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27 Sep, 2024 by Spencer
Was on top of everything. Had all the answers I needed. Will use again. Would recommend to anyone.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Mindy
Did a great guy amazing people so grateful he took my case would refer them and definitely go back and use them again . ..................................,..........
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16 Aug, 2024 by Monte
I want to thank the law office of Daniel Whitehead for accepting my case and doing exactly what they said they would do. I was even out of State! They fought hard for us to win our case. The whole staff was very knowledgeable and knew exactly what to do. They were a pleasure to work with. They kept me informed at all times & returned every call I made to them, I definitely made the correct choice when I hired them. I’m very satisfied!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Murphy
I would like to tell you a story about an adoption agency call Kirsh & Kirsh and why you cannot go wrong with adopting kids through the law firm. If you ask adoptive parents Why adopt?, they might show you a photo of the first time they met their son. They might tell the story of the summer they taught their daughter to swim, or describe the sound of their children laughing and playing together in their backyard.
Every parent has their own personal reasons for adopting, but at its core, the advantage of adoption is simple: it builds families. Working with a trained adoption professional such as Kirsh & Kirsh law firm can help you make all of the identity what’s important in your adoption journey and help you decide which type of adoption is best for you. Kirsh & Kirsh has been doing adoption well into 40 years and I can say when you make the call for adoption you will not regret it. When I first called Kirsh & Kirsh they made me feel like I was home and they knew me the whole time and they really do listen to your needs and not the needs of the state. So give them a call and let them know you read my comments and want to inquire.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Krista
Grant and his whole staff are amazing. I know I was a bit of a pain being nervous and questions upon questions. The staff - especially Kylee guided us through the process with patience, kindness and understanding.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Nichole
Grant and his team were amazing. He gave such great advice and guidance and made the process so seamless and headache free. Ours was not a short journey and they were there every step of the way offering suggestions and answering all the questions we had. Highly recommend Grant and his team!
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01 Nov, 2022 by Emory
Kate Flood and her team are amazing. She helped me legally change my name and gender marker. By myself, this would've been a daunting task, but Kate Flood made the process completely painless. She really delivered a life saving service to me. Thank you Kate
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22 Feb, 2022 by Lee
Kate made getting my name and gender marker changed so simple. I will recommend her to all my friends moving forward for legal help. I'm thankful she made a daunting task so easy.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Kate and her team helped me navigate through the initial divorce and through subsequent filings. Kate helped me understand what to expect throughout the process, and she was right every time. She’s dedicated to her profession, and is accepting honest clients to represent! She helped educate me on all of the expectations of agreements and how to communicate as best as possible with my ex. Don’t hesitate to contact Kate. Be patient- These things take time. She cares about you and your family, and will help you understand everything!
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I'm a single mom of 3 almost-adult children. While attempting to set my own affairs in order and make sure my children were well provided for in an unplanned scenario, I went to Sarah for advice and she took care of everything I had and had not thought of. For a short visit to her office and a fee that's less than I pay for internet in 6 months, it was well worth the peace of mind it has afforded me. Sarah is a calm, warm, responsive, sympathetic person. I felt very comfortable discussing my wishes and concerns with her, and she provided plenty of insight into the legalese contained in the documents that will protect my children and their property should I be unable to. Highly recommend!
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06 Sep, 2016 by Mia
In 2015 my disability benefits from an independent insurance company were wrongly terminated. Miss Everett prepared my very difficult and lengthy appeal. She won the case for me. My benefits were reinstated and I received all of the back pay that was due me. Miss Everett was extremely responsive to my calls and emails. I believe that, along with the written appeal, her excellent communication and negotiation skills are a large part of winning the case.
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03 Jan, 2016 by Lara
I was referred to Sarah by a funeral home to help with issues concerning a cremation for a family member. I was so impressed by how quickly she attended to my needs. It was simply unbelievable. She went out of her way to get things done quickly and thoroughly. It was amazing. She drove out her way to meet me to get paperwork, worked hard to get things done fast (I just had to smile when I saw emails after midnight, she meant business!), and communicated extremely well with me and my husband. From the first phone call to having my issue resolved it was less than 24 hours. I can't give her enough praise. In this busy world with so many obstacles in our way it was nice to have the personal touch. I knew she cared. I plan on hiring Sarah to do our estate planning.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Timothy nolan
Romy was hired to help represent me through a heavy custody battle. As a father, in the state of Indiana, I had already fought the uphill battle and lost with a previous attorney. However, when I met with Romy and team, it was clear we had a path to success albeit several obstabcles in the way. Romy was able to guide me and my family through the process with thought, care and determination. I literally thought there was no hope, but instead, Romy was able to dictate the pace of everything, manage accordingly and quite literally destroy the competition. The balance of which was a decision from the bench, which I might add, is rather unheard of in custody cases. In that same vein, Romy was able to secure my daughters safety through full legal and primarr physical custody awarded to me, Dad.
If it were for Romy, my daughters safety would be in question on a daily basis, but instead, we can rest easy. This is all thanks to Romy.
With all that said, if you need a lawyer who will fight, truly fight, and not give just lip service. This is your guy.
Romy and his team are some of the finest, most professional folks I have ever met. They are in all aspects of their practice, above reproach.
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21 Apr, 2016 by Richard
Romy was quick to jump in with good advice and was able to find the best the solution right away. Selling it to others involved was the real pay off for us and the outcome we wanted. Excellent to work with.
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21 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I met Mr. Elswerky when I hired him to expunge an arrest record for my son. I was very angry that police arrested my son for no arrestable reason. He was visiting a fraternity brother when police knocked on the door. His frat brother refused to answer on the grounds that police didn't have a warrant, which is his right. One police officer stayed at the front door while the other went and got a warrant. Frat brother opened the door and everyone inside was arrested. There were several young men in the apartment. Prosecutor didn't prosecute b/c there was nothing to prosecute, but my son ended up with an arrest record. I suppose the warrant could have been appealed, but when prosecutor didn't move forward we thought it best just to seek expungement. Needless to say I am still angry at the police conduct and can only hope for karma for them and their families. Anyway, back to Mr. Elswerky, who filed the proper paperwork, set up a hearing for expungement. My son and I met him at the courthouse to attend the hearing. We waited approximately 2 hours for the judge and prosecutor to start, as the prosecutor was busy with another case in another courtroom. In those 2 hours we go to know more of Mr. Elswerky. He explained what was going to happen in the courtroom and my son's future concerning the expungement. When all this happened my son was a sophomore on college. He is going to graduate next month and then off to med school. I hope this review helps those in need of a criminal lawyer. I also hope we will never need Mr. Elswerky, but just in case, I would definitely hire again.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Tonya tidd
She made my calls a priority. Her follow up was stellar. She sent follow up emails after talking to us after the court hearings to make sure we understood what exactly happened in court and what to expect next. Her fee structure was well explained and fair. She has a lot of experience and that was obvious with her knowledge of case law and just the law in general. It is very hard to be heard when you are JUST kinship placement in our DCS system. Mrs. Boyd successfully helped us in this process. She is prompt, prepared, and ready for whatever is thrown at her, she is very fast on her feet. She was confident, yet graceful and well respected in the Juvenile court. We are so thankful for the referral and would recommend Mrs. Boyd highly.
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04 May, 2018 by Felicia
Elaine was a referral from a friend. I'd never been in court before and, I was so upset and afraid when I received my summons in the mail. Elaine was prompt and reassuring. She worked meticulously to find out as much information as she could that pertained to my case. She consulted with my child's teacher, his therapist, and others to make sure that what was in the best interest of my child would be the outcome in this case. Myself and the other parent had a horrible relationship when this all started . We were required through the courts to complete a course and Elaine wanted feedback. She asked me questions, in hopes that I'd learned something that could be applied to my specific family situation. I won in court, myself and the other parent have a much better relationship now, and most importantly my child is happy. I had no hope in the beginning of this case and by the end of it all my family was free from all of the strife and disappointment from past years.
I'd hope that no one I know finds themselves in the same situation I was in but if so I know how I can help. I'll refer them to Elaine. She's trustworthy, she cares, and she gets results. Thank you so much Elaine. You have been a huge blessing in my life and I'll never forget what you did for my family.
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13 Jan, 2014 by Samuel
I met Elaine in 2003 when I married her niece. At the time I had no rights to my 3 daughters and was constantly fighting my ex-wife lies etc. I am proud to say that I now thanks to the hard work of Elaine have custody of my daughters. She saw through all the lies and painted a plain picture for the judge to see. Because her great attention to detail EVERY lie my ex-wife told, Elaine had the truth in black and white. My ex didn't give up easily, we went all the way to the Court of Appeal and I am proud to say because of Elaine, I have my daughters and my ex-wife can not use anything to hinder our relationship. THANK YOU ELAINE. WHAT CAN I SAY I OWE YOU SO MUCH. I HAVE PEACE OF MIND.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Aaron robbins
06 Oct, 2023 by Bill klyzub
28 Aug, 2023 by Cookie crumble
After being let down in representation by another, Gary Reynolds picked up the pieces and got everything done in a professional manner. He has a way of making the process make sense.
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12 Feb, 2015 by Shane
Effective - Tracey is an experienced lawyer in the area of domestic relations who has proven to be an effective advocate for her clients. Responsive - Tracey and her staff are sure to respond promptly to client inquiries and requests. Professional - even during the most difficult situation, Tracey displays composure and professionalism bringing a sense of dignity and respect to the process. Highly recommended.
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01 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Tracey is a respected advocate who is extremely knowledgeable in her area. Tracey and her staff work tirelessly in providing effective legal representation to her clients. Strongly recommend!
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20 Oct, 2014 by Mark
I have worked with this attorney many times in the past. I have found her to be excellent working with her clients and other attorneys and excellent presenting her cases to the court. I have recommended her to clients without hesitation.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Rachel black
Mr. Bryant is an extremely knowledgeable attorney. He is kind, compassionate, and relatable and for these reasons, he is my go-to attorney for my legal needs.
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02 Feb, 2020 by Leroy wilson
17 Jul, 2018 by Montez harris
Went to go visit my lawyer
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20 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Our family has the deepest respect for this law office. Stasia’s excellent attitude, preparedness, and patience streamlined our estate planning. She made us feel very confident in our decisions and unafraid to ask questions at any time. This was the most comfortable I’ve ever felt signing so many documents and talking about my own death. Thank you for your kindness and expertise.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
A neighbor highly recommended Stasia to us after she made a house call to conduct estate planning for their elderly mother.
It was our pleasure to work with this attorney. She made the estate planning process easy to understand and economical to accomplish.
It turned out that our childcare fell through on the day of our initial meeting. Instead of asking us to reschedule, Stasia welcomed our children with snacks and prepared a play area for them so that we could concentrate on the task at hand.
In today's fast-paced world, it is a pleasure to meet someone so willing to go beyond.
Highly recommended.
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27 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
We retained Ms. Demos in the context of a foster adoption proceeding. She came alongside our family during a legally (and emotionally) precipitous time. Her responsiveness, knowledge, attention to detail, and compassion were indispensable to us (and the flowers she brought for our daughter on the day of her final adoption hearing were a final affirmation that we had chosen just the right advocate). We recommend her regularly to other foster parents in the community and anticipate a continued relationship as we now move forward with estate planning.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Andrew
I moved back from overseas with my daughter to fight for custody for my child. Caitlin and her team were wonderful in every aspect. She faught for us when I didn’t know what to do. She constantly stayed in contact with me throughout the process, went above and beyond in research and dedication to my case, truly making me feel like her family. She was extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of her job. She helped settle our case to my liking and when I asked for it to be reopened about a year later; Caitlin was right there. If I needed her now, I know she would only be a phone call away. I truly could not have it without her. She saved my family.
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18 Sep, 2018 by Lindsay
2015 I was a single mom going through a horrific divorce . I wasn’t getting anywhere with my previous lawyer and fired that non experienced lawyer and contacted Hunt Hassler Miller law firm. I spoke with a nice paralegal named Jolyn. She gave a brief description of each lawyer in office . Caitlin Miller description stood out to me. She explained kindly Caitlin’s protocols and I knew she would be the one I would want to interview for my case . After meeting with Caitlin, I instantly hired her . She was so understanding and I could tell she personally cared about my situation and most importantly that office treated me like family. She is very detailed , thorough , and she listens . She knew how important my kids meant to me and keeping them safe . She did exactly that! She kept us safe ! She even seen me struggled financially through out the few years and bought diapers and wipes for my 3 kids . Her office set up payment arrangements with me which was a great help! She was such a blessing to my family! Especially when the father of my children stepped out of their lives , she stepped into our lives !
Couple years later , I am remarried and we have hired Caitlin again for our adoption case ! Again, her services have been outstanding. She has offered advice , emotional support and has been there to answer any questions we have had . I give this lawyer 10+ stars !
#CAITLINMILLER #1
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24 Feb, 2015 by Don
Caitlin is representing me in my divorce.
She is very professional, thorough and has worked hard to achieve a fair outcome for me. She has been terrific to work with and worth every penny I've been billed. Billing practices are straight-forward, no-nonsense and unhyped.
I highly recommend her and her law firm. Support staff are also superior and efficient and easy to get along with.
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10 Jan, 2020 by Michael
Attorney Zougras helped me get regular parenting time with my kids and an equal voice in how they’re being raised. Now I’m not just a weekend dad and a support check. Great job!
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30 Aug, 2019 by Bob
Attorney Zougras helped me get joint custody of my children after years of their mother denying me of my rights! Great job!
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26 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Zougras and her office staff are very responsive and provided excellent representation during my divorce case. My ex told me I was lucky I got to her first!
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27 Nov, 2018 by Randi
I am currrently dealing with my very first CHINS case through DCS and ms Pamela was appointed to me by the grace of God. She held my hand and guided me to treatment and now she’s fighting for DCS to pay for all of my medicine that my own Medicaid won’t cover. I just know in my heart that with her help I’m going to have my baby home by our next court date!!! ;) I would most defiantly recommend her to any addict that wants to take the right steps to have their babies back at home.
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09 Dec, 2016 by Orlando valadez salas
I highly recommend Pamela,
After going through a tough divorce pamela has taken my case to a different level ,and took it to a personal level (good way)
Pam will sit down with you and explain everything step by step,
and if you have any questions she will efficiently respond accordingly , very professional,
the payments were affordable and reasonable. very important for most people going through divorce. affordable and efficient.
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09 Jan, 2016 by Claire
She would definitely make a great consult. I had no clue where, how, or when and she helped me easily through every process! She made sure I was well prepared before I ever needed to worry about being ready. She is just an awesome, awesome lawyer and a great down to earth person. Sara made sure I have every resource at my disposal. I would not even hesitate to come back to her for my other legal needs!
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24 Oct, 2013 by Philip
Ms. Pitcher assisted us with adoption related documents a couple of times and did outstanding work. Her passion for her work and personal touch made us much more comfortable and confident in working through a complicated process. With her help, two orphans got a forever family.
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04 Feb, 2011 by Susy
I have had the opportunity to work with Beau on a variety of personal and professional matters for nearly four years. Beau is a very loyal and determined attorney who continues to demonstrate a very strong work ethic. I sincerely feel that whoever is fortunate enough to utilize his services will be rewarded with work well done. I
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28 Nov, 2010 by Aaron
Beau is an honorable man. I've used him to do both Estate and Business planning and have been satisfied with the quality of service. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone that needs legal counsel.
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21 May, 2016 by Kimberly
Mr. McKay is hands-down the best attorney I have ever retained. He handled a case 4 hours away from my residence by appearing for me. He is extremely knowledgeable and goes above and beyond for his clients. His secretary, April, is one of a kind. She is very professional while also making you feel like a friend. Emails and call backs are very prompt. I would recommend to anyone in Owen county.
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16 Jul, 2013 by Letha
John McKay represented me in a marriage dissolution in an extremely professional and competent manner. His staff is keenly attentive and helpful. I always received responses from his office in a very timely fashion. He successfully negotiated a very equitable settlement. I highly recommend Mr. McKay.
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16 Jul, 2020 by Cynthia day
03 Jul, 2018 by Jaime swango
Kevin O'Keefe is an awesome estate/probate attorney. We hired him for our grandparents estate and he did a fabulous job. I'm so glad we got to work together. He is extremely accessible and ready to return emails or phone calls with very reasonable timing, almost immediately by email many times. Our process was special and had many twists and turns and he was always able to give me answers and advise. I felt very confident knowing I had him to turn to in our situations. I would definitely recommend Kevin to everyone. He explained this process in such a way that I am able to tell someone else. He is excellent. Thank you Kevin for being a great attorney!!! My family is happy to be finished lol. Please choose Kevin and tell him that Jaime's review sent you!!!!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Katie
Shawn is a class act! She knows her stuff-policy, laws, how to argue for you. She never gives up! 5 stars!
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06 Jul, 2021 by Kathy
Mary Kohn helped me navigate the estate and probate court system following the death of my Uncle. She was professional, was responsive to all of my questions and concerns in a timely manner, and displayed an expertise in her field. I was most grateful for her assistance and would highly recommend her.
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13 Oct, 2016 by James
When it comes to my son, I want the very best for him. So when his mother and I needed a court to settle our differences I was worried that like most fathers in Indiana, I would get the raw end of the deal. But instead the team at H&Z understood my needs, they know the law and have relationships within the legal community that were VITAL to getting the fair treatment I deserve as a loving father, from the court.
Hollingsworth and Zivits, and their staff have the experience, reputation and a proven track record you absolutely need when going to court is unavoidable! I would recommend their services to anyone trying to navigate their case in a family court room!!
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25 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Miss Davenport assisted us after one of her colleagues was injured and no longer able to take on our case. Notwithstanding a heavier workload due to her colleague's absence, Miss Davenport worked expeditiously to get current on the details of our situation. At all times, she was professional and courteous. When she didn't have an immediate answer to one of our questions or an aspect of our case, she worked quickly to get to the right answer. Given the unique circumstances, she was exactly what we would hope for in a lawyer asked to take over in the midst of a case in progress.
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20 Apr, 2015 by Wendy
My first meeting with Mr. Pickett went smoothly and he was very upfront and honest about his concerns and thoughts about my case. He was very thorough in explaining what I needed to prove my case and what my chances were for winning. I was very appreciative of the fact that he did not talk down to me. He was extremely professional and showed concern for my worries. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice.
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16 Mar, 2017 by Mary
Mario handled my divorce and subsequent custody case. He has been courteous, friendly, and prompt through both of these difficult processes.
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26 Jan, 2016 by Denver
Brian was great. What started out as a simple filing, ended up more complicated but he followed through to the end to get me the results I needed.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Dustin
I highly recommend. I wish she was in Texas because I would higher her again.
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18 Jul, 2015 by Jenny
He is great. Easy to contact. He gives his clients his cell phone number. If you have a question you can call or text him at anytime. If you go to jail you can call him. He's a really good human being who just happens to be a lawyer.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Melissa
Trying to figure out how to get charges off my record that are not mine. I'll be so thankful for your help with this situation it's preventing me from moving on in my life! I've been clean and sober on February 14th
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28 Jul, 2024 by Viktor
Mr. Koons is a very professional, resourceful and dedicated attorney! Throughout this process I felted supported, encouraged and well represented without missing any details that would hinder my case. Highly recommended without any hesitations!
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16 Sep, 2024 by J j
I really highly recommend Chad Delventhal as an attorney. He is so friendly and polite, but as a client he is there to look out for your best interests, and fight for you! He clearly explains things to you and what to expect, and listens well to you. He made the process very simple and I am glad to have worked with him! I also want to say that his office staff is so responsive and helpful too.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Demetrios
Great team. Very nice people. Helped me through a very rough time.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Nick bishop
09 Oct, 2024 by Davidhau tuangsen
Submited I-130 form on November 2022, USCIS approved in 10 months, NVC approved in two weeks and transfer case to Rangoon Embassy notified from Embassy by Email in two weeks and waiting for scheduling for medical examination in 7 months 2023.VISA resulted in August2024.Mission Completed in two years🥰🥰. *** Medical exam plus Visa interviews waiting time 1 year😕. Recommend *** avoid Rangoon Medical Center and Embassy.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Tim dudley
Professional and thorough in his approach to our needs.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Kim
Excellent people, they were always clear and transparent every step of the way and took the time to answer all of my questions.
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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:
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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.
