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24 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
In using the services of Megan Eiss-Proctor, we were quite pleased with the quick turnaround, responsiveness, and fair billing for her services.
At our request, she took a contract we needed, and re-wrote it to fit perfectly for us. She did this ahead of deadline, and asked a lot of questions to better clarify the goals of our agreement.
We will have no hesitation to use her for any future legal needs.
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21 May, 2019 by Marc
I have worked with Brad and his firm on multiple occasions on various matters related to commercial real estate. All matters were always handled professionally and fees were always what they communicated and no hidden surprises. What I liked most was when they were unfamiliar about anything they were upfront and communicated they would need to research the topic, not pretending to be an expert on everything. He took the time to explain issues so I understood them. I really appreciated the honesty. I would highly recommend the firm.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Doug baron
Nick was great from beginning to end. Clear communication, good advice, and takes quick action. Thank you.
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11 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
In an 8 year contract law case, Ms. Alberga was instrumental in an estate case that was dragged from Surrogates to Supreme Court to 2nd Appellate and NY Court of Appeals. Then again on a different issue (same estate) from Surrogates to 2nd appellate. There were approximately 8 decisions for which the courts agreed and affirmed with the facts supported by law that Ms. Alberga laid out in her briefs and summary judgements. Ms. Alberga was not only professional, she was extremely supportive and responsive to questions and concerns. If she needed to followup, she jumped through many hurdles to make sure she was following the law in the best defense of her client. Her client is truly grateful to have found Ms. Alberga for representation during a very difficult and trying time. Thank you Ms. Alberga, God bless you!
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12 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Fantastic lawyer, creative, compassionate and really smart. He got me a great settlement.
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06 Feb, 2020 by Mayka
Having Wanda as my lawyer has been the best thing that has happened to me, responsible, helpful, always answers the calls, the means of communication with her are very accessible, even if you are not in the country you can always be in contact with her if you have any Ask she will answer you immediately. It is important to feel safe in every legal process you are going through and feel that the results will be successful and fast. After consulting several lawyers, and meeting Dr. Negron, feel free to work with her, I feel very safe and know that she is very well prepared in each and every one of the areas I need, in addition to the office of Dr. Negron has very skilled people in the legal area and they make your process even easier, they are very friendly people just like her. I strongly recommend this great lawyer, she achieved all the best for me and the results were very beneficial for my children and for me. Working with her has been a blessing, because she has not only been my defender, but also my director in all other stages of my life, personal and professional. If you want great results, look for great lawyers like Wanda Negron.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Ashley mayas
Overall experience from beginning to end was effecient, informative and the outcome was a success!
Norman and his team are excellent, highly recommend
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12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony azar
When my dispute first arose I was encouraged by colleagues and Friends to retain a major Law Firm. However, as I started on this legal Odyssey, I happened upon a recommendation for Norman Spencer and his firm. I could say unequivocally I am extremely happy that I made this decision. Mr. Spencer was available amicable and able. My situation was quickly resolved much quicker and with way less cost with successful resolution to in my favor.
I can enthusiastically and unconditionally recommend him for your legal needs without reservation, secure in the knowledge that his firm will attended to my needs with the attention and expertise. five star review
A.P. Azar MD
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05 Sep, 2024 by Austin hickey
Trustworthy and professional! Highly recommend.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Joshua cudyker
wonderful to work with and they help you 100 percent. I would go back to use them any time of the day. Thank you Licatesi Law Group
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22 Jul, 2024 by Muhammad afzal
I really thanks to you guys. I got a lot more what I was expecting. It’s only took six months to handle all the situation. They are very nice, polite and very professional on their work. special tanks to the Bethany whenever I call her, she respond back even sometime. She response back from her personal number when she’s not in office and explain me all the situation that all team is very good. Very nice.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Anastasia elenis
23 Jun, 2022 by Stephen kalantgopoulos
Michelle is the ultimate professional when it comes to her services. The communication was constant and she took control of the situation. Being unaware of the legalities of our transaction, she made sure to educate and protect us. Definitely recommend using Ferlito Law Group for all of your business law needs!
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23 Dec, 2021 by Jaclyn hunt
Michelle has been extremely helpful to me. Her responsiveness is impressive, her knowledge of the situation is impeccable and the price is most certainly right. She is engaging, professional and a delight to work with. I look forward to working with her more in the very near future! Thank you for everything.
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23 Dec, 2021 by Ritchie williamson
Michelle has been a pleasure to work with, always been very helpful & professional. I would recommend Ferlito Law Group P.C
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10 Oct, 2019 by Misty corsette
We were referred to Karen after abruptly finding out our former lawyer would no longer be practicing privately. Karen is a hard worker, has extensive knowledge of the adoption process and the rights we have as foster parents. I am so grateful that we have Karen on our side!
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10 Oct, 2019 by Vicky burroughs
Karen has handled two of our adoptions and is working on our third. She’s an amazing attorney and extremely well versed with foster care, foster to adopt, and adoption. She’s so flexible. She does this for families and children, it’s not a job to her. You won’t find a more personable or flexible attorney in her field. I recommend Karen to everyone I know and I urge you to call her! You won’t be disappointed!
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13 May, 2020 by Jonsey jones
12 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Luciano L. Lama on a breach of contract case, and I could not be more impressed with his work. From the moment I engaged his services, Mr. Lama displayed the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication.
Expert Legal Knowledge
Mr. Lama is a true expert in employment law and contract disputes. His understanding of the legal principles involved in my case was exceptional, allowing him to craft a sound and effective strategy from day one. He quickly identified the key issues and risks, explaining everything to me in terms I could easily understand. His ability to anticipate the opposing party’s moves and stay several steps ahead was invaluable in achieving a favorable outcome.
Exceptional Negotiation Skills
One of Mr. Lama’s standout qualities is his negotiation prowess. When it came time to negotiate the settlement, Mr. Lama was a fierce advocate for my interests. He was able to skillfully navigate a negotiation process, using a blend of assertiveness and diplomacy to bring the opposing party to the table and ultimately secure a settlement that exceeded my expectations. His approach was calm, strategic, and highly effective.
Clear and Consistent Communication
Throughout the entire process, Mr. Lama kept me well-informed of every development. Whether it was a quick phone call, a detailed email, or a face-to-face meeting, I always knew what was happening with my case and what to expect next. He was always available to answer questions and provide updates, ensuring that I felt supported and confident every step of the way.
Commitment to Client Success
It was clear from the beginning that Mr. Lama was fully committed to my success. He worked to protect my rights, and his dedication was evident in the way he approached every aspect of the case. Even when the situation became stressful, I knew I could rely on Mr. Lama to stay focused and continue pushing for the best possible result.
Outstanding Results
Thanks to Mr. Lama’s skillful representation, we were able to reach a settlement that not only resolved the dispute but also provided me with financial relief and peace of mind. I truly believe that without his expertise, the outcome would not have been nearly as positive.
Final Thoughts
I would highly recommend Mr. Lama to anyone in need of an employment attorney, especially for breach of contract matters. His legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to his clients set him apart from other attorneys. I am extremely grateful for his hard work and would not hesitate to seek his counsel again in the future.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Judith murray
Howard and his father have taken care of our family's business for many years. He is so easy to work with and talk to. I would refer him to anybody for sound advice.
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22 May, 2017 by Jay o'meara
Professional and expert legal service.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Afra dur
Mr. Volkan was great and handled everything very well. My husband’s green card came in less than a year! It was a pleasure working with him. Thank you so much!!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Sel a.
Volkan Bey, avukat olarak son derece pozitif ve profesyonel.Ekibi de aynı şekilde son derece kibar ve takipçi.Amerikadaki vize konusundaki süreçlerimde hızlı bir şekilde çözüm sağladı.Samimiyetle kendisinin Amerikadaki Türk avukat tercihi için ilk sırada olabileceğine inanıyorum.Çok teşekkürler.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Aykut dundar
Fast responses and fast solutions
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03 Nov, 2024 by Alicia manzanedo
03 Nov, 2024 by Lauber
03 Nov, 2024 by Bárbara clemente
5.0
40 Reviews
4.9
126 Reviews
29 Jun, 2024 by Jack van steenburg
I called Sarah Gold's law firm to ask about forming a LLC in New York. I did some research prior to my call but was confused as heck and was not confident in dealing with the state. Ms. Gold walked me through the process, answered my questions, and told me her fee. I thought the fee was competitive, keeping in mind it included state fees and public notice fees. We communicated online, she had to search to see if my LLC name was not prohibited or duplicative. I also asked for her to set up a DBA and she did that. It was so obvious that she new what she was doing, a true expert professional . She did all the filing, advertising and DBA in a day and I had what I legally needed hours later. she emailed me copies of the application filing, receipts and most important my official LLC. I would use Sarah Gold without any hesitation and I highly recommend you do too.
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12 May, 2024 by Deshawn l
Jo Ann is not like the lawyer I used in the past. She tells it like it is and is truthful about your unique circumstance. Her keen awareness of the ins and outs of the family court system is an essential quality in a lawyer, and she possesses it admirably.
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10 May, 2024 by Bertha b
The child custody and support case that Jo Ann handled for me was first-rate. I did not have to deal with the additional stresses. Outside of the courtroom as well, her demeanor is quite professional. I was able to avoid a trial and get the result I sought because of her experience.
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13 Oct, 2024 by Khadijah kaba
Mehdi was nothing short of amazing. I had a complicated case involving a family member who is out of the country. He explained the process needed to address the case and walked me through every step. My relative and I had to do everything via zoom and phone. Mehdi made the process seamless. He was readily available and his communication was exceptional. If he was unable to respond to my inquiries, his paralegal was great in ensuring my questions were answered in a timely manner. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. GOD bless him.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Ruby dawson
Woods Lonergan, and specifically Andreas Christou, masterfully managed and guided us through a particularly complex dual closing (sold and purchased simultaneously). Andreas was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough and was committed throughout, despite the fact that the process quickly became far more intricate and complicated than initially expected. We can’t recommend him, or the firm, highly enough.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Julia lang
I can only recommend Marcos and Andrea from the Vacca Group. It was incredible working with you. Thank you for the support
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10 Oct, 2024 by Luis rivera
This has to be one of the absolute worst firms in the entire city. My mother was hit by a car and in a case that should have taken months to resolve had taken over two years to settle. The communication from them was non existent, and representation was atrocious. I implore anyone who cares for their family members to look for different services than this firm. Please heed this warning as it will save you time, money and actual representation. They charged my mother 33% for absolutely nothing. No follow up, no guidance absolutely nothing. You’d have better chances representing yourself. Good luck to anyone of you who decide to deal with this horrible law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Don mccann
Linden Law provided exceptional service during a challenging time. Jason and his team were highly professional, with outstanding communication throughout the process. Their dedication made a difficult situation much easier to manage, and I’m very grateful for their excellent work.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Bay
I highly recommend Linden Law and their team. They handled my injury case with professionalism, dedication, and care. Attorney Jason Linden, was always available to answer my questions and guide me through the legal process. Thanks to their hard work and expertise, we won the case, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you need a reliable and skilled attorney then this attorney would be the Best! I highly recommend!!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Michael kantargi
Ms. Cynthia Devasia and the offices of Isaacs, Devasia, Castro, and Wien saved my career.
When faced with insurmountable odds Ms. Cynthia saw through all the history that made my case a muddled mess and put the best, most succinct, argument forward to help save my career from a machine determined to ruin me.
Ms. Cynthia was integral in making all the right decisions and I will forever be grateful for her counsel and her offices resources that helped make my case a success, all things considered.
I was being railroaded and she fought the powers that be with my truth, incorporating all pertinent information necessary to preserve my employment. I was facing dismissal. Ms. Cynthia was able to help me preserve my career from people who were targeting me.
I highly recommend Ms. Cynthia and her law office for excellent service and the best counsel you can get.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kevin ballon
Jung helped me to secure my first O1B! I am grateful for her expertise and for answering my many questions throughout the process. Jung was recommended to me by a friend, and I’m so happy that I reached out. I felt guided and supported at each stage and I'm thrilled to now have the visa I was aiming for.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Manny manny
Very professional.. he did a great job..... I highly recommend him!
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26 Jul, 2024 by Jodi stangarone
ID card is great! Thank you 😊
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25 Jul, 2024 by Jeanie wilkerson
What an incredible service you provide for people who really need it. Thank you!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Jessica mills
4.8
19 Reviews
4.9
83 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Rachael r
Ken Mollins is a wonderful lawyer who was incredibly helpful throughout my legal process. His expertise and dedication made a significant difference in my case. Ken was always available to answer my questions and provided clear, concise guidance. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a reliable and supportive attorney.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Makiah leanna
I’ve had Gary Miller represent me in traffic court two separate times over the years for two different moving violations that almost got me 12 points on my license in total. He ended up having both violations reduced to parking tickets with no points! Safe to say if I ever need a traffic lawyer or family/friends need one I know who I will be recommending and calling up. He is very professional and gets back to you with updates quickly. I appreciate how much stress he took off my shoulders. My last ticket I got I felt was unfair and I was really upset, because I tried to explain to the officer what was going on, but he didn’t care to hear me and he said “i think i saw you in the wrong so that was enough”. I remembered Gary had helped me 3 years before for a ticket so I decided to give him a call and I thank God I did! He immediately gave me a sense of hope and understanding over the phone and I knew he would help me out a lot. Within the next week and a half my ticket was decreased from a 5 point $800+ fine to a 0 point $200 fine. Thank you Gary for helping me keep my driving history clean you are good at what you do!
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14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa
Timothy Manning! Can't say good enough things about him and Kenneth they are my saviors . After getting a speeding ticket and facing license suspension they got me a great deal with no points ,Can't thank Timothy enough hope I don't need him again but if I do I have him on speed dial .
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.9
83 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Rachael r
Ken Mollins is a wonderful lawyer who was incredibly helpful throughout my legal process. His expertise and dedication made a significant difference in my case. Ken was always available to answer my questions and provided clear, concise guidance. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a reliable and supportive attorney.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Makiah leanna
I’ve had Gary Miller represent me in traffic court two separate times over the years for two different moving violations that almost got me 12 points on my license in total. He ended up having both violations reduced to parking tickets with no points! Safe to say if I ever need a traffic lawyer or family/friends need one I know who I will be recommending and calling up. He is very professional and gets back to you with updates quickly. I appreciate how much stress he took off my shoulders. My last ticket I got I felt was unfair and I was really upset, because I tried to explain to the officer what was going on, but he didn’t care to hear me and he said “i think i saw you in the wrong so that was enough”. I remembered Gary had helped me 3 years before for a ticket so I decided to give him a call and I thank God I did! He immediately gave me a sense of hope and understanding over the phone and I knew he would help me out a lot. Within the next week and a half my ticket was decreased from a 5 point $800+ fine to a 0 point $200 fine. Thank you Gary for helping me keep my driving history clean you are good at what you do!
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14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa
Timothy Manning! Can't say good enough things about him and Kenneth they are my saviors . After getting a speeding ticket and facing license suspension they got me a great deal with no points ,Can't thank Timothy enough hope I don't need him again but if I do I have him on speed dial .
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14 Aug, 2024 by Patric stewart
During the time that we were going through the process of processing the processes that were connected with the estate of our mother, it turned out that Russel was of great support to us. His ability to communicate was excellent, and he never failed to respond to our emails and phone calls in a timely manner. He never missed an opportunity to respond to any of our inquiries. The services that he offers come our highest recommendation, and we have no reservations about recommending them.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jorcheer98
I am beyond pleased with my experience with Mazzu Law!
I was very impressed with Ed’s kindness, professionalism, swift responses and attention to detail!
Ed made the process stress-free and straight-forward!
I would highly recommend Mazzu Law to my closest friends and family!
The very BEST!!!!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Delinda doyle
Ed is the most knowledgeable and hardworking attorney out there. He handles each case and client with the utmost concern and puts his heart in to every outcome he gets for his clients. If you get injured, you won't regret hiring Ed to help you...Nobody is better!
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17 May, 2019 by Jennifer
I highly recommend Anthony Brown for help with family law and estate planning. His knowledgeable meticulous helpful way with experiences that were new and out of our league put us at ease, and delivered in a way that we could not have done without him. He was clear an explanation throughout the process including about his fees which were reasonable. My family has gone to Anthony twice for help legal help that we have no expertise in and will continue to go to him when with our estate planning. He is also very responsive to questions
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01 Apr, 2019 by Jashvant
This was by far the best experience I had working with a lawyer. Anthony is extremely client-oriented, transparent, checks in regularly and takes time and goes out of his way to explain any legal issues which can get complicated very easily. He helped us with the adoption of our son and we had an amazing experience and would recommend him to any of my friends or family members.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Sara
I called Anthony Brown to understand my options regarding a Sperm Donor Contract. Suffice it to say, though NY State laws sadly do not protect the parental rights of single parents, Anthony led the conversation with honesty and sensitivity. He spent time and gave attention so that I could fully understand the legalities of using a known donor and took the extra time to review additional options. He was a pleasure to speak with and clearly an expert in this area of the law.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Kanwal batool
Asad and his team were an extreme pleasure to deal with. He made the process so smooth and answered all my questions! I highly recommend this firm for any of your real estate needs! I look forward to working together in the future! Thank you again!
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14 Jun, 2024 by Hus sain
Team of professionals.
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08 Jun, 2024 by Gaurav kerney
Recently worked with Sardar and his office. They were very professional and my client was very happy with the service provided. Mr Sardar was a call away throughout the transaction and overall a 5 star experience.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Jodi stangarone
ID card is great! Thank you 😊
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25 Jul, 2024 by Jeanie wilkerson
What an incredible service you provide for people who really need it. Thank you!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Jessica mills
13 Aug, 2024 by Sarain martinez
Excelente servicio
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24 Jul, 2024 by Hope emore
19 Jul, 2024 by Camilo varón
Exelente trabajo
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06 Oct, 2024 by Amrita kaur
Gary Miller is a fantastic traffic attorney! He was really helpful, made the process easy, and got me a great result
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04 Oct, 2024 by Alison carol
Gary has helped me with two tickets. Both times they were handled quickly and with positive outcomes. Best traffic lawyer on LI
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03 Oct, 2024 by Victoria carillo
Gary got my fine reduced with zero points. Very efficient and knowledgeable.
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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:
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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.
