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26 Aug, 2024 by Latisha
Attorney McCarl took the time and was patient with me in my divorce case. She was thoughtful and caring throughout the whole process.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Brittney
I retained Attorney Jessyca McCarl for child custody. We wanted to relocate to a different state. The very first time that I spoke to Attorney McCarl, she was very informative and knowledgeable. I felt that I could trust her with my case.
My case was an uphill battle, but Attorney McCarl did not give up. She fought very hard for my children and I. That did not go unnoticed. More importantly, I never had to reach out to Attorney McCarl to ask her about my case. She always kept me up to date on my case. If I had any questions, she always answered them truthfully.
My children are a priority in my life, I trusted Attorney McCarl with my case, and she delivered.
Attorney Jessyca McCarl has good vibes, a strong work ethic, she is very professional, and I can tell that she loves her career. I have no doubt that Attorney McCarl will continue to thrive, grow, and help families, like she helped mine.
I will always remember her. We will now be moving to a new state, and we cannot wait to begin the next chapter in our lives.
Thank you again Attorney McCarl, you are the absolute best!
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11 Apr, 2022 by Heather
Jessyca was so incredibly helpful during our time together. She helped me through the divorce process and made sure to clearly explain every step along the way. She was compassionate, kind, and understanding. I am so thankful for her knowledge and expertise. Highly recommend working with Jessyca!
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17 Mar, 2021 by Rhonda
In the middle of a pandemic I faced with some hard times bad needed an attorney Melissa was able to help me by providing me with the correct information to be able to feel comfortable with my case I had
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05 Oct, 2020 by Klara
If I could give her 10 stars, I would. She is compassionate, professional, knowledgeable, and flexible! I would highly recommend Melissa!
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04 Oct, 2020 by Barbara
Professional, intelligent, beautiful and kind hearted are a few adjectives I’m using to describe of Attorney Lewis.
I highly recommend Attorney Melissa Lewis not only is she beautiful both inside and outside, but she is also a remarkable young lady. She has helped me on several different occasions, and I appreciate her wisdom and knowledge. Attorney Lewis has a heart of compassion she is always giving back to community by being a role model to the youth. I highly recommend you give Attorney Lewis a call if you’re in need of an attorney.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Amritpal nat
I m truck driver got traffic tickets in Pennsylvania Ashley saved my license got tickets dismissed they are professionals highly recommended.
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20 Nov, 2020 by Capo thedon
Ashley represented me today in a matter where i was facing jail time plus a license suspension. Not only did she keep my freedom but also saved my license. The odds were against me but she persevered. She is a very professional, attentive lawyer. HIGHLY recommend.
Josh G.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Carole and barb
Chris led our team on a precident setting case before the State Supreme Court. She has a passion for correcting injustices, and was beyond thorough in her preperation of the material. Cases are often won based on the skill of the attorney, we were so thankful Chris
handled our case, as another attorney may have not had the same passion, commitment or skill. No hesitancy making a very favorable recommendation.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
My lawyer, Chris, was the lead attorney on a class action civil rights lawsuit my then partner and I were a part of. She was extremely thorough, attentive and on top of every detail, always filling us in on what was happening with our case. She worked extremely hard on our behalf and kept active and on top of things through a very long and grueling legal fight. I would recommend her without hesitation!!
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29 May, 2013 by Sarah
I worked with Kathy probating a will recently. I found her to be very professional, helpful and willing to assist as needed. She is very knowledgeable and expedited the procedure to a successful conclusion.
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29 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Tyler is a well educated and well spoken attorney. He always took the time to answer all of my questions and was very knowledgeable. He was quick to take care of any issue I was having. If you choose Tyler as your attorney you will be in good hands.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Dana rizzo
From the experience I had with John Morris, I would not recommend to anyone. I was told at the beginning of my son’s divorce that should be know more than $3000. Only because he doesn’t have any assets at all nor did his ex wife. There are no children involved. Two years later after the ex finally decided to sign the paper work, we get an invoice of an additional $3500 dollars. They said he spent 16 hours on a divorce that had no assets, absolutely no property and no contest. It was just sitting on his desk waiting for the ex to sign. My son was charged $6500 for this. This is unethical.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Benjamin vranish
Garrett Trettel turned a very unfortunate situation into as positive an experience as it could've been. He was polite, friendly, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and he really helped me get back on my feet. I really appreciate all the hard work from everyone here, especially Garrett. Thank you.
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27 Sep, 2024 by M.j. vee
We have seen Carol over the last few years several times. She is courteous, knowledgeable, and very helpful . We are confident in the service she provides.
Joyce and Vitelli.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Brittany tkac
From the very first time we talked with crystal and sometimes Bethany they took care of every need, concern, and obstacles! They explained everything to us in our terms so we clearly understood every step. Always got back in reasonable timely manner. They drafted a divorce didn’t matter the other party refused to sign. Every single motion got returned in the mail (anything to make this more difficult) so we also had the pleasure of dealing with CSI serving papers for us at least 5 times and again very fast and easy to work with! We have friends that started a divorce before us and ours is final and they are still in the process! Also at the end we were crunched on time trying to sell a house (couldn’t until we had the paper) and again crystal said I don’t care if I have to walk it over to the judge we will get this done! They did not disappoint any obstacle they quickly had the next step in motion!
THANK YOU CRYSTAL
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22 Sep, 2024 by Marc duchin
17 Sep, 2024 by Charles mupamombe
13 Sep, 2024 by Luis m
Great group of attorneys! They treat you like family and will fight for your rights.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Darla kay jobkar
Steve Townsend is the best!!! Trustworthy, Experienced, Super Efficient and Responsive. I highly recommend!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ricky reyes
Absolutely thee best legal representation in all Pittsburgh, Pa. Forget the rest. Mr. Townsend is the best. Trust me, I know and this comes from someone out of Philly, Pa. Mr. Townsend gives his all and his word is as solid as gold and it's weight. If ever someone needs legal representation on any level, do yourself a favor call Mr. Townsend, trust me. It's worth a phone call to get the best representation.
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1.0
3 Reviews
4.7
554 Reviews
12 Sep, 2024 by Eddie jay
They really work and you get real results
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18 Jun, 2024 by Terry meadows
12 Jun, 2024 by Luis rodriguez
08 May, 2024 by Brittany freeman
04 May, 2024 by R g
Highly professional and knowledgeable attorneys
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04 May, 2024 by Brandon maseth
These lawyers charge over $100,000 and lose at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Refer to case FD 17-001973. This law firm is less than 6 months old, and is what happens when 3 one-star attorneys attempt to make a partnership. If you want cheap legal services don't pay them more than $50 per hour. If you want to win, definitely find a better lawyer.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Sarah forney
An amazing guy to work with, you won't be disappointed! Very helpful & timely with responses. He is absolutely my first recommendation if you need these services!!!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Paige bowser
Mr. Michael J. Bruzzese In Allegheny county. If any one would ever need the best lawyer, this man is who I suggest to every one. He helped me through my whole entire process. Michael J Bruzzese is a very patient lawyer and also cares about his clients. He did not have to take me on as his client, but he believed in me. I highly recommend Mr. Michael J. Bruzzese.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Lisa blurton
Michael was very responsive with emails , and always answered phone calls . He made me feel at ease and it helped me to focus on other things while he took care of my case. I recommend Michael J Bruzzese, Attorney At Law. For his attention to details and quick responses to any questions I had and for his patience and understanding .
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12 Oct, 2022 by Kathy
I can not say enough about how wonderful Ashley is. I went through a very rough divorce. If it wasn’t for Ashley there were times I would have lost my mind. Ashley was always available for me whenever I needed to talk or had questions. I highly recommend her and would not hesitate to use her again. I will never be able to thank her enough!
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01 Oct, 2022 by Tony c
I was referred to Ashley after my first attorney had strung me along for 2 1/2yrs. Ashley took over my divorce and got it done in less than a year. Ashley was always available and made things convenient for me and my schedule. I would not hesitate to use Ashley to handle any legal matter I have.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Jordan
This woman has done more to help me than I can even express. Ashley goes above and beyond. She's knowledgeable, responsive, kind and absolutely the best attorney that I've ever hired. Thank you again.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jim ogden
5 Stars for having such a beautiful building. It looks like the office of Sherlock Holmes
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08 Aug, 2024 by Susan cocco
Elizabeth and Julie are amazing. I felt so confident with them . They don’t mess around they know what they’re doing . I would recommend them 100% Their great people
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17 Jul, 2024 by Kendrick greene
Julie was amazing and aggressive and if you have ever dealt with family division Allegheny county it's not friendly or fair without representation.
She 100% levelled the playing field. And she will represent me until my son is 18 highly recommended.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Mikhail istomin
Attorney Tara Hutchinson and the entire team at the Pittsburgh Family Law Services are knowledgeable, welcoming, and caring. Highly recommended for any and all family law services from adoptions and custody to divorce, prenuptial agreements and estate planning. If you are looking for experienced and very effective legal representation in Pittsburgh, this family law firm is your answer.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Anita l
Tara is a true professional that cares about her clients. Highly recommend working with her.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Kamil boryszewski
I recently worked with Attorney Tara L. Hutchinson to address my marriage agreement. Tara reviewed my case and was detail-oriented from the very first consultation. She took the time to understand my specific situation and needs, and made sure the agreement addressed everything thoroughly. She even went above and beyond to contact my lawyer in another country! I couldn't be happier with the experience.
Her guidance and knowledge gave me great peace of mind throughout the process. Thanks to Tara's professionalism and expertise, I feel confident that the agreement is fair and comprehensive. Thank you for being patient with me throughout the process!
If you're looking for a lawyer to handle your case, I highly recommend Tara and PGH Family Law Services, P.C.
~Dorota B.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Matt dee
Mr. Paletta was excellent and professional when it came to assisting me with a matter regarding my nursing license. He showed great expertise and was able to help me get the issue resolved quickly and without incident. Would absolutely recommend.
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31 May, 2024 by Eric buzard
11 Apr, 2024 by Stacy henderson
Mr. Paletta has gone above and beyond for me from day one. While working as a nurse, I gave a patient a narcotic, but forgot to sign in the computer that I had administered it, eventhough I had signed it out of the book, I was fired and charged with theft. I was referred to a criminal attorney, he wasn't familiar with the nursing board and long story short, unintentionally, made the situation worse, at that point, the state board suspended my license. That attorney then referred me to Mr. Paletta. Frankly, at that time, I had no faith in attorneys and wasn't really interested in hiring another one. But, I made the phone call. From the moment he answered the phone, Mr. Paletta put me at ease, he is extremely knowledgeable, especially when it pertains to medical and nursing licenses and the boards, he's compassionate, kind-hearted, and a truly good, and noble person. He worked with me on a payment plan I was able to do, he went to work immediately on my case, and frankly, my license was returned to me far quicker than I thought would be possible. He's very responsive, he explains things thoroughly but doesn't talk down to his clients. He made me feel "heard" at a time when I had just about given up hope. I would recommend him to anyone, he truly is the best there is. I have a matter in family court and Mr. Paletta not only recommended a family attorney but he made adjustments in my payment plan to facilitate my being able to retain her, i dont know of any other professional who would do that, his kindness has restored my faith in people. I can't recommend Mr. Paletta enough, if I could give him more stars I would.
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17 Jun, 2024 by G b
Excellent firm. Guided us for years, and we cannot be happier!
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18 Sep, 2023 by Sam mccrossin
I hired Frank Kosir.jr unfortunately for a dispute with CSX railroad unfortunately. All this man did is take my money with no action. I paid for a complete deed search and after he completed it, I was told I have no rights to cross the railroad tracks. I took maters into my own hands and did a deed search on my own and found all my rights that he said I did not have. I do not understand how I was able to find all my rights with no experience in this field after paying this firm. He wasted over 7 months of my time with no action. I was charged thousands of dollars with no action. I feel this man is corrupt, be careful
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31 Jul, 2023 by Ben hutman
Beautiful office. The lawyers are genuinely nice. Everyone knows what they are doing.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Theresa
If I could give her no stars, that would be more fitting. We hired Erica for an adoption case. She was very friendly and would answer immediately when we first began speaking with her last summer. We decided to hire her, and soon after - we weren't able to get a hold of her. Until finally, we didn't hear from her at all anymore. As we found out, she took a job elsewhere and just left the firm. Our case was one she dumped on the only other lawyer in the practice (the owner of the business) who lives in LA. He also got slammed with all the other cases that she decided not to continue with. We made an agreement on our case cost with Erica which we later found out she didn't specify in her general contract, so our agreement with her wasn't honored, and we ended up having to pay 1k more than we agreed. Not to mention, our case got put on a back burner b/c of the workload the remaining lawyer had, so it took us an entire year for the adoption to be complete. We waited 8 months after the court approval of termination of parental rights, just to get an adoption court date that worked with the lawyers schedule. Erica's assistant was the only reason our case got handled after everything. What Erica did was irresponsible, careless, and unprofessional. She left us feeling like we didn't matter and our case didn't matter, and left us all with a big mess to try and sort out. I would never recommend her to anyone.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I have been involved and a very intense custody case for quite sometime. I hired this lawyer after steadily using a different one for several years. When we first met with her she seemed competant. So we hired her to represent us. After we begin signing contracts she became a complete disappointment. I had very important things that needed to be filed in court and she never once did it on time. Things would come and go and continue to build up without her ever addressing issues that were brought to her attention. When we first met this lawyer and before we hired her she was not that difficult to get a hold of. However once again after we begin signing contracts she basically disappeared. The office telephone number goes directly to voicemail all day every day. You can leave a message but I assure you that no one will call you back. To this day I have called many times and have never once received a call back. She also provided an email which also suddenly became a useless line of communication. This goes on for months and months at a time. I can be understanding if someone doesn't immediately get back to you I can also be understanding if they can at least get back to you quickly and then get back to you more in depth later. But to not be able to get a hold of your attorney for months at a time is completely unacceptable. When you're in the middle of any custody case it is already difficult enough. And I'm also aware than dealing with lawyers sometimes that can be difficult as far as always getting an answer when you want it. But the link that this went with this attorney with absolutely positively ridiculous. We were never really given a reason except that she was sorry. That doesn't really help a person when you need them to be in court representing you. I would never rehire this attorney ever again.
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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.
