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17 Jun, 2024 by Sandra page
Our group has engaged UGBB for multiple types of legal assistance. Law/regulation interpretation. Dealing with tax matters. Employment issues. The lawyers there have a board band of experience, and we like that they already have background on our agency. Information they collected over many years of service to us. Plus, Tonia, the office manager is a hoot! Consider this firm if you are looking for excellent legal representation – and nice people!
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09 May, 2024 by Patti j
After looking for months for an attorney to help us with a serious issue with new furniture we purchased my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Christian Misner. He was very kind , caring and really wants to help us. He is so knowledgeable and knew exactly what our next steps should be. We are now on our way to getting the help we need to solve our issues. We can’t thank Mr. Misner enough.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Matthew donahue
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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25 Sep, 2024 by Flatfoot duck
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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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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24 Aug, 2018 by Kris williamson
20 Mar, 2017 by Donald amick
Great ATTRONEY DAVID OLIN KREUTER
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30 Jul, 2024 by Nate blair
Been dealing with Mr. Roberts for almost a year now on some litigation. He did a fantastic job for me kept me in the loop made sure I understand the process always asked me if I had any questions and was very knowledgeable about the type of case that I was presenting They actually care about your concerns take time to listen definitely go to from here on out.
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21 May, 2024 by Matt giancristofaro
Chris and his team were fantastic in helping me with my case. They helped drive and handle all necessary procedures all while keeping me informed and in the loop. They were friendly, professional and made this entire process seamless.
I will absolutely return with any future needs and cannot recommend their services enough. Thank you again guys!
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07 May, 2024 by Wendy mcdevitt
Dan is a very influential attorney with a heart of gold. He's helped me tremendously.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Lauren eberley
I cannot recommend Carla Zolman highly enough. Navigating a divorce with children is never easy, but she provided the perfect blend of professionalism, compassion, and expertise. Carla was always available to answer my questions, no matter how big or small, and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. Her deep understanding of family law and dedication to my case helped secure the best possible outcome for my children and me. If you're looking for a lawyer who truly cares about their clients and goes above and beyond, Carla Zolman is the one you need!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Brian smith
I had a wonderful experience using Gerald and Linnenbringer Law for my uncontested divorce. Gerald is responsive, thoughtful, and extremely knowledgeable of the process and the courts. He made a difficult life situation much easier to navigate. I highly recommend.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Michael utt
Gerald made this difficult event as seamless and quick as it can possibly be. All at a great price too. Gerald was very reliable and helpful in answering all questions and providing all of the knowledge needed to get through the divorce process. Gerald is truly the best resource if you and your spouse are wanting an uncontested divorce in Missouri.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ricky politte
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kasandra harmon
You are a great lawyer! Thank you.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Brandon whittley
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
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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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15 Jun, 2024 by J m
Bardol Law Firm is the only place I'd go for Family court, my case took about 1 year. Ann was great and so was Allicia. Ann pretty much detailed the whole court timeline for me when we stopped by on the 1st day and that was very very helpful. I'd use this Law Firm again if I needed to. In the end I got Full Custody + Child Support and I'm the Dad which seems rare. Just thought I'd share my review. Thanks again Ann and Allicia!
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02 May, 2024 by Jeremy bedenbaugh
Bardol law firm was a God-send for me in my most difficult season. Steve and Allicia were always available, walked me through each step along the way, gave me fantastic legal advice, and never once tried to add unnecessary cost onto the bill. I always felt they had my best interest in mind and advocated effectively to that end. Couldn't recommend them more highly!
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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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15 Jun, 2024 by J m
Bardol Law Firm is the only place I'd go for Family court, my case took about 1 year. Ann was great and so was Allicia. Ann pretty much detailed the whole court timeline for me when we stopped by on the 1st day and that was very very helpful. I'd use this Law Firm again if I needed to. In the end I got Full Custody + Child Support and I'm the Dad which seems rare. Just thought I'd share my review. Thanks again Ann and Allicia!
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02 May, 2024 by Jeremy bedenbaugh
Bardol law firm was a God-send for me in my most difficult season. Steve and Allicia were always available, walked me through each step along the way, gave me fantastic legal advice, and never once tried to add unnecessary cost onto the bill. I always felt they had my best interest in mind and advocated effectively to that end. Couldn't recommend them more highly!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Cayla rauss
Patrick was very professional and kept me updated throughout the entire process of getting my ticket taken care of. He was constantly keeping me in the loop on the status of my traffic ticket and I am very satisfied and appreciate his services. God forbid I ever need a lawyer again for a traffic ticket, but if I do, I know exactly who to reach out to. 10/10!!!
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08 May, 2024 by Kirsten thomas
Patrick is professional and personable. He has helped us a few times and everything is communicated well and done in a timely manner. I recommend Patrick to everyone
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10 Apr, 2024 by Eric newport
Patrick is by far one of the best attorneys in St. Louis. He makes everything a breeze and works hard. Also, he is incredible at handling DWI’s. He can get everything taken care of almost like it didn’t even happen. Highly recommend!
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13 Aug, 2024 by K steppa (kenkensteppn)
He was awesome and got everything together ! It was a pleasure doing business with him!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Blake mulligan
Very helpful
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29 Jul, 2024 by Aniyah vance
If I could put more stars I would! Doug was the best! He is a very straightforward guy! Gets things done! Very patient and caring! Handled everything I needed excellently! Thanks Doug!
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26 Mar, 2024 by Laura huang
Kevin Lake and Staci Korman were extremely helpful in guiding me through one of my most trying times. They were both extremely kind and knowledgeable and made the whole experience the best it could be. I would absolutely reach out to them again if I have need in the future.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Jan reis
Our families experience with Lake Monro, LLC, Kevin Lake, his assistant, Amy, was just what my family needed … it was a tough situation losing our Mom and they helped navigate the way … much respect
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15 Jan, 2024 by Phillip wight
Courteous stuff, responsive to request and conveniently located at 270 and Manchester
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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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31 Jul, 2024 by Kerry rich
The Martin Jansky Law Firm did an excellent job for my family. They were professional with a friendly touch. Martin, Tania, and Katie were super helpful and responsive. I highly recommend this firm.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Steve gooden
The firm was professional and I felt they truly had my best interest in mind. Martin walked me through the entire process exploring my options and needs. Communication with all staff was excellent. I would highly recommend this firm in the future.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Cody thomas
Joe was available, targeted, and effective.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Lazarus nunley (bklaz)
Dan is an excellent attorney. He took my case, was honest with me my situation and the possibilities. He's also a very personal man they shows a genuine interest me, not only as client but also as a person. Likewise, the office staff are very professional and courteous. Dan Juengel should be your first round professional Attorney pick.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Sandra phillips
Joe Flees was absolutely amazing! He took the time to explain everything thoroughly and was always available to answer my questions. His dedication and hard work were evident throughout the entire process. I couldn't be happier. Highly recommend!
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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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22 Oct, 2024 by Stacey morris
What age joke!!!!! Julie k Casalone which is a attorney for bankruptcy! Tried going for a collection off a credit company bought it and tried charging 1554.00 dollars for a 794.00 charge, somehow changed my courtdate so I wasn't present to represent myself and gave me false information from the first trial.. wasted my time seeking debt solution when it was too late!!!! A sorry excuse, and a waste of air for people like this to thank they are above people, buying people debt and making money off of them!!!!! Total scum
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21 Sep, 2024 by Four eagles
Have always received valuable advice and quality service from this firm.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Joshua klemp
I couldn't be more grateful to Doug and his firm for the help they gave me. Roundabout 2 years ago now, I was facing a pretty scary legal situation that dropped on me out of the blue, and was lucky enough to be introduced to Doug through a mutual friend. I'd never been in any kind of legal trouble, and I was completely freaked out and totally lost. He called right away, patiently explained the plan, was attentive, confident, trustworthy and just knew exactly what to do. I can't tell you how much better I felt just knowing that he was on my side. In the blink of an eye, he got the case against me dropped. Look, if you're in any kind of a legal bind, I honestly can't think of a better guy to have in your corner. Hire this man right now. He will help you. I promise.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Amanda kuntze
01 Sep, 2024 by Kristin cholewin
Travis, Stephanie, Matt and all others… Mike… righted a wrong and changed my life. My daughter’s life and my life. I can’t express my gratitude to the entire firm. You have no idea. If you are in a situation you feel impossible let me tell you that this firm will advocate for you. Many thanks
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10 Jun, 2024 by D.m ward
Can't go wrong here!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Otfasa
Best lawyer me and my family have dealt with.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Cheryl spurgeon
They don't return calls or communicate! I would NOT recommend this law firm!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Kyle davis
04 Oct, 2024 by M j
The word incompetent doesn't do him justice. He deserves negative stars. He is so careless and lazy, he could end up costing you thousands upon thousands, ON TOP of his regular billed services. He just agrees with opposing counsel without even looking things over (nevermind drawing up paperwork to support his own client). I don't know how he's still allowed to practice. In my opinion, it's malpractice. Do. Not. Hire.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Brian weisbrod
13 Jun, 2024 by Q thompson
Very rude and all about the money.
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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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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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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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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.
