Lawyers map
>6
experienced lawyers
Filter by
12 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Luciano L. Lama on a breach of contract case, and I could not be more impressed with his work. From the moment I engaged his services, Mr. Lama displayed the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication.
Expert Legal Knowledge
Mr. Lama is a true expert in employment law and contract disputes. His understanding of the legal principles involved in my case was exceptional, allowing him to craft a sound and effective strategy from day one. He quickly identified the key issues and risks, explaining everything to me in terms I could easily understand. His ability to anticipate the opposing party’s moves and stay several steps ahead was invaluable in achieving a favorable outcome.
Exceptional Negotiation Skills
One of Mr. Lama’s standout qualities is his negotiation prowess. When it came time to negotiate the settlement, Mr. Lama was a fierce advocate for my interests. He was able to skillfully navigate a negotiation process, using a blend of assertiveness and diplomacy to bring the opposing party to the table and ultimately secure a settlement that exceeded my expectations. His approach was calm, strategic, and highly effective.
Clear and Consistent Communication
Throughout the entire process, Mr. Lama kept me well-informed of every development. Whether it was a quick phone call, a detailed email, or a face-to-face meeting, I always knew what was happening with my case and what to expect next. He was always available to answer questions and provide updates, ensuring that I felt supported and confident every step of the way.
Commitment to Client Success
It was clear from the beginning that Mr. Lama was fully committed to my success. He worked to protect my rights, and his dedication was evident in the way he approached every aspect of the case. Even when the situation became stressful, I knew I could rely on Mr. Lama to stay focused and continue pushing for the best possible result.
Outstanding Results
Thanks to Mr. Lama’s skillful representation, we were able to reach a settlement that not only resolved the dispute but also provided me with financial relief and peace of mind. I truly believe that without his expertise, the outcome would not have been nearly as positive.
Final Thoughts
I would highly recommend Mr. Lama to anyone in need of an employment attorney, especially for breach of contract matters. His legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to his clients set him apart from other attorneys. I am extremely grateful for his hard work and would not hesitate to seek his counsel again in the future.
Read more
13 May, 2020 by Jonsey jones
15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
This attorney is only concerned with money and how much she can make off of you. She will promise you great results, then get you involved in a living hell. Hired for a family court case that took forever and cost me a fortune. Could have done it better myself, and saved a lot of money, time, and pain. Referred and would never refer her to anyone I know.
Read more
05 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She's the best lawyer around, I had her for family court as well she fought and fought for me and my child ...was hard to get in contact with at times but she's very busy and when I called she would get back with in two days and if very important less then 4hrs of not in court ....if it wasn't for her I would never have gotten threw my case and have my son ..she explained things so well to so I could understand what was what ....I will recommend her for anyone in family court...
Read more
05 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She helped me get my child from her father who always made my child feel horrible about her self and never cared what he did to her....she explained anything I asked about and was a shark in the court room and fought unbelievably hard for me even thou she didn't know me or my child.....I would deff recommend her to anyone she's awesome ....
Read more
27 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
After asking for a review of directions was met with condescending disdain:
This is not rocket science. You initial the lines in front of Paragraphs: A, D, F and M WHILE IN FRONT OF THE NOTARY. You then sign the POA (above where your name is printed) WHILE IN FRONT OF THE NOTARY….
I’m not sure what is getting lost in the translation. The notary then notarizes your signature and BOOM, you are done….. I cannot even imagine what you did wrong, since it is so basic.
Best regards,
Sharon
Read more
26 Apr, 2013 by Peggy
I've been fortunate to have worked with Sharon on several real estate transactions, a few of them current -- she's been very good to work with, a good listener, a good counselor. She and her office manage the multiple facets of each transaction with careful attention to detail, and with a minimum of melodrama. Her focus is on serving her clients well AND having everyone leave the closing table feeling they've been treated fairly. I highly recommend her!
Read more
03 Nov, 2010 by Kathy
Sharon has provided our business with several different legal services and has been extremely responsive and concerned for our needs.
Read more
31 Aug, 2021 by Jesse bush
Essential for family court. Gives excellent counsel through email and phone call. Joe Kirby successfully defended matters concerning family court for me. Would recommend.
Read more
09 Oct, 2020 by Benjamin gentile
If you want some one on your side that has little to no will to fight for you, then this is your guy.. Jason will do the bare minimum to push thinks along and will never get aggressive on your behalf.
Read more
09 Apr, 2020 by Mary colwell
29 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
My ex-wife and I enlisted Robin to assist with the dissolution of our marriage. We brought documentation that had been the result of our mediation and handed it over per the mediator's instructions. Robin was recommended to us as someone who would work efficiently and take care of the rest of the process for a flat fee. That was not the case. The paperwork returned to us was clearly not prepared by an attorney. We were billed at attorney's rates for barely paralegal work. As a layperson I was able to identify problems with the documents. Whole paragraphs started over mid-sentence. Negotiated provisions from our mediation were missing. It was a mess. Then she literally billed me for her time to answer the question "How much will the rest of this work cost?" We finally walked away and took what she had done to a _FAR_ more reputable firm in Ithaca. Our attorney at that firm initially resisted taking the work because Robin had done such a bad job. That firm required a separate agreement to take on our work that specifically held them harmless from any potential litigation arising from the enforcement of the horrible agreement Robin wrote up. That was nearly 14 years ago. I'm disappointed to see she's still practicing. Run, don't walk, to any other attorney in town.
Read more
28 Aug, 2018 by Barb
Robin handled a possible home purchase. I was young, naive and inexperienced. She barely looked at the purchase agreement, allowed me to put a 5000$ deposit The deal eventually fell thorough and when I asked about the 5000 deposit she shrugged her shoulders. I learned later that if the deal falls through for lack of the ability to finance the deposit should be returned. But the worst part of all was that she and the sellers attorney kept arguing while myself and the seller actually got along. AND she charged me 3000$ for all the phone calls they had arguing about something that was not arguable- I couldn’t get the financing!!!!! Terrible!
Read more
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.
