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23 Jan, 2025 by Daniel meyer
Tommy is great to work with! He came along side our family and provided a great outcome quickly and with confidence! I appreciate his down to earth manner explaining each step we walked through them. His experience was worth his costs which during my research I found to be very fair.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Laura greene
I had a very complicated divorce case in Bedford County. Stan Bennett was my main attorney, but I also worked with Dinah Michael and Brad Hornsby. Allyson Hornsby did a phenomenal job as my paralegal too. Stan really believed in my case and is very well respected in Bedford County. The number of times I was told by the judge, mediator, etc that “they’ve never seen anything like this” is a good testament to how complicated my case was. Stan and his team fought with everything they had during each trial, appeal and challenge. They used their vast legal knowledge and were willing to do the research for all of the unusual things that came up. Stan, Dinah and Brad did a fantastic job in court and were often complimented by the judge on how well they tried the case. I can’t thank the whole team enough for everything they’ve done and how it turned out. If you are looking for an attorney that believes in you and is willing to fight the fight, I highly recommend them.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Erin worden
I would highly recommend Thomas Bray to anyone looking for an attorney that not only is going to "work for you" but he cares about his clients. After experiencing the worse surprise of my life being told my husband wanted a divorce, I had a friend recommend Mr. Bray. I am so glad they did. He was tough without being mean and he was caring and kind and quick to respond. It truly felt like he had mine and my boys best interest at heart. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do, I know who my attorney is, Thomas H. Bray. Thank you, Mr. Bray for everything!
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19 Sep, 2020 by Billie jo
Amy made an unbearable battle bearable. She fought hard for us over and over. She helped my husband get the rights he deserved. She’s amazing and her staff was just as wonderful. She was our attorney for 2.5 years and we wouldn’t have chosen anyone else. So grateful for all the hard work put in by her and her team.
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19 Oct, 2019 by David
A little over a year ago, I was very lucky to have hired Mrs. Pollina to represent me for my legal case. It was very ugly at the time and She was very honest and upfront about the type of case this was. Very quickly Mrs. Pollina was able to break things down for me and explain the forthcoming process. From the moment that I spoke with her I knew that I hired the right lawyer. Through every step she explained what has going to happen and She takes the time to let her clients know what she is doing and what to expect. I saw how she broke everything down for the Judge to understand. I had full confidence in her skills. I just cant Thank her enough for all of the hard work that she put in to see my case to the end. I will always be Thankful for her service! I would never hesitate in the future if I needed her to hire her again!
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29 Jul, 2018 by Sandra
Ms. Pollina was very quick to respond to emails and questions. Our case was handled quickly and there were no complications. She makes you feel very at ease and it is very easy to talk to her. She shows you the same respect as you give her. Some attorneys have a “I’m the smartest one in the room” attitude, but not Ms Pollina. She never talks down to you or treats your concerns as insignificant. If we ever need an attorney again, and I hope we don’t, we will call Ms.Pollina. I will definitely recommend her to anyone inquiring about a good attorney.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Evelyn manzanilla
Very good lawyer, he helped us with our case, he was attentive at all times and gave us the best service.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Shawn simpson
Mark is very easy to work with and professional. I will definitely work with him again.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I lost custody of my child and jimmy said he got me and i paid him 7,500 he promised me and once he received the money on my moma he a fraud and scammer be careful out there he a sweet talker and all he care about is money nothing else. God will get a instant karma, you lie to me and because of you i lost custody of my son. Scammer!!!!!!!!!!!$$$
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23 Mar, 2022 by Roger
I would highly recommend Kristen Harvey as your estate planning attorney. It was a pleasure to work with this exceptional professional who provided excellent advice and responsive service in completing my estate planning documents. When I had to make some last-minute changes, they were handled easily by the Smith-Wright team. I was especially appreciative that we dealt with the entire process online! I plan to use this talented, personable, and hard-working attorney for all my legal needs. Well done, great job!
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25 Aug, 2021 by Denise
Kristen helped us with our son's conservatorship over the past 3 months. We were so impressed with her professionalism. She kept us in the loop every step of the way, and helped us navigate a very overwhelming process. She wasn't afraid to ask her superiors questions she didn't know the answers to, which was so appreciated. We could not be more grateful. Thank you so much, Kristen!!!
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16 Jul, 2021 by Mollie
Kristen helped us with a will this past year and did a fabulous job! We were so impressed with her professionalism and thoroughness. We enjoyed meeting with her, and she thoughtfully answered all of our questions and helped us to think of questions we didn’t even know to ask. Thank you so much for all your help Kristen!
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29 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I worked with Katie regarding child custody. She was incredibly kind and assuring during a difficult time. She handled everything for me and followed my lead to get the outcome that I felt was the best fit for me. She was always very informative and thorough and answered any and all questions I had. I hope to never need her services again but would without hesitation if the situation ever arises.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Susan
From my first meeting with Katie Fults, I knew my family was in good hands. Her attention to the details of my case was amazing. She was available when I had questions and followed through on my every request. Katie is a fanastic attorney and stood by my side through one of the most difficult times of my life.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Evelyn manzanilla
Very good lawyer, he helped us with our case, he was attentive at all times and gave us the best service.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Shawn simpson
Mark is very easy to work with and professional. I will definitely work with him again.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Christopher goebel
My father passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. I was completely lost as to what to expect and what I needed to do as far as my father's assets and the probate process. I was referred to Mr. Kent by a trusted friend and I will forever be grateful for the recommendation! As others have mentioned, Mr. Kent was compassionate, knowledgeable, patient, and kind at a time I very much needed all of those!!!! Give him a call and I know you will be as impressed and as well taken care of as I was. I also enjoyed learning a little bit about the history of the Murfreesboro area from him!!!!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Onieka hunt
I knew I needed a Will but I was extremely nervous and hesitant. Amanda was thorough, honest, and made me feel empowered and relaxed. The entire process was wonderful! 10 out of 10 recommend.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Andy anderson
Called 3 times today to set an appointment for estate planning and never even got a call back. If you can't call me for an appointment what can I expect if I hire you.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Wendi watts
When I needed to update my legal documents, Amanda listened to my needs and concerns and worked with me to get this done during a really challenging time. She and her staff made the whole experience great.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Sandra
DO NOT HIRE! YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! I read reviews about this attorney that were alarming, however, she came recommended by the Domestic Violence organization, so my family decided to give her a shot. We hired her in 2018 and were happy that of all the other attorney's we looked at, she seemed tohave one of the lowest retainers. That was our first mistake. One of the reviews said that she didn't file the correct paperwork, or that she missed deadlines. Both of which happened in my families case. Another said that she lost every motion even when the other parties council was inept. She did in fact lose every motion and got steamrolled by opposing council. The other side got everything they wanted while we got nothing. For example, she never introduced the police report that was filed that would have supported the domestic abuse claim. They initially had 2 weekends a month, and that was changed do 10 days a month, plus many holidays. For someone who has never been alone with his child for an extended period of time in her whole life. For someone who was abusive to both the mother and the child. The father went from having approximately 48 days a year to having 145 days a year! She is lazy and overwhelmed and our end result was worse than what we could have ever anticipated. She comes across as caring, but is unprofessional and highly disorganized. She does not return calls or emails in a timely manner. Her billing is unclear. Due to her incompetency, my family has paid tens of thousands of dollars to undue the damage she caused. We are now severely in debt and it is all because she damaged our case from the very beginning. Please stay away. There are many other attorneys in Rutherford County that are better. I would 100% recommend W. Scott Kimberly located at: 111 N Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, phone number: (615) 890-1099
Our end result isn't perfect, but it was the best possible outcome given the damage that Rebecca caused. It is now 3 years later and we finally have some semblance of closure. Not perfect, but livable.
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17 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms Lashbrook was highly recommended to our family by a trusted friend when my daughter passed away - a single mom leaving behind a minor child with no will in place to determine who would have custody. It was a very scary situation. Ms Lashbrook helped us secure custody with my other daughter & work with DCS to get all the legalities taken care of. She was extremely caring, sympathetic and went out of her way to assure us we did not have to concern ourselves with this added legal burden as we were grieving over such an unexpected loss & all the other issues that came with it. She was very knowledgeable of the law and made the entire process go smoothly. Both she & her assistant, Julie were extremely caring, thoughtful & concerned for our family. We were blessed beyond words by their caring & personal approach in this situation.
I consulted Ms Lashbrook again recently regarding another matter & found my interaction with her & her staff just as caring & helpful. They actually listen to your concerns & take that extra time to do that without a focus of adding up additional fees for each minute spent. They also welcome your questions and are patient in giving answers that you can understand and this helps you (the client) make wise decisions & feel confident you were informed of all the legal ramifications of those decisions. I highly recommend Ms Lashbrook and her office to anyone who needs help with legal issues involving minor children as well as wills & estate planning. What a blessing she has been to us!
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11 Nov, 2023 by Cayla
Mrs. Lashbrook was there for me from the very first consultation until the end. She was very informative and helped me to do everything that I needed to do. I cannot express how great and clear the communication was and I never felt confused or alone. You can feel the passion she exhibits to fight for what is right.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Veronica anchondo
Erick is the best lawyer thanks
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05 Nov, 2024 by Maggie murphy
Doesn’t return calls. Apparently Jay Jackson doesn’t have time after 1 week and 3 phone calls later to answer 1 question. 11.14.24 still hasn’t returned my calls.
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18 Oct, 2024 by John green
I had an issue and was given Jack Mitchells name by several different people and have heard nothing but good things about him and how he gets things done right the first time
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11 Nov, 2024 by Veronica anchondo
Erick is the best lawyer thanks
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05 Nov, 2024 by Maggie murphy
Doesn’t return calls. Apparently Jay Jackson doesn’t have time after 1 week and 3 phone calls later to answer 1 question. 11.14.24 still hasn’t returned my calls.
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18 Oct, 2024 by John green
I had an issue and was given Jack Mitchells name by several different people and have heard nothing but good things about him and how he gets things done right the first time
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03 Jan, 2025 by Veronica
Laurie Young and Joe Brandon helped my ex win custody of my son despite his arrest for assault on me, tape recorded evidence of his admittance to physical abuse, and medical child abuse documentation. Years later we are still suffering and my son has diagnosed health issues as a result of the trauma.She portrays herself to be a Christian but I don’t think any real Christian could participate and advocate for an abuser to win full custody. How would she feel if someone did that to her children? There is a higher court (god).
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19 Sep, 2024 by James e satterwhite jr ( jim )
I went to there office, met with the gentleman explaining my situation, asked how much to start the process, got the money and hired them within a couple days and the process was on. I met Alex and Missy, they worked around every one of my health issues, they were kind and courteous and showed me nothing but respect, Alex was a straight shooter right from the start. They answered every question I asked in a timely manner. Alex and Missy make one heck of a team. If you need a divorce lawyer this is the man you want in your corner, I have nothing but highest respect and admiration for this team, Alex will amaze you with his knowledge for TN. Law. He is also fantastic with how he operates around the court room. If you need a lawyer this is the one you want to fight for you,I know if I need him in the future he will have me covered.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jonathan
Better than the rest is an understatement. Laurie and her team are the epitome of excellence, in both, a personal and professional level. Communication never lacked or wavered during the duration of working with Laurie's team, which other law firms tend to negate. That alone could have warrantied a 5 star review but it didn't stop there. Upon the first meeting with Laurie, she was able to give me peace-of-mind during such a trivial time in my life. She also walked me through every process and avenue possible to help me make the best decision on my case. Furthermore, after several months of negotiations, she never once made me feel as though I was a burden or an inconvenience. Regardless of your level of stress, worry, or despair, you may feel when life tries to take a swing at you, Call Laurie and let her take on the street fight for you while you sit back watch it via Pay-per-View. (Yes, it really can be that hands off and easy)
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21 Nov, 2018 by Heather
Ashley represented us in the adoption of our daughter. Ashley and her paralegal Penny were both quick to respond and very knowledgeable. We would recommend her to anyone needing a custody lawyer
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16 Mar, 2018 by Mary
We had a very time sensitive custody issue, and Mrs. Jackson went above and beyond what was expected of her to assist us !!
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30 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Her services and knowledge did very little for me, especially for the price. Anything she did in court for me could have been performed by myself alomg with a little info of how the court processing works. It was a large waste of money recruiting her “expertise.”
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with adoptions?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing, whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, or stepparent adoption. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your adoption. -
What are the legal requirements for my adoption?
Ask the lawyer to explain the legal steps involved in your adoption and any specific requirements that may apply to your case, such as home studies or parental consent. -
How long will the adoption process take?
Adoption timelines can vary depending on the type of adoption, so ask the lawyer for an estimate of how long the process will take, including any potential delays. -
What are the common challenges in adoption cases?
Ask about any potential legal challenges that could arise during the adoption process and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
Will I need to go to court?
Depending on the adoption, you may need to attend court hearings. Ask the lawyer whether your presence will be required and what to expect during these hearings. -
Can you help with post-adoption issues?
Ask the lawyer if they can assist with any post-adoption issues, such as obtaining the child’s birth certificate, finalizing the child’s U.S. citizenship (for international adoptions), or drafting post-adoption contact agreements.
How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
- Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
- Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
- Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
- Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.
