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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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14 Sep, 2024 by Tilung ntm
Very Good service.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Rob hammer
19 Sep, 2024 by Lori hartman
Best Attorney you'll EVER FIND,FOR A MALPRACTICE CASE!! He couldn't have worked any harder for me than he did! I ended up with him, on a whim of a recommendation from a different attorney after I'd been passed down to some new Atty that just wanted to get it settled,done and over, wanting me to settle for $11k total with him getting 40% of that & so on! Mike took me on,took his time to do it right 👍🏻 & I will tell you this much,the case ended up settling for a ton MORE! I can't disclose that, but he's well worth it 🤩
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21 Aug, 2024 by Brittany rolland
He was quick and to the point. I was in a bad situation with a guardianship gone wrong. it took him about 3 months to get everything finalized. He saved my family alot of heartache and trouble. Answered every question along the way and had my back 110% of the time. I would recommend him over and over again to anyone.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Melissa
Grant Kirsh and his team made the entire process seamless! They made every thing clear and we didn’t have to worry about something getting missed or lost. They are awesome and they made adoption day special for all!
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14 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer
Grant made our adoption day so very special and fun. We live out of state and adopted a foster child, so there were a lot of unique circumstances to navigate. Grant’s expertise with ICPC and DCS adoptions put us right at ease and let us know exactly what to expect. We are so grateful we found Kirsh & Kirsh.
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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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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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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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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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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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23 Jan, 2025 by Samuel olofin
The best family lawyer in the state, so far, I will recommend him more and more .. best services 👌
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23 Aug, 2024 by Terry dykes
10 May, 2023 by Joy rieger
I found Mr. Frangos to be very articulate, friendly and helpful. He completed my needs in a timely manner. I had no issues at all.
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5.0
22 Reviews
4.4
393 Reviews
08 Jan, 2025 by Daranda “didi” aldridge
You won’t go wrong choosing this firm. Mrs. Fountain was very helpful when she took over my case. I couldn’t be more appreciative! I would recommend her to anyone without a doubt!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Danielle beren
I worked with Nate as an adoptive mom to adopt my son from July to December 2024. He was a pleasure to work with and made the process to finalize as stress free as possible for all parties involved. He always had everyone’s best interest at heart and made sure that everything was in order. I would recommend their services over and over again and should the opportunity come for me to adopt again in Indianapolis, I would use their services again.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Akshat chauhan
Stephanie was far from compassionate and made us feel unimportant from the very beginning.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Andrew lascano
I had the pleasure of working with Christina, a fantastic expungement lawyer, to get a felony expunged, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. From start to finish, she made the entire process smooth and stress-free. She was extremely easy to work with, always respectful, and most importantly, honest about what I could expect.
As a criminal attorney, she really knows her stuff, and the best part? She got my felony expunged in just under a month! I'm beyond relieved that I can now move on with my life without that burden hanging over me. If you're in need of a criminal attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and delivers results, I highly recommend hiring Christina.
Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Smiths country gardens
Christina recently represented my daughter. She did a wonderful job, easy to talk to and prompt with returning calls. We highly recommend her.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Perl blake
My name is Anthony Blake and The Law Office of Christina Gomez handled my Expungement case. She did an awesome job as my expungement/criminal attorney. Very professional and work completed in a timely manner. I am very thankful & appreciative for the outcome. Definitely would recommend the Law office of Christina Gomez!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Rob is absolutely wonderful! He was very supportive, informative, and sweet! He did a great job explaining the process and Rob and Olivia both went out of their way to make sure we had an amazing experience!
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20 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
We have only the best things to say about Rob at Kirsh & Kirsh. As soon as we were matched, Rob called us and gave us the most warm welcome. He was the most thorough lawyer we've ever spoken with in regards to adoption and we had gone through the process before. He truly educated us on things we had never been told and always made sure to help us understand. He was a wealth of knowledge and support through our time finalizing our adoption. He truly cares about the birthmothers and the families looking to adopt and it is so apparent! We were so grateful he was brought into our lives & was the one who carried us through adding to our family. We highly recommend him as your attorney to anyone looking to adopt. Thank you so much Rob and Kirsh & Kirsh!
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11 Jul, 2023 by Michelle
Helped us adopt our little girl. Was very informative and walked us step by step of what to expect. Made it so it wasn’t overwhelming.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Was an extremely unprofessional atmosphere. Was definably not a good choice. Rushed to complete and please choose a different mediator. Would not use again.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Gil
A very honest and reasonably priced attorney! He is very very knowledgeable on the law and the best way to proceed with your case! I’ve used his service multiple times because his service has been second to none for me! I highly recommend him for all of his specialty services!
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08 Feb, 2019 by Andrew
Travis handled a bankruptcy for me and was just excellent to work with. He returned calls and or text messages in a timely manner. I alway felt he was there for me when I need him. He really guides you through the process and makes you feel comfortable. Everything went smooth as I could ask for. Highly recommend him to any and all my friends and family.
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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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10 Oct, 2024 by Johnny “chavez”
23 Jun, 2023 by Wendy sweeney
So far so good!
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30 Apr, 2023 by Summer
07 Nov, 2024 by Jazheel hannah sangalang
Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They did an awesome job on helping out my case! They respond to my messages and questions right away. Would rate them 10 star if I can!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Silvana
05 Sep, 2024 by Jean tantsman
I've worked with Eugene for many years now and whenever a legal question comes up - I get a complete and detailed answer. I referred others to him and everyone is satisfied with the work. If the question is outside of their area of expertise - I get either a referral or where to look. Can't recommend them highly enough.
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13 Feb, 2025 by Kelly stowers
Great office! I got the help that I needed so quickly, and was kept updated with every step of the process. I really appreciate the assistance, and communication!
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02 Feb, 2025 by Sara
Excellent service. His work speaks for itself. Helped me when nobody else would take the case and he did an amazing job and won.
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18 Nov, 2024 by J bee
Mr.David worked Appeal for my friend. Unfortunately the appeal is not successful but I can see that he work his best and he also get it done faster. He reply fast whenever I asked him something and his assistant Katy is also very good with reply and answered every questions. He also helped me finding PCR lawyer for the case, which is really helpful for me. Currently I am working PCR with one of the lawyer he recommended.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Doesn’t answer any questions but charges for every email and I don’t even get a reply back. We went to court and she never asked about my case until an hour before we go in to the hearing and didn’t know anything about what was going on in my case.
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03 Mar, 2023 by Lynn
attorney MEGAN WELLS. she fights for every case and the impossible. she makes it possible. excelent service. Thank you Megan, for being my lawyer.
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23 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I 100% recommend the attorney Megan Wells. your work is efficient. THANK YOU SO MUCH MEGA. you're the best
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21 Mar, 2024 by Terry long
Maria matters represented my X-wife in divorce proceedings. I almost felt sorry for my x with her choice of attorney. Notice I said ALMOST. She’s incompetent at practicing law and loves to tell you what you want to hear.
I wouldn’t recommend her to represent anyone in traffic court much less anything of substance. Do your research on her, you’ll thank me later!
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20 Dec, 2023 by Robin lynn
Just had so questions.
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06 Aug, 2022 by Mohammed rajabi
Great Attorney .... Thanks
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07 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Giving Jane 2 stars as she has the potential to be a good lawyer however when she represented me in 2022 as a Keffer-Hirschauer attorney I was disappointed on many occasions . Jane completed a lot of work last minute, which might have been the result of Keffer-Hirschauer overloading their attorneys with too many cases. Regarding spousal maintenance, Jane wasted months before asking the court for a hearing on spousal maintenance, and Jane did not follow through with the request once filed. Jane recommended signing certain financial agreements without communicating the possibility that future hearing dates may be rescheduled or extended, which lead to me being left without funding for many months. Lastly, a few weeks before a scheduled mediation and final hearing date Jane was either fired from Keffer-Hirschauer or left Keffer-Hirschauer on her own, (I have not been given a reason for her departure from either side) which then extended my mediation and final hearing, left me in a desperate financial situation and resulted in an exorbitant amount of legal fee's as I had to start over with a new lawyer.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Stephanie rettig
Ms. DeBrota's services were invaluable to me in my particular situation. I was very satisfied with the affordable fees and professional attention she gave to my case. I highly recommend her for her knowledge in gender law cases.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Frank julian
When lawyers need advice about employment and discrimination cases, they trust Amy DeBrota to have the answer. Highly recommended.
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01 Mar, 2012 by Andrew
Christine was referred to me by a friend in the legal environment. From day one, I knew I was in good hands. She answered any questions I had and gave me great advice throughout the whole process. Her drive to help her clients and get a quick resolution was phenomenal.
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01 Feb, 2012 by Keith
If you are looking for a diligent, responsive, trustworthy attorney, look no further than Christine Stolle. I am very satisfied with how Christine worked toward a fair resolution and successfully litigated issues I had concerning a divorce settlement. Christine was very thorough while working my case and kept me well informed. I felt very comfortable having such a zealous advocate with me in court. I would hire Christine again, no questions asked.
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30 Jan, 2012 by Candy
Christine was very efficient for me. My ex did everything he could to make things difficult but she was somehow able to get him to come to the final result that I was happy with. She was truthful with me-both positive and negative (when I needed it). She promptly (quicker than I expected) responded to my questions and issues about the divorce and helped me through this difficult time. When I worked with her face to face I was absolutely amazed at how quickly she was able to work and figure things out. Our financial situation was complicated and she sure knew how to work those numbers and FAST. My money was well spent and I have even had to hire her again a few months ago because my ex was in contempt of court. She is absolutely fabulous. I would hire her again. I first hired her in January of 2010.
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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.
