Lawyers map
>25
experienced lawyers
Filter by
10 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Kimber helped me navigate a challenging family court issue and was a great partner to have. I highly recommend her!
Read more
10 Aug, 2024 by Jason verona
Very happy with my settlement from a car accident. Danielle Dumire is a wonderful attorney with exceptional expertise in this area. I also enjoyed working with her paralegal, Richard Chavez. He was very detail oriented and professional throughout the process. Highly recommend using this firm!
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Paige pedersen
I couldn’t be happier with our team at Sgro and Roger. They handled our personal injury case with such professionalism and were extremely empathetic and sensitive throughout. I knew our entire team had our best interest at heart and they were 100% in our corner. More specifically, Racheal Ross. She is an absolute boss. She is super knowledgeable, timely, and communicative. She handled everything with such confidence. I honestly can’t thank her enough for the work she put in for us, even on weekends, holidays, and late at night. She really went the extra mile. Thank you to Tony, Racheal, and the rest of the staff at Sgro and Roger! 10/10 would recommend this office to anyone looking for the best and most honest lawyers out there.
Read more
31 Dec, 2024 by Mahesh
Ann and her team are a great resource for us and our clients. We haven’t hired her directly but have consulted with her on family law and divorce issues for our clients. Ann is a wealth of knowledge, responsive and very pleasant to work with.
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Christine
We had the pleasure to retain Ann Kolber for our attorney
This is not your typical law practice !!!
No waiting days for answers! No waiting days for return calls They are a team who really cares !
We would highly recommend Law Practice LTD. The team is considerate , compassionate ,and most of all, knowledgeable . This team is reachable at all times and they are hard working for their clients ! They get things done! Crystal , is amazing ! She worked so well with me thru out our process, and answered every one of my 50000 questions with grace . Ann was great in the courtroom and succeeded our goal to the fullest . I am forever grateful for the hard work this entire team put into our case . Thank you , Thank you, Thank you !!
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Belicia
Ann E. Kolber and her team proved to be an outstanding advocate for my family law Her expertise, dedication, and professionalism surpassed my expectations, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone seeking a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome for her clients. I am grateful for the positive resolution of my case, and it is without hesitation that I commend anna for her exceptional legal representation
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Charly
Not professional at all. She asked for non-refundable fees for a matter that has been canceled before she even started to work on the contract draft she was supposed to review, but never accepted to refund us. Also, she replied to our email weeks after, when she was even replying. I thought lawyer were trustable, but they can also be true scammers.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Chello sweeke
Robert Morris is amazing. He listens to what you're saying and with his expertise in estate planning, he can create a plan that works seamlessly with your goals. At times, this kind of planning can be a bit nerve wracking, and he has a great sense of when well-placed humor is needed!!! He will meet with you in person when/where it's convenient for your busy schedule. We feel blessed to have Robert Morris and GMD in our corner.
Read more
08 Nov, 2024 by Patricia major
Mr Morris, was great at handling my Probate Case Highly referre Mr Morris and His Firm.. Very Nice People , easy to talk with , friendly, and they get the job done.
Read more
24 Sep, 2024 by Mahesh odhrani
We have had a great experience working with this firm, the attorneys, and their staff. They are very knowledgeable and experts in their domain.
Read more
09 Aug, 2024 by Kainen kavanagh
Can I own this it’s under my name
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Alex seedhouse
The Kainen Law Group are the top family law specialists in Las Vegas. I contacted three separate lawyers I have worked with asking for their recommendation on the best divorce attorney in Las Vegas, and all three recommended The Kainen Law Group.
They are not only excellent at what they do, but they also always act with your best interests in mind. If they do not believe that they can provide value given your specific circumstances then they will tell you that rather than wasting your money.
Their responsiveness and communication are top notch! Their reputation is top notch! Their ability to represent you and resolve your family dispute is top notch!
As mentioned in a few other reviews, they are definitely not a discount law firm, but you get what you pay for and they will not disappoint.
There is a certain comfort that comes with knowing that the opposing council knows exactly who your lawyer is, and what they are capable of. It sets the tone for all future interactions, and in my experience made opposing council much more reasonable.
Divorce and the impact it has on a family is never an easy process, so do yourself a favor and retain the best family law firm in Las Vegas, The Kainen Law Group!
Thank you all for everything!!
Read more
24 Sep, 2024 by Mahesh odhrani
We have had a great experience working with this firm, the attorneys, and their staff. They are very knowledgeable and experts in their domain.
Read more
09 Aug, 2024 by Kainen kavanagh
Can I own this it’s under my name
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Alex seedhouse
The Kainen Law Group are the top family law specialists in Las Vegas. I contacted three separate lawyers I have worked with asking for their recommendation on the best divorce attorney in Las Vegas, and all three recommended The Kainen Law Group.
They are not only excellent at what they do, but they also always act with your best interests in mind. If they do not believe that they can provide value given your specific circumstances then they will tell you that rather than wasting your money.
Their responsiveness and communication are top notch! Their reputation is top notch! Their ability to represent you and resolve your family dispute is top notch!
As mentioned in a few other reviews, they are definitely not a discount law firm, but you get what you pay for and they will not disappoint.
There is a certain comfort that comes with knowing that the opposing council knows exactly who your lawyer is, and what they are capable of. It sets the tone for all future interactions, and in my experience made opposing council much more reasonable.
Divorce and the impact it has on a family is never an easy process, so do yourself a favor and retain the best family law firm in Las Vegas, The Kainen Law Group!
Thank you all for everything!!
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I cannot recommend Ashlee Vasquez, Avea and Kim highly enough! From the very first meeting, Ashlee truly listened to my goals and took them seriously. I went into this process hoping for an outcome that was as amicable as possible, and Ashlee made it clear that she respected and supported thatapproach. She worked hard to educate me on my legal rights, making sure I fully understood all of my options without ever pushing me to engage in unnecessary conflict or take a more aggressive route than I was comfortable with.
Ashlee and Avea were both incredibly accommodating and thoughtful throughout the entire process. They took the time to consider every variable that could affect my case, whether it was my personal priorities, the unique dynamics of my situation, or the practical implications of different legal strategies. Their attention to detail was unmatched, and it was clear they genuinely cared about helping me find a solution that worked for me and my family.
What really stood out to me was how much time Ashlee spent listening to me. She made me feel heard and valued, which is something that can be so rare in these situations. She didn’t just offer a one-size-fits-all solution—she collaborated with me to create a plan that I felt confident and comfortable with, all while keeping my long-term goals and values in mind. Her approach was always calm, professional, and compassionate, which helped me stay grounded during what could have been a very stressful process.
Avea was equally incredible. She was organized, responsive, and always made me feel like my case was a priority. Together, Ashlee and Avea were an amazing team who gave me not just legal support but also peace of mind. They went above and beyond to make sure I was informed, prepared, and confident at every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a legal team that combines expertise, empathy, and a commitment to helping you achieve YOUR goals—not theirs—look no further. Ashlee and Avea are everything you could want in an attorney and law clerk. Thank you both so much for your exceptional work and dedication. You truly made an incredibly challenging time in my life so much easier to navigate.
Read more
15 Mar, 2024 by Destiny/ kenneth
First impression was everything! Ashlee V. was insightful, strategic, and always gave lots of options, without pushing us into anything that we did not want. Sue and Ashlee always communicated rapidly through MyCase and allowed me to see case updates on my phone almost instantaneously. Lots of documents were easily E-signed and the costs were not crazy! She's worth every penny! If I ever need help again, I will definitely reach out again.
Read more
05 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Attorney Ashlee Vasquez provided me with exceptional legal support, leaving me feeling secure about the future for myself and my daughter. Her expertise in family law was evident as she listened attentively to my concerns and fears, leaving no stone unturned. Ashlee's genuine care and compassion set her apart from other attorneys I spoke too and brought me reassurance during a challenging time. With her guidance, I now have renewed hope for the future. I highly recommend Ashlee Vasquez for her unwavering dedication and commitment to her clients' well-being.
Read more
24 Jun, 2021 by Josiah allen
Marshall Willick represented me in my child custody case. And he did an incredible job I seriously could not ask for a better lawyer. I had a huge hiccup with my previous one, and let's just say they really dropped the ball. I was actually refereed to Willicks office from my aunt that lives in Chicago from her lawyer. I had a consultation with them and I already felt 100xs better just by explaining my situation. If you want a lawyer that will definitely have your back and is willingbto bat for you Willick is the way! I could not be more pleased on how the outcome came out! Thank you again to all Willick and employees.
Read more
15 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Marshal Willick, wow…just so amazing! I don’t know 5 stars can cut it on my feelings for how well I feel Marshal handled my case. He exceeded my expectations!
I highly recommend Marshal and all the legal staff at the Willick Law Group. I hired them to assist me in a complicated family matter and they were simply amazing in their handling of my case. The paralegals are so knowledgeable too and the team approach they utilized was paramount in the success of my case. I wish, I had hired them to handle my legal case initially, as I feel so doing, I would have likely saved money. They will use their expertise to help the courts see the truth from the get-go, which is so important-so your ex can not use the courts to create legal issues that cost you dearly financially years after the fact. The latter is so important when leaving a toxic situation, in hopes of the start of a new life.
Further, I found the Willick Firm to be very compassionate. I felt they cared about my case and they were very mindful of their billing, without compromising quality. I only began to sleep well, once they took over and I knew my case was in the hands of some of the best legal minds in the country. I highly recommend Marshal and the Willick Firm.
Read more
14 Sep, 2020 by Jennifer
I am an immigration attorney in Sacramento, California and needed a legal opinion letter from an attorney in Nevada specializing in family law. The issues were very complex and Marshal provided excellent service and work product. We had a short deadline, and Marshal worked on the weekend to get the opinion letter completed. He even went above and beyond and completed additional research outside the scope of services in order to help my client. I was very impressed working with Marshal and his staff and highly recommend their office.
Read more
11 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I found Alyssa here through Avvo. I sent multiple personal and detailed messages regarding my horrific family law matter. Alyssa sent me a message very quickly and answered all of my concerns in an honest and caring fashion. I retained Alyssa after working with two previous attorneys and with the need of her representation for my court date which was only four weeks away. Alyssa accomplished more in four weeks to help me than my other two attorneys did in two years!
Alyssa is very honest and tells you the good, the bad and the ugly which I love and appreciate. She goes above and beyond to answer the tremendous amount of emails I send her.
We ended up getting everything I wanted during our hearing. She literally blew me away while I’m court and when it comes to a horrific custody battle, she truly put my children’s needs and my desires front and center and fought for my family in the most impressive and short amount of time.
I’m LAS Vegas, there isn’t another family law attorney that can hold a candle to Alyssa. If you are in a position where you ever need a family law attorney, contact Alyssa today! You will truly have your family in the hands of an angel!
Thank you for everything, Alyssa. Words will never be able to express my gratitude to you in words!
Read more
09 Aug, 2022 by Leticia
My best friend told me about this Lawyer that can help me with my Divorce/Child Custody support. Ms Alyssa and her Assistant was helpful and understanding and very professional from the start. I glad we was able to get everything settled. I would definitely recommend My Alyssa and her Form for legal advice and services.
Read more
22 Mar, 2022 by Andre
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Alyssa for helping me with this case . She made it SO MUCH easier for me . This was my first time ever dealing with a custody battle and she made the experience a lot more easier and less stressful . Handled everything on time and executed everything she said she would . I am more then thankful to have Alyssa represent me in my case . Don’t 2nd guess yourself Alyssa’s work is well worth it and would have her represent me EVERYTIME if I needed . Thank you again , 12Star rating if there was one .
Read more
13 Jul, 2020 by Andrew
I hired Samantha to be my lawyer because I was filing divorced. She and her office help me along the way and made everything as straightforward as possible. I would recommend her for anyone going through a divorce or in need of legal help.
Read more
16 Jun, 2020 by Leah
I’m very happy with samanthas services overall. I was impressed by how fast she worked even through the corona virus pandemic. Courts were closed through the pandemic and I was still able to get custody within just a few months. Thank you Samantha and Christi. I highly recommend.
Read more
10 Feb, 2020 by Andrew
We have been using McFarling Law Group for quite sometime. Samantha is absolutely amazing! Lawyers like her are rare to find especially in Family Court. Samantha is very smart, knowledgeable, compassionate, persistent and responsive. She compiled years of documentation into evidence to support our case, resulting in being awarded PRIMARY CUSTODY of my 12 year old son.
We are beyond grateful for Samantha and her ability to be an advocate for children in need. Thank you so much for all you do!
We are beyond grateful for her and her ability to be an advocate for children.
She represented us in our ongoing custody case battle with my diffex-wife of over 10 years.
Thanks resulting in being awarded FULL CUSTODY of my 12 year old son.
Read more
10 Nov, 2024 by Mk
Very professional, quick , and no issues. Didn't have to go to court. Anyone needing a divorce decree go see Bruce. Highly recommend wish I can give you a thousand stars on the review. You're more than 5 stars. Thank you so much for all you do. Very impressive. And happy to be your client.
Read more
19 Jun, 2015 by Nikkola
Mr. Anderson helped me with my divorce. It was a difficult time for my family and I, but he helped things move along quickly and was very helpful and sympathetic to my situation. I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone. He's a very honest and kind man. Thanks for everything!
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Madalyn watt
31 Oct, 2024 by Daniel robinson
One of the best groups of attorneys and staff I've worked with.
Read more
31 Oct, 2024 by Maria agostinho
Excellent firm!
Read more
26 Oct, 2024 by Deondra gough
Thank to George west for getting my money back from a faulty dealer no other attorney was trying to get my full amount back but George did and I’m very thankful
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Meagan smith
I am incredibly grateful for the George! He assisted me in my recent legal case. His expertise, thoroughness, and dedication were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome. Mr.George took the time to understand the specifics of my situation, explained the legal process in a clear and concise manner, and diligently worked to uphold my rights and interests throughout the entire proceedings.
His professionalism and commitment to my case not only brought me peace of mind but also instilled confidence in me that I had a strong advocate on my side.
I truly appreciate his efforts in researching and presenting relevant evidence, and negotiating on my behalf. George’s strategic approach, attention to detail, and effective communication skills were crucial in making a speedy favorable outcome. I am grateful for his commitment to upholding justice and fighting for my rights. I could not have navigated the complexities of the legal system without his expertise and guidance. I am forever thankful for your dedication and hard work.
THANK YOU GEORGE!
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Pattie hill
I definitely recommend George O West III he is compassionate, caring, and professional which is hard for a regular person let along an attorney. He is an Amazing attorney he gets it done and gets it done right!!! HE GAVE ME A FRESH START WHEN I WAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY A SHADY CAR COMPANY!!! Thank You George u are Amazing and I will never forget you!!! I will recommend you to everyone who needs a fantastic attorney!!! ❤️🫶🏾💯
Read more
31 Oct, 2024 by Melissa anne
Michael is an amazing lawyer, we were so fortunate to find him. Happy to see he has his own practice now! Truly one of a kind! Will tell you like it is and not waste your money like other attorneys. I recommend him time and time again!
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by Bre love
I’m so glad I hired Michael to handle my family court issues. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past, but they were easily swayed, disorganized and often lacked the tenacity I needed. Michael was different and straightforward, very confident, well organized and never intimidated by the opposing party. Communication was extremely easy. His assistant Tricia was extremely insightful and organized as well. He turned what seemed like a complicated and stressful situation into a smooth and manageable process. I couldn’t be happier with his dedication and the outcome of my case.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Robert williams
Was the most stressful year of my life but Michael helped every step. Was confident, knowledgeable and every step of the way proceeded as he said it was, demonstrating his experience and ultimately helped getting the end result in our favor. Highly recommend Michael Burton based on my experience through the legal process.
Read more
13 Oct, 2020 by Jerald johnson
This law firm is a highly recommended group of people in my book. They take your situations and almost put themselves in it to get the best outcome for you and speaking for myself and the trouble I got myself in, they had all my cases dismissed including the felonies and the jail time off my record and I’m forever grateful and not expensive at all 🙏🏾. Worry less and put your trust and Mayfield, Gruber, & Sanft Lawfirm !!!!!
Read more
26 Aug, 2020 by Susan greene
After spending only a few minutes with Michael, we felt like we had known him forever. He got the charges dropped at the initial court date which was a shock to us. No need to shop around. Just go straight to Mike. He's amazing.
Read more
07 Dec, 2024 by N
Joe and Maggie are incredible attorneys. Their knowledge of the law and attentive to detail is beyond approach. Joe listens to your concerns, lets you know what is possible, and delivers on his promises. I highly recommend the crew at marathon law group if you are going through a divorce especially a highly contentious one. I could not ask for a more professional law firm. Thanknyou Joe and Maggie.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Tami vid
27 Nov, 2024 by Terry maynor
When I was injured in a car accident, I was lost and unsure of what to do. The only thing I knew, was I was injured and I needed someone the insurance company would take seriously when handling my case.
Marathon Law Group was a beacon of hope. Joe guided me through the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final settlement. This is a law firm you actually speak to when you call - you speak to your attorney, not just staff. Attorneys care, attorneys answer, and attorneys know what they're doing to not only help you heal but get compensation.
Their team was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. MLG explained everything clearly and answered all my questions patiently. They handled all the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company, saving me a lot of stress and time.
Thanks to their hard work, I was able to focus on my recovery without worrying about legal matters. I highly recommend Marathon Law Group but specifically Mr. Joe Riccio to anyone who needs a dedicated and experienced personal injury attorney.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Sam
The process was very quick after my wreck, and the team was great at answering all of my questions around the Las Vegas area . Excellent customer service!
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Vivian nguyen
This firm in vegas, always kept me updated, without me needing to call, and I couldn’t be happier with the service.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Ella wu
They kept me updated and ensured I got the care I needed after my hit-and-run. She was so attentive from start to finish. This team really looks out for you, and I highly recommend them in vegas 🔥
Read more
22 Mar, 2024 by Paul bartolo
17 Jan, 2024 by Sterling dixon
Extremely unprofessional, Should be able to give Zero Stars. I was happy with the initial response to my inquiry regarding a potential case and the cost but as I was retaining them I got the we think this case is going to cost double. Really three weeks later as I'm retaining them. If that was the real cost why not tell me the upfront? Shady bait and switch! If you want your money to be taken then hire these people.
Read more
15 Dec, 2023 by Kelsey johnson
11 Dec, 2024 by Antonio scarrone
Great department in the summerlin area. I was helped in a dire time of need. They were recommended by an old friend. And I couldn't be more thankful.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Ramez ghally
14 Sep, 2024 by Gavin mcfarland
They will loose your case and take your money!!
Read more
22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Please do not waste your money or time on this lady. She will move slowly and not pay attention to your emails, and then come back asking for information you've already provided weeks ago.
She will talk to you like you are an idiot. In one of her emails to me she said "Ok, let me break it down to you.. read slowly" this is verbatim and "don't for a second treat me like I don't know what the F... I am doing" when I showed frustration and used the "damn" word in my email. Mind you, you are the one who's paying her and she's talking to you like this.
She will sign away your money without your consent. She offered the other side a lot money after I explicitly told her not to and then she comes back with "well, it's too late, they've already accepted".
Why did I keep her and keep paying her? Because I thought my ex and I reached an agreement but he would then change his mind and ask for more. Which he kept getting.
Yes, she will settle your case for you, for sure. Just be prepared to have her give the other side EVERYTHING they ask for and avoid court at every expense. She will tell you over and over,
" I just want to get you divorced and save you money", all the while giving away your money like it's water.
Do not hire this lady if your case is remotely complicated or you are a high income earner with your own business. And of course if you are looking for someone who remotely respects or listens to you.
This to say, that by the time, I brought another lawyer in, it was too late to undo all the damage she had already done and I was out of money to keep paying more and more fees. Wish I had someone different from the beginning. I would possibly still had paid alimony but much less than what was projected by the time another party came into play.
The whole justice system is not just people. Be prepared to lose as the lawyers make all the money. Divorce law is antiquated and needs an overhaul.
Read more
23 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Mandy sept of 2017. She files a motion which cost me 1500 roughly that was rejected and not even heard. She talked to me like I was a little kid and was disrespectful in our face to face conversations. Emailed her paperwork to file in court and she never filed them. Have her legal paperwork to review before court she failed to. Had no game play at the hearing I had to schedule an appointment with her day before court just to come up with a game plan. Was an hour late to court because she told me the hearing was at 11 when it was at 10. Made us both late that day and it hurt my case. Judge asked her to file the order and she never filed it. Asked her set up an appoint with other party per the judge order. She charged me for setting up the appointment but never got the sit in. Asked her to erase the extra charges she charged me and she didn’t then she filed a motion to withdraw as counsel and even charged me for the motion to withdraw. Very unorganized counsel. Other attorney looked professional and she was never prepared to counter. She charged me for motions that were never heard failed to communicate file paperwork correctly and was late for court. Very below standard and do not recommend. She doesn’t care about her clients
Read more
29 Jun, 2017 by Alex
She is the best family law attorney you can find ! I am from California and had to come to Nevada to visit just born son who is withheld from me for the first three months of his life because of lies his mother told even after it was ordered for me to have visitation every weekend the because of lies his mother told even after it was ordered for me to have visitation every weekend his mother still withheld him from me still withheld him Even though his mother was telling terrible lies about me Mandy stood by mestood by me me Mandy stood by me and believed in me and protected my son by the time we got to trial it was nearly a year and a half Mandy fought so hard for my son and I sifting through the lies of his alcoholic mother i received primary custody April 2015 and she still fight to protect my son today . If you are on the side of truth and you want am attorney that will fight for you and your child or children I highly suggest you hire Her as your attorney!
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.
