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24 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Nicole Rossi's response are very comprehensive and helpful. She is also very quick in answering questions. Thank you, Nicole.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Chuck is most thorough and dedicated attorney ever. Chuck went above and beyond and left no detail to chance. He never over promised, was always level headed and thoughtful. I don't think that there are enough words to describe how happy I have been with him through the two trials in which he represented me.
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22 Nov, 2023 by Naomi swainey
Colleen has been my attorney for almost 6 years now. She’s represented me in everything from adoptions to civil matters and beyond. She’s not only amazing at her job and has successfully handled every situation I’ve thrown her way but she’s an incredible and brilliant human. She’s the type of woman I hope my daughters aspire to be and I feel incredibly lucky to know her and have her in my corner
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22 Nov, 2023 by Chris perdue
Stepdaughter adoption- My 8yr old daughter's biological father moved to another country. After 4 yrs and little to no contact I thought there was no way this would happen without a big headache. Well, I was wrong; to say everything I need t say I will give in bullet points: Caring, Personable, Upfront, Follow-up, Efficient, Economical, Experienced and Awesome.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Rev. cory
I am a client of Ms. Quinn and paralegal Peg, and she won my case in settlement. I met Colleen from a referral of a referral. I was facing a hostile work environment because of my sexual orientation (I'm a gay pastor/Chaplain) at the Veteran Affairs Hospital. I filed a EEOC against the Veteran Affairs and won with Colleen leading the fight. She was costly for me, but was worth the risk. I say that not only in hindsight after winning the settlement, but I say this because I watched her advocate for me, with me, and I felt was with me throughout all of it. In my David and Goliath battle against the Federal Governement, Colleen and Peg picked up our little stones of my story and just like the story reveals, we won. I felt confident in her ability to help me navigate this. She also listened, like really listened, to the things that were impacting me and how they were impacting me. Also, Colleen allowed me to participate in my case and help keep my invoices as low as possible, too. I did research, wrote notes, worked on questions, organized my evidence. I was able to do all that while saving funds. I trusted her skill and training to take my non trained collection of things to be that things that she needed and she did so, expertly. On the documents for submission, she did her parts with such skill and precision. When interacting with opposing counsel and the judge, Colleen spoke with confidence and exerpertise. She was cool, calm, and a ninja. But most of all, Colleen and Peg believed in me. Being a gay, married, pastor in a christiandom that will constantly reject, including family, Colleen and Peg became my family, my believers, my cheer squad, my high five, my hug, and my lawyer. I will always remember Colleen and Peg and my heart will forever be grateful for the kindness, advocation, and just good lawyering that helped me win my case. If you are looking for a fantastic lawyer and a kind human, consider hiring Colleen and her team. She is an earth angel, wearing the white hat, and fighting the good fight. Thank you Colleen and Peg for being my lawyer. I pray that your work continues to fight the fight that others in my community can't do alone. Thank you for standing with me and so many being othered in all the ways. You are a true hero.
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16 May, 2024 by Travis sydnor
07 May, 2024 by Kim thompson
Had a great experience Patrick was great I would highly recommend this firm
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03 May, 2024 by Steve davis
11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney
Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point.
She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out.
When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side
with Mrs. Vanzile and myself.
Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have
a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in
the same room together and especially school events with our
Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help.
Sincerely
Alan W.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I would not recommend her to anyone. She was not very interested in telling us what she could do with our case but was clear on telling us her hourly and retainer fee and had the nerve to add we could pay her more money to file a simple change order. Why would I hire you if I have to do all the work myself?!
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19 Sep, 2017 by Tom mckeen
Alison is an amazing attorney. She was prompt to respond to emails. She really cared about the case and most importantly her skills won my case. I would highly recommended her.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Allison is the best! Dealing with custody matters can be nerve-racking. When you are coping with a high conflict custody dispute on top of all it can become overwhelming. Allison took care of everything. We would not have kept our sanity without her. Allison kept us up to date and eased our anxiety. We hope we are never in this situation again but if we are, we know Allison is just a phone call away. It has been a positive experience working with Allison. She makes it easy for us to understand all the procedures that are involved, we appreciate all the work and effort she put in on working on our case. Weal enjoyed working with her. Thank you again for everything you are truly a part of our family!
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14 Jun, 2018 by Michelle
After having a difficult time (and that’s being nice) being able to see his kids, my boyfriend and I decided to seek legal help. He was told about Mary Napier, and we decided to go for a consultation because it couldn’t hurt to see if she could help. After having a horrible experience with another law firm he was not expecting much. From day 1, Mary has been able to answer any and all questions we’ve had (and I have a lot as I’ve never gone through anything like this before). My boyfriends ex was something else at the beginning of all this, and all he wanted to do was be a father. Mary actually spoke up for him in court, which he didn’t have before with his former lawyer. She listened to what we had to say and didn’t sugar coat things..which I appreciate! I’ve been extremely happy with Mary’s willingness to explain things to me. Let’s be honest, child support and custody is a difficult process. She made it as painless and easy as possible. The only issue I had was sometimes my emails would go unanswered, and I completely understand she is a very busy person! Maybe having an assistant help out with emails could help her out some. We are very, very thankful and happy with our outcome. He gets to be the best father to his 2 girls..co-parenting is actually happening with his ex (hallelujah!) and I get to be a “step” mom to the most precious and sweetest girls. Our little family thanks Mary Napier for everything she’s done for us!
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31 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Just typing her name gives me awful anxiety. Mary Napier doesn't understand the impact her poor decisions have on her clients. After working with her for nearly an entire year, she went to our first court date completely unprepared, not even understanding the basic facts of our case. She consistently ignores her emails, and when asked about the lack of communication she told me I have to schedule a phone conference if I want speedy communication. That isn't much to ask, so i started setting up phone appointments. We live out of state so we couldn't meet in person. She missed 4 appointments in a row on the phone after telling us that it was the best way to contact her. Additionally, any time we asked a question she would snicker or chuckle like we were asking a silly question. She never reassured us of anything when we had concerns. The answers all sounded the same. "Well I can't say either way," "well it COULD work for you, but I can't say for certain," "I mean I honestly can't really say." These are just a few examples of her terrible responses to our questions. After our first hearing, she sent us an email saying it went great. As we read the email, it turns out every single thing our "opponent" asked for was granted. How exactly did you come to the conclusion that court went well, when you failed to explain to the judge even the most basic and essential points of our side? It's like we spent $1500 on a lawyer for the other party. Mary is condescending and useless in the courtroom. In fact, I'm confident that I could have represented myself with better results than we had with this lawyer.
Mary doesn't keep track of important points, she doesn't take the time to understand the full story, she is terrible at communicating, and she lacks the passion necessary to defend people in cases that change their entire lives. She doesn't understand that as a lawyer, it is her duty to zealously represent her clients. She also doesn't understand that if she isn't performing her job well, she is impacting the client for the rest of their life. To her, it's like the paycheck is all that matters.
We decided we were fed up when Mary thought it would be appropriate to HANG UP on us after we told her we feel she lacks empathy and compassion for our case.
The saddest part of this for Mary Napier is that our son is only 3 years old now, and we will likely be needing a lawyer until he is 18 due to the difficult relationship with his birth mother. We were looking for a lawyer we could maintain a working relationship with and return to for cases in the future. Unfortunately, Mary wasted almost a year of our lives that we will never get back, and at a critical time in the development of our son.
It is blatantly obvious that this attorney doesn't know what she's doing. Save yourself the time and money and heartache and find somebody else!!
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mary Napier went above and beyond for me with my child custody case. I was asking for 50/50 joint custody, however she managing to get me primary physical and legal custody. She was very professional and always knew the answer to any legal questions I asked. I felt like the odds were against me going into court but during court her professionalism and experience made me optimistic before the judge decided. I would recommend her to anyone in a child custody battle especially a father.
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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.
