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08 Jan, 2025 by Kristi lawson
Mr. Coulter and staff were great to work with. Very attentive to all the details and quick to respond to any questions we had along the way. They also communicated and expanded each step in the process so we had a better understanding of what would be happening and they helped us win our case. You will not be disappointed in using this firm for lawyer services.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Thomas taylor
07 Nov, 2024 by Erica l
This legal professional has shown exceptional competence and dedication in their field. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation that is committed to unwavering advocacy and support throughout the entirety of their case.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Amanda g
They were able to make the process fast and always answered my questions in a timely manner.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Ardiana krasniqi
Me and my fiancée had the pleasure to work with Jeffrey and Alicia on a family matter.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, our case was resolved successfully, and we are incredibly grateful for their exceptional service.
If you are in need of a family law lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also compassionate and approachable, look no further than Jeffrey (Bartol law firm). They are truly a beacon of hope in the legal field.
I can’t recommend them highly enough. 😊
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02 Jul, 2024 by John bliven
I will start this off the way I will finish it.. Bardol Law Firm is a great practice, with Great people, Compassionate people, Great processes and extremely fair with billings.
So Going through one of the most difficult times in my life seeing something that I had so much hope and expectation for success end in a train wreck was to say the least difficult and embarrassing. Given all of that as the back drop, I then learned that this individual (my Ex) was trying to take advantage of me and destroy me almost from day one of the marriage with was only 16 or 18 months in length.
This is where Bardol Law Firm and specifically Ann and Alicia (IE the "A team") came into the process. I would say that they saved my sanity through this process. Ann and Alicia are people you can depend on, people you can Trust and most important people who will get you the best results.
Ann was beyond cool under pressure and handled every twist and turn that the apposing council was throwing at us and in her words this was by far the worst Gold Digger attempt she or her firm had ever seen. Lets just say what the $$ amount that was started at vs the end result was MUCH different to the point where the Final check needed to be made out to both the client (Noe My EX) and the apposing law firm. Ann Just kept pushing it back with sound logic, sound approach and a calm approach and asking the apposing council to justify the math and show the math of how and what made up the demands for the $$. slowly but surly things started to break through and the $$ just started coming down and down and down.
I was so impressed with Alicia and her approach and keeping everything on schedule throughout this mess. She was the scheduling mastermind to keep all the balls in motion. She was also the cheerleader with reassurance that everything was going to be ok, and Ann had a Plan and a Strategy to get this done and over with.
At the end of this process, Bardol Law Firm was extremely fair. How many times do you have a credit and a check waiting for you after a process like this? I received a $2K plus check as a refund at the end. (How many times do you hear of this happening.) A great Firm, Great People, very professional, results driven and fair beyond words.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Derek metcalf
Just wanted to thank Mr Daher for taking care of some collections I had. He did exactly what he said he was going to do, very pleased.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Down to ride performance
These are the masters in their profession… Very confident and knowledgeable… I was greatly pleased with the outcome of my case thanks to you…. Will definitely recommend and use again if needed….
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22 Jan, 2025 by Chris brewer
I have had some issues with multiple debt buying scammers and had nothing but the best help from James as he handled every case exactly as he promised. Thanks for being proactive, professional and honest.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Sheril snowden
I had a Good Experience everyone was Professional,Polite&friendly. Jenna,was the Best! Very helpful & nice she always made sure I understood everything regarding my case Thank You!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Cabrina noonan
The staff at the Wilbers Law Firm are incredible! After our accident they were supportive and swift at getting us the medical attention we needed. Throughout our case, if our assigned paralegal was out for any reason, one of their team members was able to jump in and offer assistance. They clearly took good notes as evidenced by how familiar they seemed with our case. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and responsive. They fought for our settlement and ended up going after both the driver and the car’s insurance. We’re happy for our outcome and grateful someone recommended their services!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Erica cole
I definitely appreciate Wilber’s law firm helped me and my family with 3 different cases thanks again
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19 Dec, 2024 by Keith hungate
03 Dec, 2024 by Jwahn palmer
03 Dec, 2024 by Brandon butler
Made the process very easy and efficient! Highly recommend!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Reilly
09 Oct, 2024 by Mindee calabrese
09 Oct, 2024 by Gerald smith
Very efficient and professional. They kept me current throughout the entire process. Client friendly and promptly returned my calls when I had any questions or concerns.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Amanda g
They were able to make the process fast and always answered my questions in a timely manner.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Ardiana krasniqi
Me and my fiancée had the pleasure to work with Jeffrey and Alicia on a family matter.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, our case was resolved successfully, and we are incredibly grateful for their exceptional service.
If you are in need of a family law lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also compassionate and approachable, look no further than Jeffrey (Bartol law firm). They are truly a beacon of hope in the legal field.
I can’t recommend them highly enough. 😊
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02 Jul, 2024 by John bliven
I will start this off the way I will finish it.. Bardol Law Firm is a great practice, with Great people, Compassionate people, Great processes and extremely fair with billings.
So Going through one of the most difficult times in my life seeing something that I had so much hope and expectation for success end in a train wreck was to say the least difficult and embarrassing. Given all of that as the back drop, I then learned that this individual (my Ex) was trying to take advantage of me and destroy me almost from day one of the marriage with was only 16 or 18 months in length.
This is where Bardol Law Firm and specifically Ann and Alicia (IE the "A team") came into the process. I would say that they saved my sanity through this process. Ann and Alicia are people you can depend on, people you can Trust and most important people who will get you the best results.
Ann was beyond cool under pressure and handled every twist and turn that the apposing council was throwing at us and in her words this was by far the worst Gold Digger attempt she or her firm had ever seen. Lets just say what the $$ amount that was started at vs the end result was MUCH different to the point where the Final check needed to be made out to both the client (Noe My EX) and the apposing law firm. Ann Just kept pushing it back with sound logic, sound approach and a calm approach and asking the apposing council to justify the math and show the math of how and what made up the demands for the $$. slowly but surly things started to break through and the $$ just started coming down and down and down.
I was so impressed with Alicia and her approach and keeping everything on schedule throughout this mess. She was the scheduling mastermind to keep all the balls in motion. She was also the cheerleader with reassurance that everything was going to be ok, and Ann had a Plan and a Strategy to get this done and over with.
At the end of this process, Bardol Law Firm was extremely fair. How many times do you have a credit and a check waiting for you after a process like this? I received a $2K plus check as a refund at the end. (How many times do you hear of this happening.) A great Firm, Great People, very professional, results driven and fair beyond words.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Kathy
Robert had been dealing with our daughters divorce since early January, 3018. He is a man with great attention to woman’s rights. He’s met with our daughter several times, she always comes home feeling better. Laura is the social worker who works with him, together, I highly recommend his law advice. Very appreciate of what he has helped our daughter, it’s gettng close to the end, nerves are running high, Robert continues to remain calm and confident, thank you Robert,
Sincerely Mark and Kathy/daughter Ashlee
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10 Oct, 2014 by Miranda
Mr. Robert Boedeker has been our family attorney for three years. During that time he helped us navigate a real estate purchase, form an LLC, complete Durable Power of Attorney paperwork, evict a problem tenant, and gave us legal counsel around issues of gay marriage. His expertise, diligence, and sound advice have been invaluable to us. I couldn't recommend him more!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Bill chennault
20 Nov, 2024 by Jamie de geer
Great service, reasonable price and clear explanations of the process. I would highly recommend Douglas Richards, attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Genelle hines
Easy to work with good results.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer lude
I worked with Christian Misner. He was extremely reliable, courteous, and made me feel like he truly cared about my concerns. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Dashyra dent
I am overjoyed with this law firm , Chris , Kevin And Tom Are GREAT HARDWORKING Men , I was worried bout My Case Due to the fact Mulitple law firms Heard my case and still denied me , After several attempts of being denied I prayed and searched and Thought to give Donner applewhite a chance , it was the reviews that got me , and the trust I seen they earned from there clients and boy did it take a turn for the good from that point on , They where very professional , very patient More importantly invested ! They exceeded my expectations , and I can’t thank them enough ! This law firm is a hidden Gem 💎 THANKYOU SOO MUCH DONNER APPLEWHITE I AM MORE THAN HAPPY WITH MY OUTCOME! I definitely will be doing more buisness with you guys . They will work with you , just Give them something to work with and Watch them work they magic .
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07 Oct, 2024 by Madison cox
We were extremely satisfied with the service we received from Chris Herman. We retained him to help my husband with an issue that was likely not as major as Mr. Herman normally deals with. However, it was a serious matter to us and that is how he treated it. He took the time to listen to our concerns, gather the facts and clearly laid out our options to proceed. Once we agreed on the best course for us, Mr. Herman took it from there and did the rest. The outcome and the costs were exactly what was expected and explained to us. We could not have hoped for more. We would not hesitate for a moment to recommend him to any of our friends and family that were in need of excellent legal services!
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29 Jul, 2022 by Orlandoluis
I hired attorney Karen Pittman-Pace for an entire year. It was a very complicated civil case. It was connected to another criminal case in another MO county. The Father was being denied access to his Baby. At first, it seemed impossible to get anything at court. But Pittman-Pace managed to win the case step by step, until Father and Baby were finally back together and happy. The whole family is now healing. Justice has been rightfully served in both civil and criminal courts. In addition, the Judge granted an Order of Protection and a Temporary Restraining Order in my favor, thanks to the work of Pittman-Pace.
I highly recommend Karen Pittman-Pace, an experienced and innovative attorney that will fight for your legal and human rights even if you are about to give up. She represents justice and hope.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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10 Apr, 2021 by Carolyn
Mrs Karen Pittman-Pace is a hard worker. I don't know when she ever find time to sleep. She returns calls and emails in a timely fashion. Her communication skills are excellent. She took on my case and my sons case in family court with compassion and professionalism. I was completely stressed out and felt helpless until she took over our cases. Just knowing that she was trustworthy helped with my anxiety and panic attacks during trial. Most importantly she was respectful. As the victim, that meant a lot to me. If you need an attorney that takes on your situation as if they've lived it then Mrs. Karen Pittman-Pace is the attorney for you. She helped my son and I both win our cases. Job well done and money well spent. You get what you pay for.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Julie
Karen Pittman Pace came highly recommended to me several years ago. Karen is extremely knowledgeable in the “family law” arena and knows the business like no other. She is tough - a fighter, persistent, brilliant and everything in between. And she always goes above and beyond to win for her clients. I would recommend Ms. Pittman Pace to anyone looking for exceptional legal representation in the St. Louis area.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Mohamed abdellatif
Mr. Joe Flees is an extraordinary lawyer. From the beginning of listening to all the details of my case throughout the whole process, he turned my case from a very unfavorable situation with the least expected positive outcomes into a fully winning case that was fully dismissed. He believed in my innocence and utilized the evidence I had in the best possible way. I would like to thank him and his team for their extraordinary work and recommend him to those who need a lawyer to truly support them. Thank you!
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19 Jan, 2025 by Living with autism and traumatic brain injury
Jen is awesome
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14 Jan, 2025 by Rob cima
Dan Juengel was fantastic in helping my daughter with her legal problem. From the beginning, he was calm, understanding, and made a stressful situation much easier. He explained everything clearly, kept us updated throughout the process, and achieved a great result. It was clear he truly cared about my daughter’s case and our family. I’m so thankful for his help and support—I highly recommend him!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Diantha faulk
AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE AT A VERY REASONABLE COST. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Cuddle squad
Jerrold and Stacy took amazing care of me. It was my first time using a law firm, so I was impressed by how they helped me through the process. They genuinely care and work hard to provide results! I’m so glad I worked with them. They allowed me to get the justice I deserve!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Rob powley
My wife and I met with Mr. Lake for the first time on November 18, 2024. He and his staff were able to complete our wills, trust and personal directives in less than two weeks doing everything in a professional manner, even walking us through the process providing legal advice and explanations. We left the office smiling because he had made something so complicated seem so very simple and natural. Don't get bogged down in the details,
make the appointment.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Avery lang
Best firm in St. Louis. Thanks Steve!
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27 Jan, 2025 by Alec rothman
Steven Sokolik is incredibly kind and so easy to work with! have already recommended him to others- obviously i never HOPE to need a lawyer, but if i do, i'm calling Steven!
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08 Dec, 2024 by Kendal ryan
He saved my dad big time! Helped the process go so quick and smoothly! Highly recommend.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Joseph douglas
Pat was great, super professional and very responsive. Made everything quick and easy.
I will be telling my friends when they need help in the future.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Randall price
09 Oct, 2024 by Kundz
Got my case handled and dismissed quickly with no extra things needed from me. Will be using him only from now on.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Her safeplace
I would agree as to Sylvia's prowess as an attorney and her skills in getting desired results for her clients. She certainly knows how to work the legal system to the greatest advance of her clients. Yet she does so with quite questionable ethics/acumen. In my opinion, anyone who has to lie and cheat to win, never truly wins. It all will come back to you. Justice without your head held high is no justice that I want to be a part of, ever.
In response to the below reply: I gave an honest good faith review of my experience. All viewpoints are necessary, whether they be that of the beneficiary or the one on the other side of the table.
Edit: As evident, I am not a client of Sylvia's. Her willingness to achieve the goal by any means necessary, no matter the ethical bounds has been my true in fact experience. If that's the side you need to take, then by all means, she is your girl.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Shawn ali
05 Sep, 2024 by Kerry borawski
Highly recommend Martin Jansky & his team of professionals. They supported me through a difficult time, and in Martin's words, allowed me "to be a daughter" when I needed just that. His advice was helpful and his team excelled in both clear communication & consistent support.
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01 Dec, 2024 by Maddalyn mansfield
i attempted for weeks and weeks to get an initial appointment set up or even a call back with no luck, and we ultimately ended up going with someone else. we had really high hopes about him and are very disappointed we never even got the chance to speak to him. the woman who answers calls at the office is extremely snobby. the only response i ever got was "if he has time and feels like it he will give you a call" she had such a nasty attitude and it seems like she expected us to beg for an appointment. whenever you are willing and ready to hand someone almost twenty thousand dollars you would expect them to be eager too do their job, apparently not.
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18 Nov, 2024 by James jablonski
Travis is the tuffest lawyer on the seen. He does exactly what he says he will. Trust and believe that.
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20 Oct, 2024 by Anaya moore
This man helped me get my license back while it was suspended in no time give him a call
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05 Feb, 2025 by Sari al-shehbaz
I had the pleasure of working with Jeff Abney when he represented a family member in their divorce, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise and support. From the very beginning, Jeff made the entire process as painless as possible by taking the time to thoroughly explain the legal steps involved and what to expect at each stage. His communication was outstanding. He was always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer advice whenever it was needed. His calm demeanor and professionalism brought much-needed clarity and reassurance during a stressful time. I also appreciate his attention to detail and the care he showed in ensuring everything was handled correctly.
He helped us navigate a truly difficult time in my family member's life and helped take some of the burden off us. If you’re looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable attorney who truly cares about his clients, I highly recommend Jeff Abney.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Kristian hines
I worked with Olivia Mitchell at Stange Law Firm. Not only was she very professional and knowledgeable, she also extremely relatable. Ms. Mitchell made me feel very welcomed at the Firm and reassured me of my choice to work with them. She ensure that I was well informed regarding all legal masters and everything was done in a timely manner. 10/10 would recommend.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Briana lucas
Olivia was amazing!!! She answered all my questions, showed compassion and empathy, got my case resolved to my liking. I cannot say enough good things about her and Strange. Thank you!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Brian wright
If you need a glorified legal secretary who can find the courthouse and file paperwork, Bob is your guy. If you need a competent, hard-nosed family attorney to fight for you and what you hold dearest, stay a hundred miles away and pray he’s the opposing counsel. So ill-prepared for my support modification trial. I was prepared. Opposing counsel was prepared. Judge was prepared. What about Bob? Constantly scrambling for notes and fumbling for words. Oddly timed and worded objections. Horrible report with the judge. Outcome was shockingly one-sided and one of the worst judgements in the history of the St. Louis family court system. Use anyone else to fight and protect your rights. You can only do better.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Derek dees
After some time and hard work John was able to get the results I wanted. Thanks Fen.
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13 Oct, 2024 by Liz ——
This “attorney” is a joke. More like lazy jerk who just does gimme landlord tenant actions. He doesn’t practice law. He collects bad debt for apartment complexes-and he’s lazy and inept. Glad he found a cash flow. Hope the laws don’t update and ruin his game. Would put no stars, but that isn’t an option. Not as if this matters-his clientele are all word of mouth apartment complexes-he doesn’t work for actual people or on their behalf.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Carrie d
Cynthia was a mediator between my ex-husband and I when we divorced. This was a simple divorce, and amicable as far as these things go.
Both my ex-husband and I found her to be not very competent.
I went into exhaustive detail during the financial discovery, which was expected because doing the work yourself is one of the ways you save money. However, she didn't seem to be able to understand the financial overview document, annotated with the number, and then the attachment showing proof of where the info came from, which had the same number. She also didn't seem to be very proficient in using computers. I had to instruct her on how to use certain programs. She didn't give me a discount for that.
When we finally got before the judge, they were taken aback by her sloppy work. She actually listed our pet in the list of assets, with a value of "priceless".
In the end, after spending several thousand dollars, we fired her and finished the divorce using the Court's own pro se people.
While I would not recommend going pro se with the court in something as important as a divorce, I would also not recommend using Cynthia for your divorce. She was either "phoning it in" or, worse, that was actually the best she can do.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Kris williamson
04 Mar, 2018 by Iain beardsley
Not many people 'like' attorneys. To be fair, it's usually based on the need of one & not the attorney. However, there are the attorneys that take advantage of people in need. Just like many people, you have the good & not so good. There are many attorneys to consider in those times. And there are some you need to run from. I doubt seriously Cynthia recalls my case. But if she were to be honest about some matters, she might give herself 1 star as well. I wish you well & I hope your integrity isn't what is used to be.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Wilde won't call you back, no matter how many voicemails left. If you want an attorney that will fight for you Ms Wilde is not the attorney for you
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30 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Sarah is a great attorney, you can tell Sarah puts in the necessary time, and effort with each and every client. Sarah made my legal needs a simple, easy process. She not only made me feel comfortable in the legal process, but also made me feel confident I was being represented well. If you need a good attorney for any family law needs- this is the place to go!
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07 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I would not hire this lawyer again in any kind of matter. I hired Ms Wilde for a civil matter and she provided hardly any guidance, refused to return calls and communications, didnt file any motions to protect me, allowed the opposing party to trample all over me because she didnt send over pertinant information to me about my case..etc. Ultimately she just took my money. This is not how you build a law firm.
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27 Feb, 2016 by Sherry
This attorney never followed up or informed me with information regarding my child support case. Was very unconcerned, only returned one phone call. Very condescending and rude. I'm still unaware of were I stand with my case and having to do the work myself. He took the money and left me in the dark. I would never recommend this attorney to anyone I know.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Judy
My family hired this attorney to manage the probate for my mother's estate, since she left no will. We were told since it was such a small estate (less than $40K), that it would only take 6 months to finalize everything.
It is now 15 months later and the estate still is not settled. The attorney has had to file motions multiple times because of errors in her filing, she won't communicate with us for weeks on end and has no real explanation as to why the process is still dragging on. We don't believe she has ever done probate before, but it would have been nice to know that at the beginning, so we could have hired someone 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:
-
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.
