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09 Aug, 2024 by David mcdermott
Very good team of lawyers. Donald day is the man.
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29 May, 2024 by Cindy reyf
03 May, 2024 by Clarence smith
07 Nov, 2024 by Katie b
If you're seeking a dynamic law firm to navigate your divorce, I wholeheartedly recommend Terry DeSalvo, Kristin Garza, and Annette Bennett at Family First Legal Group. They are truly the best in the business.
I faced a complex divorce that lasted over two years. My first attorney lacked the necessary experience for my case, and my second was nearing retirement and often unavailable or on vacation. As a result, I found myself approaching a trial date without adequate representation. Fortunately, Terry stepped in at a critical moment. Most attorneys would shy away from taking on a case with such little preparation time, but Terry confidently and quickly assessed my situation and provided a resolution in just one hour.
Kristin Garza and Annette Bennett were very efficient in communicating with me daily and processing the mounds of paperwork opposing counsel requested.
Terry made a strategic offer during our trial and ultimately the settlement Terry anticipated in our initial meeting was almost to the penny of what we received. He tirelessly advocated for me, standing firm against the opposing attorney, and we achieved a significant victory. My case was completed within a few months rather than the years I wasted with other attorneys. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the whole team.
The firm is also very conscientious of their fees; they suggest ways to save you time and money in the process rather than billing frivolously. Additionally, they send interim statements ensuring you are informed of the costs all along the way, other firms do not do this.
Moreover, their offices stand out from typical law firms. They prioritize families, always focusing on the most important individuals involved: the children. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making you feel supported and understood throughout the process.
I highly recommend this firm for your legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Brian
I consulted with Family First Legal Group due to the mother of my daughter not allowing me to see her on a regular basis and threatening to leave the state with her. Ultimately, I ended up retaining Terry DeSalvo and I would do it again without hesitation! He listened, cared, and gave great advice. It’s clear that Terry cares about clients and their families and will provide excellent guidance- even if that means he bills less time- which speaks volumes about an attorney in any industry. His paralegal Michelle Wilson, and discovery coordinator Annette Bennett are both extremely attentive and personable. I am grateful to have had them assisting me along the way.
I could not be happier with my choice to hire Terry DeSalvo and to have everything resolved in 90 days is amazing! Michelle Wilson, Annette Bennett and the rest of Terry‘s team are fantastic to work with, and I highly recommend Family First Legal Group should you find yourself in a situation where you need family law assistance!
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01 May, 2024 by Ron l
I'm very thankful that a good friend of mine referred me to Family First Legal Group a few years back when I made the difficult decision to get divorced. The law firm took a team approach and while most of my case was expertly handled by Terry DeSalvo Jr, along with his efficient paralegal Michelle Wilson, I was also helped on a number of occasions by Alex Peterson. My case primarily focused on child custody and Terry did a fantastic job implementing an aggressive strategy to uncover and document my ex's issues. I'm so thankful to report that after a long and drawn-out legal battle, I was granted full custody of my kids. While some may consider the legal fees for a challenging divorce like mine to be expensive, I believe that the services offered by Family First Legal Group were worth every penny. I have peace of mind every night when I put my kids to bed knowing that they are safe and that is priceless. Going through a divorce is an emotional rollercoaster but Terry and Alex offered sound legal advice throughout the entire process. I highly recommend this law firm!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Dion
She actually CARES about her clients and is the most knowledgeable lawyer I've ever met! She builds a great rapport with her clients and the judges/courts and did such an amazing job for us in our adoption.
Would recommend her to EVERYONE!!!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Barbara Ginn just finalized a long-contested adoption case which finally concluded in my favor. I was overwhelmed with joy! From start to finish she kept me informed with updates on my case. She was very caring, empathetic, kind, patient, and understanding. I always felt at ease when speaking with her about any concerns or questions I may have had. She was detailed and took the time to explain things making sure that I understood. Attorney Barbara Ginn is amazing. She was attentive to my needs, I was treated with courtesy and professionalism, and the service was impeccable!!! I would highly recommend her for anyone needing an adoption attorney. Attorney Ginn is truly an angel such a nice lady! Thank you so much for your assistance in our adoption journey!!!!
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28 Mar, 2023 by Mark
In early 2021, I made one of my best decisions ever in retaining Barbara Thornell Ginn's law firm to represent me in the adoption of my stepson, whose life I entered in 2015 and whom I had raised since he was 18 months old.
Barbara was assigned to my case at the time and guided my wife and I through all of our available options from day one. Mine was a very complicated case as there was pending litigation involving my wife, the child's mother, outside of Florida that had yet to be resolved.
Barbara was able to confer with our out-of-state lawyer who had been retained three years prior to represent my wife in that matter. She never missed a beat. She and our out-of-state lawyer colloborated and conferred regularly, developing a very effective approach in the best interests of the child.
One of the many issues in dispute involved jurisdiction over the child and the two, semi-conflicting cases. Ultimately, the two involved judges conferred and agreed with Barbara's approach.
After two years of due diligence, coordination, hard work, and extraordinary legal acumen by Barbara and her firm, I was awarded the adoption of MY son (who is now nine years old) in late February.
As mentioned, the hiring of Barbara was an excellent decision, and I could not be more pleased with her and her firm's representation throughout the entire process.
I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone seeking an adoption here in Florida. I am forever indebted to her for her excellent service!
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16 May, 2022 by Christie
I worked with Ms. Gartzke on my recent divorce. Although a difficult experience to go through, I found her to be compassionate, understanding and a skilled listener. I felt well represented and had confidence in her skills and knowledge of the law. She made sure I understood every option available to me and left no stone unturned. I would highly recommend her.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Jimmey
Deborah was a great attorney to work with. I really appreciated her transparency and professionalism. Deborah has extensive law knowledge and works your case from start to finish. She works alone and doesn't seem to take on more cases than she can handle. Always available and answers calls and emails swiftly. She's firm when she needs to be and has a great temperament to deal with lawyers who can be "challenging" to say the least. Unfortunate for me, I have retained several attorneys in my day and I can honesty say I recommend Deborah above all!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Betty jane tallett
Was a great help in settling my Dad's estate. She walked me through every step of the process. I would highly recommend her.
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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.
