
Helping with property boundry dispute...
Read more
24 Dec, 2020 by Naima sidiqi
Mr. Richard Erdmann is experienced, very personable, easy to work with, and empathetic.
Read more
07 Aug, 2018 by My privacy
We used Richard for Power of Attorney for medical and financial. My sister is not mobile and he was willing to travel to her location to get signatures.
Read more
05 Jan, 2025 by Luis arredondo
17 Dec, 2024 by N w
I am disappointed to say that I have not had the same experience with this Law Office as the other folks leaving reviews. I have made multiple attempts to connect with them regarding a mistake they made on a court order in 2017. That mistake has cost me hours of unnecessary and unsuccessful work and worrying. My phone calls and emails have gone unanswered, and I was no-showed on for a meeting we had scheduled with no follow up or apology. I am aware that my case will not bring in a significant amount of money, and maybe that's why my case is not important to them. But the mistake was made by the law firm. I had hoped they would want to correct it.
Read more
29 Nov, 2024 by Elena aguirre
I Highly recommend and saving the number in case I ever need it again:) Mr. Otto is very prepared & I didn't need to get involved much for him to close the case on my behalf. I felt very comfortable asking any questions or suggestions I had, even the legal assistants where very knowledgeable answering my calls or emails right away. The Price was also very straightforward and under other attorney's price range for my custody case.
Read more
20 Jul, 2023 by Tammi cattron
Great lawyer and great secretary!!! They both helped my husband and me take care of what we needed and did it with some of the best customer service ever!!!! If you are located near the Canton area and need a great lawyer this is the office to call!!! I will be if I ever need a lawyer again!
Read more
17 Jun, 2022 by Diane moreno
15 Dec, 2019 by Sue bittle
James Ellson is honest and extremely helpful
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Sondra mcmillion
Great Lawyer
Read more
04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
Read more
13 Oct, 2019 by Martin bakowski
26 Nov, 2023 by Christopher oleson
Pleasant atmosphere, professional, easy to talk to.
Read more
25 Nov, 2023 by Shellie
Love Deb and her team. Listened and knew exactly what I needed. Would highly recommend.
Read more
12 Oct, 2023 by Mike p
Used Deb 2 times n both times for very difficult cases and very happy with the hard work her n her staff did for me.Deb and her staff great bunch of people.never kept me hanging,always kept me up todate,friendly,always concerned on how i was doing and unlike alot of other lawers she was straight forward,n always to the point and was always thinking of what would be fair for both sides to get the situation settled not trying to drag anything on farther then it needed to to line her pocket or drain mine would use her again in a heart beat
Read more
03 Jan, 2023 by Ed jordon
Smartest man I’ve ever met. Great atty. highly recommend.
Read more
24 Aug, 2022 by Joshua murphy
I hear he is a wonderful attorney haven't gotten email back yet from his office after I sent one bye email not sure if I was hacked n it didn't go Thur or if maybe office didn't get it since I hear he is such a great attorny and his partners and law firm is on of the best I hope to here back soon need legal representation on several matters
Read more
27 Dec, 2021 by David froman
16 Dec, 2024 by Munoz
Top of the line. Great communication Kasia was amazing throughout the whole process made it easy for me. In the end got the results I was looking for. The whole office was very professional. 100% recommend
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Robert c
Great staff. Accomplished what we needed and are grateful.
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by Dainah malave
This firm and Mrs. Rymuts actions were egregious, It can’t be overstated to caution yourself before retaining her services. I retained her and paid for a one hour consultation where I specifically laid out details about my case regarding child support where the father was hiding his address to avoid being served court papers. She told me she could take the case, get a private investigator and we could get him served. Except all she did was take over $5,000 of my money, only in the end to tell me she couldn’t help me because she couldn’t serve him the court papers: I was up front about not having his information or his address, she over promised and under delivered. I was charged for every email, phone call, etc. and yielded no results at all. At any point she could have stopped dragging on the case and charging me when she knew that we couldn’t do anything about the situation but she chose to drag it on to continue to get paid. She took thousands of dollars from a single mom when she knew from the start as the legal expert that she couldn’t help me. It did not take $5,000+ and 4 months to tell me what I had led with in our initial conversation. There is no empathy, no respect and no integrity and for that alone I would recommend you to go to literally anyone else. There are far too many attorneys available to go with this firm.
Read more
01 Feb, 2025 by Daniel okafor
The best way to describe her is Shakespeare's character of ''Shylock'' in The Merchant of Venice. In 2024, I hired her for a DCFS hearing before an administrative judge and after collecting my hard earned money, she changed completely! As an Attorney she was supposed to carry out interviews prior to the hearing to help give my case a chance, but she didn't. During the hearing I was the one that brought one person to support me. My advice to anyone, DO NOT HIRE her, she will do TERRIBLE JOB!!!!
Read more
17 Jan, 2025 by Nick o'connor
Alex Rothenberg served as the court-appointed GAL (Guardian ad Litem) in my case, and my experience with her was deeply troubling. Despite initially appearing engaged by asking questions and taking notes, she failed to address any of my concerns, displayed a clear bias toward my ex-wife, and accepted her statements as truth without requiring any supporting evidence.
Alex prematurely removed herself from the case, leaving critical issues unresolved and contributing to an outcome where my daughter has been denied fair and equal time with both parents. Her actions violated several key statutes and guidelines that GALs are required to follow in Illinois, including:
750 ILCS 5/506(a)(2): GALs must conduct an independent investigation, including interviews and a review of relevant documents, and provide an objective recommendation to the court. Alex failed to conduct a thorough investigation or verify evidence, instead relying on unchecked statements from my ex-wife.
Best Interest of the Child Standard (750 ILCS 5/602.7): GALs are required to prioritize the child’s well-being and ensure meaningful relationships with both parents unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. Alex’s biased and incomplete recommendations directly harmed my daughter’s ability to have a fair and balanced relationship with both parents.
Ethical Obligations of Attorneys and GALs: GALs are required to avoid personal bias, remain neutral, and act in a professional manner that serves the child’s best interests. Alex’s personal bias against me was evident and unprofessional, resulting in recommendations that prioritized her own prejudice over the needs of a 5-year-old child.
To make matters worse, Alex’s conduct was part of a broader pattern within her firm. Other members of her firm displayed similarly unethical behavior, including inflated billing practices, misrepresentations to the court, and a general failure to uphold professional standards.
Alex’s unprofessional and unethical behavior, combined with her failure to follow required statutes, caused irreparable harm to my daughter’s well-being. Her actions were not only a disservice to the court but also a direct violation of the trust placed in her to act in the best interests of the child.
Avoid Alex Rothenberg and her entire firm. Their lack of professionalism, integrity, and accountability makes them unfit for any legal matter, particularly those involving children.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Piff piff
Rude people absolute no customer service at all. Run from this place. Luckily I didn’t spend money on them I almost did.
Read more
22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
No one ever thinks about divorce at the beginning of a marriage. But people change, situations change and sometimes divorce is your only option. That's how it was for me. And not knowing anyone who had got divorced or what to expect, I did not know where to turn or what was considered a normal proceedings. For those in my position, I would recommended Elizabeth of Elizabeth Westover Born PC. Elizabeth can break down the process, and let you know your rights and what to expect. She can guide you through an unexpected and an unsettling time, and help make it into a much more digestible process. I truly value her expertise. I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone who may be thinking about divorce to get an honest opinion and know his/her rights.
Read more
24 Apr, 2017 by John
Elizabeth is tough lawyer, who really takes the time to understand the case and the needs of her client. Willing to fight for your rights. Worked with her on a paternity case. Highly recommended.
Read more
24 Mar, 2017 by Jamie
Words simply aren’t enough to express my gratitude for my team, Elizabeth Westover and Kerry, of Westover Born, P.C., during my family matters and child support cases. Having used small town lawyers for my divorce proceedings ten years ago, and seeing the way they both pitted me and my ex against each other for the sake of lining their own pockets, I refused to use that same lawyer for issues concerning my child today. Elizabeth and Kerry are not only sophisticated and intelligent lawyers, but they are empathetic and supportive; this is a rare combination in the legal field. Elizabeth and Kerry demonstrated the highest level of professional and personal commitment to me and my daughter throughout our cases. I was never a number, my daughter was never an afterthought, and we were treated with the utmost respect. As any client, finances are always a concern when a legal battle commences. Elizabeth and Kerry communicated with me, frequently and openly, about anticipated costs every step of the way. They listened to my wishes and concerns; they guided me firmly and compassionately; they aggressively fought for me and my daughter, all while remaining cognizant of my finances. Elizabeth and Kerry never took advantage of me or my emotions. They guided me into making my own decisions, supported me, and never pressured me to pursue frivolous claims as my divorce lawyer had done. In fact, throughout the legal issues, opposing counsel made several errors resulting in unnecessary and extra work for my team resulting in added fees. My team was able to recover a large portion of these fees for me, effectively demonstrating that they should not have fallen on me or my team to begin with. Elizabeth and Kerry’s interactions with me, as a team, were beyond effective and resulted in a positive ruling for me and my daughter. Elizabeth and Kerry genuinely placed our best interest ahead of their own bottom line. I highly recommend Elizabeth and Kerry to anyone in need of assistance with family matters. In fact, they’re the ONLY team I recommend. Their expertise, passion and dedication to family is unparalleled. My family is ever grateful not just for the positive outcome of my case, but for the humanity and care they offered to me and my daughter.
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by Susan sanders
I have had such a great experience working with Lindsay at Scott Pollock & Associates. I greatly appreciated her timely and thoughtful responses to my questions, and she followed up on occasions that weren't expected! I will definitely reach out to you if her expertise is needed in the future.
Read more
31 Dec, 2024 by Dwayne hunter
Mr. Matthew Jones and associates of McHargue & Jones handled my case with efficiency and professionalism. Mr.Jones represented me and made sure that I always received my workman's comp benefits on time. Once everything was agreed, I was pleased with the settlement I received. I would highly recommend McHargue & Jones for anyone seeking positive results. They will provide outstanding service and a fair outcome for you.
Read more
31 Dec, 2024 by Kelly hortin
Matthew Jones helped me navigate through the entire workman comp case and he fought hard for everything I am entitled to for compensation for my injury. I highly recommend this law firm for anyone that needs guidance and help.
Read more
01 Feb, 2025 by Daniel okafor
The best way to describe her is Shakespeare's character of ''Shylock'' in The Merchant of Venice. In 2024, I hired her for a DCFS hearing before an administrative judge and after collecting my hard earned money, she changed completely! As an Attorney she was supposed to carry out interviews prior to the hearing to help give my case a chance, but she didn't. During the hearing I was the one that brought one person to support me. My advice to anyone, DO NOT HIRE her, she will do TERRIBLE JOB!!!!
Read more
17 Jan, 2025 by Nick o'connor
Alex Rothenberg served as the court-appointed GAL (Guardian ad Litem) in my case, and my experience with her was deeply troubling. Despite initially appearing engaged by asking questions and taking notes, she failed to address any of my concerns, displayed a clear bias toward my ex-wife, and accepted her statements as truth without requiring any supporting evidence.
Alex prematurely removed herself from the case, leaving critical issues unresolved and contributing to an outcome where my daughter has been denied fair and equal time with both parents. Her actions violated several key statutes and guidelines that GALs are required to follow in Illinois, including:
750 ILCS 5/506(a)(2): GALs must conduct an independent investigation, including interviews and a review of relevant documents, and provide an objective recommendation to the court. Alex failed to conduct a thorough investigation or verify evidence, instead relying on unchecked statements from my ex-wife.
Best Interest of the Child Standard (750 ILCS 5/602.7): GALs are required to prioritize the child’s well-being and ensure meaningful relationships with both parents unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. Alex’s biased and incomplete recommendations directly harmed my daughter’s ability to have a fair and balanced relationship with both parents.
Ethical Obligations of Attorneys and GALs: GALs are required to avoid personal bias, remain neutral, and act in a professional manner that serves the child’s best interests. Alex’s personal bias against me was evident and unprofessional, resulting in recommendations that prioritized her own prejudice over the needs of a 5-year-old child.
To make matters worse, Alex’s conduct was part of a broader pattern within her firm. Other members of her firm displayed similarly unethical behavior, including inflated billing practices, misrepresentations to the court, and a general failure to uphold professional standards.
Alex’s unprofessional and unethical behavior, combined with her failure to follow required statutes, caused irreparable harm to my daughter’s well-being. Her actions were not only a disservice to the court but also a direct violation of the trust placed in her to act in the best interests of the child.
Avoid Alex Rothenberg and her entire firm. Their lack of professionalism, integrity, and accountability makes them unfit for any legal matter, particularly those involving children.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Piff piff
Rude people absolute no customer service at all. Run from this place. Luckily I didn’t spend money on them I almost did.
Read more
07 Nov, 2020 by J & h
My husband and I used Katy Kraft to help us with negotiations with his ex wife. Katy gave perfect advice and legal guidance. Katy was able to quickly understand the delicacy and painfulness of our situations. Thanks Katy. We would highly recommend Katy to everyone.
Read more
11 Dec, 2019 by Vicki lazo
It's a wonder he doesn't have more bad reviews. What an awful person to speak with.
Read more
30 Mar, 2019 by Jan francois
My husband and I have known Terry for over twenty years, and I cannot say enough about his professional skills and compassion he extended to us in meeting our needs. Two of our sons have also used Terry's services and they have had the same experience. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty when serving our family. I would recommend Mr. Kelly to anyone seeking an educated, experienced, and professional lawyer.
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by Michelle ashwood
Dan was absolutely amazing with us and our daughter! He is very knowledgeable and gets the process done quickly on his end. I recommend Dan for all Foster parents.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Julie hart
We highly recommend Dan for your adoption needs. He was experienced, efficient, and true to his word. At this stage you have certainly been through enough. You can place your trust in Dan.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Toni bitschenauer
Dan was very sufficient in helping me adopt my xhusbands nephew, very polite, very to the point, and on top of everything..appreciate him so much. Thank You Dan
Read more
30 Jan, 2025 by Wendy sandoval
Mr. Walsh is a very outstanding lawyer. I highly recommend him. He is very dedicated to his clients and explains the process at every court hearing. He is very kind and knowledgeable.
Read more
30 Jan, 2025 by Rogelio cortez jr
Amazing job! Highly recommended! Very Knowledgeable,professional & caring. Really helped me out with my case. Thank you Mr. Walsh
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Joshua johnston
Darran took the time to help in making sure you felt valued. But the entire legal team is to thank in all honesty. I had supreme and utter confidence in his abilities. If considering representation particularly regarding an OOP go to Darran he will secure the W!
Read more
25 Nov, 2024 by Resistance jedi
19 Feb, 2024 by Hope coulter
I highly recommend Darran ! He is one of the best there is . Narrissa is so helpful as well they are a great team ! Thank you for all you do Darran !
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Illinois - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Chicago
-
Springfield
-
Northbrook
-
Wheaton
-
Naperville
-
Peoria
-
Rockford
-
Schaumburg
-
Evanston
-
Oak Brook
-
Joliet
-
Bloomington
-
Deerfield
-
Belleville
-
Oak Park
-
Lisle
-
Skokie
-
Champaign
-
Edwardsville
-
Waukegan
-
Park Ridge
-
Arlington Heights
-
Downers Grove
-
Aurora
-
Saint Charles
-
Highland Park
-
Lake Forest
-
Orland Park
-
Glenview
-
Barrington
-
Crystal Lake
-
Libertyville
-
Des Plaines
-
Rolling Meadows
-
Hinsdale
-
Elgin
-
Geneva
-
Rock Island
-
Wilmette
-
Northfield
-
Rosemont
-
Decatur
-
Palatine
-
Oakbrook Terrace
-
Burr Ridge
-
Elmhurst
-
Urbana
-
Moline
-
Winnetka
-
Alton
-
Buffalo Grove
-
Lombard
-
Itasca
-
Marion
-
Glen Ellyn
-
Palos Heights
-
Hoffman Estates
-
La Grange
-
Lincolnshire
-
Tinley Park
-
Vernon Hills
-
River Forest
-
Riverwoods
-
Mount Prospect
-
Carbondale
-
Ottawa
-
Lincolnwood
-
Woodstock
-
Warrenville
-
Mount Vernon
-
Bannockburn
-
Mchenry
-
Westchester
-
Bolingbrook
-
Quincy
-
Western Springs
-
Sycamore
-
Gurnee
-
Westmont
-
Homewood
-
North Chicago
-
Lake Bluff
-
Glencoe
-
Plainfield
-
Lake Zurich
-
Dekalb
-
Frankfort
-
Mundelein
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Illinois
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Intellectual Property
-
Government
-
Insurance
-
Tax
-
Consumer Protection
-
Workers Compensation
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Probate
-
Appeals
-
Civil Rights
-
Immigration
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Child Custody
-
Car Accident
-
Class Action
-
Elder Law
-
Trusts
-
Bankruptcy
-
Child Support
-
Mediation
-
Wrongful Death
-
Debt Collection
-
Domestic Violence
-
Adoption
-
Divorce
-
Foreclosure
-
Juvenile Law
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Discrimination
-
Copyright Application
-
Entertainment
-
DUI / DWI
-
Federal Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Sex Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Construction
-
Drug Crime
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Environmental Law
-
Life Insurance
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Education Law
-
Constitutional Law
-
Contracts
-
Corporate
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
