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01 Feb, 2017 by Maricruz
I recommend Cassondre as a knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest and hardworking attorney. I know first-hand that Cassondre and the staff at Wilson Law Group are extremely knowledgeable about the legal work they do. She helped my husband get his residency and after a little over two years he has his green card! Our family went through a difficult time while my husband spent an entire year in Mexico waiting for his residency. While he was in Mexico, she did her best to have him back as soon as possible. She walked us through the entire process and assured that she would do her best to help obtain his residency. She didn’t make any promises, but everything occurred as she said. We were able to visit his family after 9 years in the US. Visiting my husband’s family in Mexico was such a happy moment for us! I am very happy that my family will stay together. I will always be thankful for her help. Cassondre has a big heart and really shows her passion for the work that she does. Thank you Cassondre!
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03 Dec, 2014 by Katie
Cassondre is very professional, personable and an expert in Immigration matters. Before we hired her, we were able to meet with her and ask any questions we had free of charge. Due to the special circumstances in my husband's case, our process took over two years to complete. The entire time Cassondre and our legal assistant Maricruz were on top of everything that needed to be done and proactive in updating us on the status of our case. They went above and beyond to make the process as easy for us as possible. Because of the hard work, dedication and expertise of Cassondre our family will stay together.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Rafael
My experience with Cassandra was more of what I expected, She always was on top of every single detail in my case. I highly recommen her. She wouldn't disappoint you....
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20 Feb, 2015 by Nicole
When seeking out an Attorney with expertise in the area of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Mark came highly recommended! We scheduled an initial consultation with him and immediately had a complete trust in his knowledge on this topic. We quickly hired Mark to represent our birth mom in a complex ICWA Adoption Case. It was reassuring to feel this level of confidence as we moved through the process with Mark on our team. He was always available and was extremely responsive. Because of the council he provided, we're successfully moving towards the finalization of our daughter and couldn't be happier! We appreciate your efforts, Mark and the guidance that you provided our birth mom. Thank you so much! -Troy and Nicole S. Milwaukee, WI
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04 Feb, 2015 by Rodger
Mark has been outstanding in representing us. He was willing to fly to another state. He returned our phone calls promptly and was very humble and knowledgeable. He was willing to go the extra mile to help us; if it wasn't for him we probably would not have won our case. We are extremely grateful for Mark's willingness to be such a key part of our legal team. We are now in the process of adopting our 2 girls largely because of Mark's involvement in our case. Thank you Mark!!!
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07 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Mark is very knowledgeable concerning ICWA laws and requirements. He represented me in a very contentious trial that included the county, two tribes, two fathers, mother, an aunt, the foster parents and the Guardian ad Litem. We won the case. I have a lot of confidence in Mark and greatly appreciated his expertise.
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24 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
JEAN IS A LION THAT FOUGHT HARD FOR HER CLIENTS, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET HIRING HER ,SHE IS ONE OF THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN ALL OVER MINNESOTA, SHE GO ALL THE WAY TO GET YOU UNBELIEVABLE DEALS YOU WILL NOT THINK OF, ANYBODY THAT NEED A GOOD LAWYER HERE IS JEAN FOR YOU.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Mj
We used Jean for our healthcare advance directives as well as the adoptoin of our child. She talked with us in terms we understood and kept us informed each step of the way. Not only have we recommended her to friends, who did use her legal services, but we intend on using her law office again in the future when needed.
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17 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Goldstein was the most caring and responsive attorney I have ever worked with. He put my children's care needs first and helped me get to a safer place in my life.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Charles made sure that my divorce went smoothly for my children and always had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend Charles for all of your family law needs- he is truly a wonderful man!
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23 May, 2012 by Mk
Liz was fantastic to work with. I live out of state but Dakota County still had jurisdiction and it was very easy to work with her via phone and email. She worked quickly but effectively especially on what was a difficult case.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Adam christoffersen
Brian saved me from false accusations that could have been incredibly damaging to my reputation and career. I cannot recommend Brian enough. He pays close attention to detail so he can defend you to the best of his ability. He truly cares about his clients, and fights for you with intense passion. He is patient with his clients, incredibly knowledgeable and informative, and always responds as soon as he can, and is available any time of the day. If I could give 10 stars for his review I would. This guy knows his stuff. Trust this man, hire him if you need someone to defend you, you will not regret it. Thank you for everything Brian!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Rob reidy
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23 Aug, 2023 by Jeffrey clemons
I was charged for 48 Felonies and have attorney bills that exceed it over $30,000 with attorneys that did nothing for my case and they spent over a year and a half. Brian spent about a month of time and he annihilated them in trial. If you were charged falsely with a crime, I strongly suggest that you would hire Brian my case was in Wisconsin. Brianna’s worth his weight in gold saved my life now I am looking for an attorney to sue. But I wanna assure you that Brian brings such energy and physical expression to your case along with his knowledge and perception of what’s going on they cannot get over on you don’t waste your time looking for other attorneys, Brian as well worth the money and the weight I know he is very busy because he is very good
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18 Jul, 2018 by Jeff hames
Experienced and professional!
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08 Jan, 2014 by Ryan s
Recently had a custody and child support battle with the mother of my nine year old daughter. As biased as Minnesota Courts are against fathers, I went into this battle very discouraged already. Derk Schweiger was amazing in court, and I felt that because of his professional demeanor, articulateness, and sheer brilliance in court, the judge was able to see where I was coming from, and my life situation, my desire to better myself as a man, and my desire to be a father. The judgment was more than fair, and I was very happy that I chose Derk to be my lawyer. I have referred him to several people, and if need be, I will definitely call upon him again. He was professional, organized, clever, and not as expensive as other lawyers in the metro area. Thanks again! -Ryan Wagner
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18 Sep, 2024 by Sreejith vidhyadharan
We had a great experience working with Satveer Chaudhary on my spouse's visa change of status process from J2 to F1. He was incredibly patient, taking the time to answer all our questions thoroughly and helping us fill out the forms in the best way possible. We could always contact him directly and receive almost immediate responses from him (not an assistant), even after hours and on some weekends! I’m not sure if other lawyers would provide that level of service, especially with no extra charges. We also appreciated how thorough he was, staying in touch not only when the approval letter arrived but also during our trip to India for stamping. We truly appreciate his time and support throughout the process and highly recommend his services.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erich graumann
I highly recommend Tom Beito as he is one of the best legal defense counsels in Minnesota. Tom has represented me along with multiple friends and family over the years. Tom practices with compassion, professionalism, and his responsiveness and knowledge of Law is unparalleled. Tom is committed to protecting his clients’ rights to ensure the most favorable outcomes.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Ryan holland
Tom helped me navigate a new challenge with great communication so I never felt uncomfortable with the process and helped get it resolved quickly.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Cory whalen
I have been a practicing personal injury lawyer for 25 years. I send all my workers' compensation referrals to Karl von Reuter. Karl is absolutely great with clients and is a tenacious litigator. I highly recommend Karl von Reuter for workers' compensation cases.
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11 Nov, 2023 by Chris johnson
Best lawyer I've ever worked with all he wanted was what was best for me he actually listens to you and is very helpful getting you through the process of dealing with work comp and he's a great guy I enjoyed every conversation we had he doesn't sugar coat anything and he tells you what to expect and cares about his clients well being Definitely recommend him to anyone who had to deal with workers compensation
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09 Jun, 2023 by Maria brundy
Karl is awsome! Highly recommend. My brother referred me to him after I fell and broke my back. He has not quit working on my case.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Alexis pavon
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16 Apr, 2024 by Mitchell wilkinson
Great service. Highly recommend.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Maria portillo
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15 Sep, 2024 by Varfee bility
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13 Sep, 2024 by Omar mandour
Last week 9/5/24 our 16 years dream came true. Finally, we received our green cards. David Wilson worked on our case for the last 5 years. It is very rare to find someone with passion and dedication towards his clients like David. He treats every client like a close family member. Two things will distingue him forever way above any other lawyer we have met in our long journey towards our residency dream: 1- He offered us a two-year payment plan for the office legal fees, without my family or me even asking for it, he just offered it due to his deep commitment to helping his clients. 2- On the day of the green card interview, he came to the USCIS office half an hour early before our time, he just waited with us addressing our worries and anxiety, he spent almost two hours with us until the interview is over, he did it all with no extra penny charges, just out of his deeply passionate and support to his clients. With his help, support, and deep understanding we became USA residents.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Heberth gutierrez
David Wilson and all the staff from Wilson Law Group has showed a very professional and respectful service during all the different legal requests from myself and family. The results have been excellent after being dealing with many attorneys with failed results. I can recommend his services to someone else who needs an answer to his immigration issues. Thank you to Wilson Law Group, for the great job done for myself and my family. Heberth G.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Joseph miller
I wanted to share a thank you for the genuine commitment to me as I went through my divorce. When someone, like yourself, makes sure to understand a situation and provide counsel, solutions, and comfort it makes all the difference. I needed confidence as I was pretty beat down at that point and you helped me have that. It was important for me to let you know that. Gratefully!
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16 Feb, 2022 by Rick engel
Dave is a very competent, kind, wise attorney! He understood my objectives and gave great counsel. He also responded to my questions and emails and did the work necessary in a very timely manner. I completely recommend him!
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15 Dec, 2019 by Hazmattmc
My experience with David runs counter to Laurie’s. I went through an amicable divorce recently and from the very first call with him I had concerns about keeping costs down. David kept a detailed log of time and never seemed to ramp up costs. In fact, he discounted a small amount of time because we were starting to exceed our higher cost estimates. David did a good job of balancing minimum required “lawyer stuff” with watching out for my rights and counseling me on protections I could take. If you don’t want to spend a lot on divorce lawyer fees, make an effort to get along with your soon-to-be ex... or better yet, don’t neglect your marriage in the first place and stay married.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Lula paloozah
Always taking "vacations" with your money. Stalls, does a lot of "busy work" and slick talking to make sure it looks like he's doing something. Commits perjury overall good lawyer if you are a deadbeat trying to make it look like you are not. So really 3 stars. but 1 star for honest parents.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Joshua jacob
Hello I'm a single father and the twin cities. My son's mother has made it very difficult for me to be in my son's life. I speak from experience. Travis is a true gladiator! When representing his clients he spares no expense when fighting for you to be in your child's life. It is an honor to recommend him at the highest levels of expectation. Fortunately for me I have Travis on my side who has years of practice in the justice system, and has the experience and not just family law, business law, and criminal defense law with a appellate court practice. Literally at One stop shop. He takes the time to explain best possible outcomes, as well as the realities of least possible outcomes. In addition to this his retainer and hourly rate are very reasonable. I strongly recommend his services and legal support to anyone in my network in need of the best representation in the legal market. Thank you for reading!
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04 Nov, 2023 by Jackie holton
Doesn't send itemized bills..... takes your retainer doesn't follow through or answer calls.Also previous history and got in trouble for this very behavior.......uses his divorce and sons story to make u feel he relates.
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07 Aug, 2014 by Jane
Mr. Nolan was ill prepared and did not appear to be aware of all the facets of the law to properly assist me. He did not keep his promises to me; and did not respond in a timely manner. Thus I paid more than I needed to for his work.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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