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01 Sep, 2015 by Jackie
What makes Mary Addison one of the best?
The number one reason my husband and I chose to sign with our adoption agency and pursue building our family is because when we walked through the doors and spoke to the staff it just felt right. We went with our gut, which is important because adoption is about giving control over to anyone and everyone but yourself.
There are a lot of people in the adoption field who know what they’re doing and they do it well, so what makes Mary Addison rise to the top? She knows what she’s doing, she does it well, AND she feels right. She passes the gut-check with flying colors and there are so many reasons why! Mary and I communicated through email, text and phone calls for months before my husband and I travelled to Michigan for the birth of our child. Even hundreds of miles away we felt taken care of, understood and as if we were Mary’s first and only priority. I know now that there were times when Mary was swamped with work both personally and professionally but during the long weeks and months that we were matched with our son's first mother we never once heard about another case or another birth mom or another couple- we had her undivided and complete attention.
Mary is very professional and yet extremely human and personable. She is incredibly knowledgeable and competent and yet never made us feel silly when we asked a million and one questions. Mary is also kind and caring and honest and connected and a bit of a fire-ball when something gets in her way! There is no one- NO ONE- better to have on your side in this most emotional and nerve-wracking adventure and we are so fortunate to have been able to work with her just by chance.
If you have the opportunity to choose to work with Mary I can assure you with my whole heart that you will not be disappointed.
No one will work harder for you, no one will care as much about you or your birth parent(s), no one will hold your hand and respond to your emails and explain things for the third time like Mary will. We waited over 7 years to build our family and because of Mary our little boy just celebrated his 4th month of life and he will do so as our son in every way that matters.
Choosing Mary to help build your family will be one of the best decisions you can make. You will be lucky to have her in your corner.
We wish you the best of luck in your journey and thank you for reading.
Sincerely, J, J & B.
To Mary-
I could not ever put into words how grateful we are for you and everything you did for us. Working with you erased a lot of pain and helped to rebuild our faith and trust in the process. You have a beautiful gift of helping to create families. If ever someone found their calling in life, it is you- and aren't we the lucky ones who get to reap the rewards. Thank you. <3
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29 Jul, 2011 by Susan
One of the most amazing and caring attorneys I have ever or probably will ever meet. Keep up the good work ladies.
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27 Aug, 2014 by Julia
Dave has helped me through two divorces and has helped me with custody issues with my kids. He is a great attorney and would recommend him.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I would definitely recommend David Gilbert. I called at the last minute to find help with a couple misdemeanors which I thought would be on record forever. Even though he could not meet for the case because he already had another client who had a trial at the same time as mine, he was able to guide me through the whole process. Since I had never had any trouble like this before, I was not familiar with what to do or what to say or what not to say. He instructed me in the process and what things meant depending on what was presented to me in court. Things worked out pretty well and there will be no misdemeanors on record if there are no violations in 90 days. He even called to check on how things went after the settlement conference. He always took my calls and I truly appreciate him for the help he provided.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
She gave me solid advice, helped me get my head straight and was compelling in Court - she delivered.
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10 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for all the hard work and dedication you put into our adoption case. Your expertise and guidance were invaluable during this complex and emotional process, and we are so grateful for your support.
Your attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that all the legal aspects of the adoption were handled properly gave us peace of mind throughout the entire process. Your knowledge of adoption laws and regulations helped to navigate some difficult situations, and we are beyond thankful for your guidance.
Your professionalism, honesty and kindness were greatly appreciated, and you always made yourself available to answer any questions I had and provide me with updates on the progress of the case. You went above and beyond to ensure that everything was done in a timely and efficient manner.
Thanks to your efforts, our adoption was successful, and we are now the proud parents. We will always be grateful to you for helping to make our dream of becoming parents a reality.
Once again, thank you for your outstanding service and support. We will always remember the incredible work you did for our family.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Matthew
We could not have found a better lawyer to guide us in our adoption journey than Mr. Roddy. He is professional, quick to respond to any questions that you may have along the way, and he is great at keeping you informed through the whole process. I highly recommend him to anyone in need an adoption lawyer.
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21 Sep, 2017 by Mark and michele
We just went through a lot of adoption problems. We were so pleased with Mr. Roddy and would highly recommend him. He was always available and even went out of his way to meet us at the airport as we left for the adoption. This is the only lawyer we would use now.
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03 Apr, 2021 by Kathy
08 Nov, 2020 by Bradley knuth
08 Oct, 2019 by Dave a
Friendly and professional help. Well established firm with a strong reputation.
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06 Jan, 2022 by Charles
"Speak softly and carry a big stick. You will go far."
-Teddy
When my rights were being trampled over, Bedford twp Veteran Center pointed me to Mr. Blume as a lawyer. He is very good at rerouting your mind when you are speaking to him about your case, if you get distracted with non important details, he keeps you on track essentially saving your money/time.
When you hire Mr Blume, you are getting a lot more than you think for your retainer and continued fees.
He is simply worth more than what he charges, and that is my bottom line.
If you give him all of your evidence and annotations etc, he handles the court room; You can mostly sit back and watch him work. Unless I am spoken to, I keep my mouth shut entirely unless directed, and it works out every single time.
When you hire Mr. Blume, he really is All In on your case. He is very very perceptive of peoples' mannerisms, and knows how to approach multiple situations that are all pretty high stress. He is respectful to the court, and he will make sure your concerns are heard while in the hearing.
*Have patience, always*; court often moves slow. Sometimes there are days you all show up with lawyers and the court doesn't handle the business You wanted. That's more often than not, out of a lawyers control.
In the end, do you want what's best for you and yours? This man will help you get there.
I type this as I was awarded majority custody of my kiddos through our efforts together, and I cannot thank him enough for his efforts.
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03 Jun, 2018 by Emilie
Sean A. Blume steps in during family crisis and shows incredible support. He is understanding, attentive, organized, realistic, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Family court is very stressful and scary when don’t understand what is going on. He walked me through everything and continuously backs up my family’s needs. I am very grateful for Sean.
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I will always be so grateful and appreciative for how Sean Blume handled my divorce. I was so lost, vulnerable and alone once I realized my marriage was over. Sean was supportive and comforting during my emotional times. He never tried to hurry me through and took the time to listen. I felt secure and protected as he represented my children and I.
While my ex's attorney was trying every slimy move.
Sean would not go down to his level and I could see how much the judge appreciated that. Sean kept the proceedings as quick as possible and thankfully his morals and ethics are above most of my friends attornies. I was worried after hearing their cases of long drawn out divorces due to attorney greed. Thank you so much Sean for keeping my children's and my best interest at heart.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Sharon doherty
My son faced some serious charges, and Toby and Gidget worked tirelessly to secure a good result. They cared a lot, and were always good to deal with.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Brett pearson
Toby is a great lawyer. Very easy to communicate with. Definitely someone I would recommend to anyone needing legal advise.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Georges njinang
Bonsoir, très intéressant pour tout ‘information et éducation . Bonne continuation et nous savons compter sur vous…
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08 Mar, 2023 by Jennifer dowker
Entering into a high conflict divorce was stressful to say the least. I googled ‘best divorce attorney in Michigan’ and this firm was closest to me. Eric and his team were compassionate, professional, and hands down the best! Google was not wrong, they are an amazing team!
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14 Dec, 2022 by Thrivingfor5 leewomack
Very unfriendly staff, asking for a consult and she (Molly) hung up on me because I did not want to answer personal questions without a confidentiality contract after agreeing to a $250/ hour consultation fee.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Natalia wilczek
We worked with Morgan Shier on a complex international adoption case, and the expertise and guidance she provided allowed us to seek the exact solution we wanted. Our case was difficult as it involved a delicate navigation of US citizenship requirements, international adoption criteria, and Jamaican and US family-law knowledge. She provided quick and expert opinion that allowed us to take care of a child in need as soon as feasibly possible. Morgan is awesome, and we highly recommend her and the Eric Phelps law firm for your adoption/family law needs.
The Oliviers.
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22 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Cathy was very prompt to respond that she does not have the experience necessary in the area I was requiring help. I was impressed with her professionalism in on the matter.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Craig stone
19 Sep, 2023 by Laura mccallion
They took nearly a year to finish my moms very simple estate. Emails were NEVER returned unless prompted. Months after payment they sent a bill for $88 with no explanation. (When I asked what it was for they rescinded it).
I would not recommend this firm.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Travis bart
Very knowledgeable and professional.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jane
Lisa is very professional and compassionate attorney. My divorce was not simple and she worked very hard and took good care to keep me informed of what was happening. I would hire her again! Excellent experience.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Caleb
Lisa was outstanding. There aren’t enough positive things I could say about her professionally or as a person! She was professional and very responsive. She was extremely good with communication and updates. I was optimistic hoping for the best going into the situation as a father. She did more thanenough to defend my behalf and I was awarded primary custody of my child rightfully. I could never be able to express how thankful I am. Without her I’m not sure the outcome would’ve been the same! I will and would recommend her to anyone dealing with custody cases based off my experience!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney will overcharge you and get nothing accomplished for you. I have receipts and emails to back it up.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Angela mabus
Professional, gentle but to the point, knows her stuff. Trust worthy and honest. Highly recommend.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Paige tortorelli
28 Jan, 2023 by A frye
Angie is a very valuable attorney to utilize. Her expedient response and swift actions demonstrate her passion for her clients. Her services are of highest quality. I highly recommend using her for any legal issues you may need.
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16 Dec, 2019 by Nawf side baby
17 Oct, 2019 by Rev. dr. emory brodbeck
Harry Mihas represented me for my legal battle and Nicole Smith assisted him. They were both very professional, they did a great job representing me, and helped me retain my Freedom and Rights. I would highly recommend anyone who needs a good defense team to hire Smith Mihas PLLC Legal Services.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Wade nelson
Looks like from the last review someone was on the opposing side. Nicole is an wonderful attorney! She is always on time, answers my calls, knows the law and her fees are very reasonable. I highly recommend Nicole. You will not be disappointed.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Travis bue
Very nice people.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Sarah paull
04 Aug, 2023 by Cody “bimberlytinfoil” edwards
I am writing this review as a Legal Guardian of a child, who had Tracie Dinehart as a LGAL. Tracie was very impressive and attentive to the child's wants and needs. She did an amazing job representing the child in court. She was given very short notice of the case, and once she had the history of the case, she immediately went to work on the child's behalf. If Tracie works this hard for every client, then I have no doubt in my mind that any client would be satisfied with Tracie.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Shelby
This guy is horrible. All about the money and not for his client. Doesnt listen to what is needed or what you want look elsewhere.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Tahson winters
I’d give this man 0 stars if I could. Talk to him you’ll learn everything you need to
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27 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Horrible very unprofessional, he didn’t do any ground work in my divorce if it wasn’t for my initiative on my own I would have loss everything including my family home. He didn’t even subpoena my witness. I felt interrogated threaten and I was unable to contact on the phone prior to the divorce was final. I didn’t even receive an itemize bill to this day.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Alex v
Don’t bother. Called for a small legal matter, when asked when I could expect a call back… secretary said there was no guarantee I would get one. Guess they are too good to help me!
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08 Mar, 2024 by Beverly ssnborn
Outstanding, quick and professional service from the entire team!
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13 Jun, 2023 by Mary bentley
Janet is absolutely amazing. I'd recommend her to anyone. She made my adoption both easy and affordable. She's super friendly and feels like part of the family.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Shirley debor
Totally awesome 👌!!!
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23 Dec, 2021 by Jesse anderson
24 Jul, 2021 by Susan mccleary
Amazing. Made us feel better knowing we had help and someone on our side. Very personable and made sure to explain everything in detail. Very accommodating and willing to help any way possible.
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17 Aug, 2022 by Amanda reinheimer
Unlike some of her coworkers, she held out to the end. She doubted me, but we persevered. The star rating isn't for her. It's the spice she cant handle. She's okay.
To my former lawyer:
Please watch "Extraordinary Attorney Woo"
And Team Kostuk hold you in high regards
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29 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Stacy Combs is extremely knowledgeable in family law and did an excellent job representing me for custody of my children. She truly cares about her clients and has an impressive understanding of the law. Highly recommended!
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28 Jul, 2021 by Barbara
I made the mistake of giving this lawyer money without a bill/statement of her services. So, when my son passed away, who she represented, she didn't even have the courtesy to call me or handle the closing of his case in the courts! She also still has NOT sent me a statement or a refund of the monies she was given! DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Nancy did not represent my best interests and was pretty bad in the courtroom in front of the judge. I did not feel as though she battled at all for me, and I lost everything.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Snow queen
Jeff Van Meter one of the associate lawyers is very unperfessional .. He doesn't return your calls and isn't very efficient...
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12 Jun, 2024 by Caleb sleighter
I contacted Stephen Drew for a work comp issue and malpractice questions. I am genuinely impressed and appreciative of the help and advice given. As time passes if things don’t go as planned with work comp or if we have any complications I will 100% use this law office. Stephen drew is the best. Thank you again for your help!
Should be noted his secretary Carla was amazing. Super friendly and very helpful! Thank you to her also!
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26 Oct, 2023 by J. m
She was a good lawyer to work with. She worked hard with my divorce situation. She finished the whole process in four months. She is good at responding to the emails and messages. She showed empathy and respect to me during the process. Thank you Staci
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05 Sep, 2023 by Chris
Staci was great! The best part of retaining Staci is her knowledge of the family court system and how to set a plan of attack or defense which is huge when it comes to Father’s rights in our court system. 10 out of 10 recommend.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Staci did an amazing job in our divorce case. She was extremely helpful, explained everything so well to us so we understood and gave us amazing advice and tips to help us ans our children. Truly an amazing experience. Highly recommend
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13 Nov, 2024 by Denise howard
Darrell at Zolton Law is the most wonderful attorney. He is personable and professional. He is mindful of best practices for keeping his clients finances protected. Thank you for the great advice!
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12 Nov, 2024 by Cara wilder
Susan is a good attorney. After reading some of the other reviews, I decided to take a moment to give my input.
None of Susan's cases are easy, I am sure. She has many years of experience, and her knowledge is remarkable. She is kind yet to the point. In CPS cases, she is the child's attorney, not the parents attorney, and her decisions are appropriately made for the children she represents. I do not believe she cares about money, as most of her career has been about representing cases pro bono. I thank her for not just our experience so far but for all the cases she has had in the past. Thank you for reading.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Dennis mcmahan
Darrell and his staff were excellent. He took the time to explain what we needed done on our will and more. His staff was very excellent and friendly.
I had to deal with another issuer and he was great!
I would recommend hm to all!
Denny
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15 Dec, 2018 by Jim
She represented me and promised she would get a specific outcome. I recorded the initial meeting. She told me I could trust her based on her experience and if I hired her she knew what to do. She billed and didn’t scoumplish one goal she said she would. You should know if you hire her, ask her to put her opinion of the outcome she expects in writing.
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21 Mar, 2015 by Elijahtsansom
handled a very delicate matter involving the death of my mother and sibling warfare with concern and high professional standards.
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25 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I recently retained Veronica to submit a "domestic relations order (DRO)" for me from start to finish. I really liked that she charged me a flat fee to do the job! She was very efficient, knowledgeable, accessible, trustworthy, responsive and kept me well informed throughout the process. She even did a couple of things for me unrelated to the task she was hired for, out of courtesy and free of charge! I would certainly recommend Veronica Leonard to anyone looking for a great attorney in evey way.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Benjamin
22 Jul, 2024 by Frieda violet
Finch law represented me in a child custody case back in 2017. I’ve been singing their praises ever since. They provided unparalleled service. Their no nonsense approach to legal matters and the compassionate way they worked with me was exactly what I needed at the time. This law firm is worth every penny.
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22 May, 2023 by Justin spaniak
05 Aug, 2024 by Lois duro
Don't walk, RUN!!! THIEVES!!
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28 Apr, 2024 by Reggie l
It was very hard not to take my bad experience with Mr. Kostin personally, but as I look at his reviews I think I understand it wasn't just me. Mr. Kostin was condescending and added pain to our already deep pain and suffering and he wasn't even our lawyer. We just had a consultation and he insulted me in a several unacceptable ways. He also seems to have made some calls before our meeting which seems to have biased his input in a very unhelpful way. I would not recommend.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Phil kolesar
Do not choose this lawyer. Bob talked a big game, but always had some sort of excuse for not making any moves. He often seemed lost and confused during negotiations. In the end this man cost me close to 50k in my divorce and quit as soon as he got a lien on my house. Please do yourself a favor and find a lawyer that will actually do what they say.
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15 Oct, 2019 by Erin
Ms. Gracey handled my divorce in an efficient, professional manner. She does not back down, is diligent and cares about her clients. I recommend her for anyone who has to go through the process.
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11 Apr, 2013 by Grifflyprof
Nice lady. Inexperienced. If your case if complex in any way, look for someone else. My case was always on the 'back burner'.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Angela
Clay was great during my divorce. He made sure I understood everything and was helpful at each step of the process.
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02 Sep, 2022 by Amanda
I have paid my debt off as they requested and for over 4 weeks now not one soul had answered the telephone or have the common decency to call me back. Instead I'm calling daily to ensure that they turn in the dismissal for debt paid. I feel that Cindy took the time when it was owed to make sure and call back and answer, but now that it's paid I cannot seem to have her attention to do the right and legal, morally correct thing to do and dismiss it with their paperwork. I think it's unprofessional and extremely distasteful for a company to ignore and behave in such a manner. Shows the moral compass is veering to the shady side.
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12 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
He was not engaged and when it came to his assistant Cindy getting involved, don’t expect her to be able to listen, follow instructions or add math. She charged me twice for something I waited 9 months for her to accomplish. Very incompetent, non apologetic and truly not professional. Clay will talk a good talk at first but pass everything onto Cindy who acted confused and then angry when confused. When looking at their website, again unprofessional. Spellcheck Clay and Cindy, your clients shouldn’t have to put up with sloppy.
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11 Jan, 2020 by Joe bertera
Run and don’t hire. Their motto is over promise, severely under deliver and ILL advise you to run up their fees. They are great at over charging you for substandard service. If you are looking for an attorney whose says in court “I am sorry, I am confused” or “I get those confused” this is the place for you.
Below is owner response after I posted the above on google:
We are very sorry that you were unhappy with our services. We do wish you the best of luck with your future attorneys and would be happy to update who you hire next on the status of your file. Often what we hear at initial consultations and find out later in the case, changes our opinion of how the case will work out. In the end, you have more now in your case
Here is the reality:
After I posted the original review the response from the owner says she is willing to discuss "any charges". A month ago she would not take my phone calls and sent me an email stating she would not do any more work for me unless I paid my balance. I was in fact current on my balance and the next payment was not due until the end of December per her invoice, yet she demanded payment on Dec 6th. Previously I have given her a $4K retainer which was used up very quickly and I was double billed on my first invoice for the same day in court with one charge for 4 hours and another charge for 4.5 hours, I was over-billed right out of the gate on the very first invoice. I knew the $4K was used up or was going to be soon, so I gave her another check for $2K without an invoice or being prompted which in turn made me prepaid for another 2 months. Then towards the end I was being harassed by emails almost on a daily basis for the $ 660 that was not even due yet, payment was demanded before Thanksgiving over and over because "she was closing out her books" even though the invoice was dated to be due Nov 30th and her payment was scheduled to be paid on Nov 29th. I even received a payment email reminder on Christmas morning, shows how much they don't care about you and only $$$$. After all this is when she demanded payment or would not finish the motion. These attorneys obviously only care about money and I find it disgusting. In addition, I was told 1 thing by an associate and she had me sign a document that said different. That mistake in turn cost me another $ 6,000 I had to pay to opposing attorney, and when I asked how could this happen she said that is what opposing council wanted. Trust me you sure don't need a $300/hour note passer that is only going to do what the other side wants. Every move they recommended only cost me time and money to lose over and over again. She was 0 for 5 and I am $20K in the hole.
Spindler Law Attorney
Mon, Dec 2, 2019, 11:05 AM
to me
Joe, The answer to your question was sent in the email below on Friday. I started your motion and am in the process of finishing your motion today. pay your current balance of $1484.15 and I will file the motion Wednesday. Kathryn
So at 11:05am she stated "started your motion and am in the process of finishing your motion today" her words above. THEN AT 11:22 when i ask when will it be done? Her response is below:
Spindler Law Attorney
Dec 2, 2019, 11:22 AM
to me
depends on the speed at which I can finish the motion. I will check on your payments. Kathryn
I got 3 different answers within 30 minutes on when my motion would be done.
On their description she says they are passionate, aggressive, and understanding of your legal needs. The reality is they are selfish, have delicate feelings when challenged and are complete push overs doing whatever opposing council wants. Either way they get a payday and that is their really their only focus, not your needs. Don’t be fooled by their description, it is so far from the truth and how they conduct their services your head will spin.
Please don’t hire. They will only make your legal issue worse and take all your money.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Sarah
Kathryn is great!! She helped me with family documents when I had unexpected health issues. She was extremely knowledgeable and thorough but more importantly she was kind and understanding of the situation.
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03 Jul, 2023 by Kim gollehur
Quick easy free referrals. I was very pleased.
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24 Apr, 2023 by D dee
Just not interested in helping anyone... Yet, it's there to assist the public & Not in Such a rude manner.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Dylan ochoa
rude, didn't care, don't want to help the people, hate their jobs, rude once again,
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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.
