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21 Jun, 2024 by Sofia bayardo
I had an excellent experience with the Jack Stephens Law Group. Mr. Stephens and his staff made the process of putting together a family trust tolerable; they worked in a very professional and systematic manner. I especially liked the excellent customer service. I will recommend to my friends and family. Cheers Julia!
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16 May, 2024 by Holland m. smith ii
I have used Jack's skills in amending and restating my trust for the past several years.
He is very good, and his fees are reasonable.
I will continue to utilize his services.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Beth kuzman
01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
These attorneys at this firm are beyond incredible!! They are efficient and respectful and really take the time to make sure you are represented at the highest level. They did everything right in my case and couldn't have asked for better. These attorneys are top notch!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Kevin is an excellent family law attorney. I had a complex child support case and Kevin, Akylah and their team helped me maneuver through difficult legal situations and huge mess of documents submitted by opposition party. Kevin and his team were professional, patient with me and very thorough with their work. They prepped well leading to the trial and I won the trial thanks to them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Kayla
Kevin is an amazing lawyer. He represented me in a Juvenile Dependency cases and won, getting it dismissed. He found outstanding medical experts to testify for my case. He was super responsive whenever I reached out and answered all of my questions. He is super easy to work with, knowledgeable, and very personable. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Elisabeth Donovan on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to my legal needs were truly exceptional. She communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring I understood every step. Thanks to her diligent work, we achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend Elisabeth Donovan to anyone in need of legal representation.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Grace
Elisabeth was my saving grace in this broken Family Court system. What 2 other attorneys were unable to accomplish in 18 months she resolved and settled in 2 weeks. I would highly recommend her. She is fair, honest and simply the best!!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Maria
Actually I met Mrs Donovan in my hardest time ever when my ex husband kid napped my two little children and lost all my rights, it seemed impossible to get them back specially my ex husband took an advantage of me not knowing any of my rights but Mrs Donovan was supportive and fully equipped to help me and with her help I was able to get my kids back.
I highly recommend Elisabeth when it comes to family law she is the best attorney ever.
Thank you Mrs Donovan
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tayla tingstad
Attorney Taylor Goldschmidt and her team Brandy and Kelley are absolutely amazing! They are knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. They helped me navigate my divorce process and custody situation. There were many times when I called in tears, and they comforted me and discussed strategic next steps. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend Holstrom, Block & Parke.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Jane calloway
Please if your looking for someone in Family Law, don't walk, RUN to Holstrom, Block and & Park. Taylor Goldschmidt was my personal attorney and Brandy Maness my paralegal. They did such an AMAZING job!! Taylor and Brandy made it so easy that you just have to give them the information that they need, then they do the rest!! They respond in a timely manner and unbelievably quick of the turnaround times of what document is requested/needed. I'm so blessed I found Taylor. She is very reliable and efficient. I totally recommend you hire Taylor Goldschmidt and her team. You won't regret it. She will be the only attorney that always comes up in my head when anyone asks if I know any attorney!! Thank you Taylor and Brandy for all you did for me and my daughter!!!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Chris k.
17 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie
I am not Ms. Neumann’s client. But I can say she did a great job for her own client. Because she fought for a guy to win in DVTRO and get the shared custody. This is a guy who touched his 9 year old daughter during/after the shower and videotaped her while she was changing her clothes, and who withheld medication and night-guard from his 8 year old son, who developed migraine/headache and grinding teeth after DVTRO was filed. This does not even include what he did to his ex-spouse.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Tanya
When I came to Sara I had hired and consulted another lawyer to handle a paternity suit that was sprung on me while I was visiting the USA after residing in another country. This was very difficult, as I could not leave the country with my child and go home to my husband and my child's stepdad (whom she views as her dad). I was very scared because I had single-handedly raised my child and I knew no one else should have the right to keep me from traveling anywhere, as this person had not even contributed to my child's birth or upbringing in any significant way.
But, that being said, the reality was such that I was being advised by my first lawyer that I should respond to the paternity suit with a move-away trial as I had barely missed dismissing the case with a jurisdictional claim.
I felt something was off though, because this case was so clear and cut (my ex was not on the birth certificate, he had not emotionally or financially supported me/the child in any significant way).
**I saw the light when I spoke to Sara. She confirmed my intuition with her expertise, immediately confirming that I indeed could file for a termination of parental rights. She lay my fears to rest. We met and I presented her with the facts of my case. After assuring me she would not take my case if she did not believe she could help me, I released my other lawyer from duty and hired her.
What a great decision!! She lived up to her reassurances: it took perhaps longer than the move away trial, which was inconvenient only due to my particular case of being in a country we no longer reside in, away from my husband and our new life abroad, yet so worth it so that, a) my husband could adopt my son; and, b) to get the ex out of our hair so that he could no longer make our lives difficult.
I had faced a lot of disempowering conversations amongst not only people, acquaintances, etc. but also lawyers: people discouraging me from doing the termination of parental rights just because it sounded "mean" and so "final" to them. I knew inside of me, however, that the way my ex was handling this was unhealthy and selfish towards my child, with a paternity suit (after I had tried SO many times to civilly settle for some kind of visitation, yet he disappeared whenever he wanted, was inconsistent, and really only looked after his own interests and not my son's, who needs consistency in his life) and not being agreeable to reaching some kind of settlement (other than keeping my child after he had NEVER had custody, ever, or even seen him more than a handful of times/hours in his years of life).
The point is--Sara empowered me. She never once questioned me, she backed me up 100% and was a strong ally. She understand completely what I wanted, why I wanted it, has a child herself and understood my protective feelings toward my child, that I was 100% committed to her best interest.
She did her job diligently. I knew I could count on her to show up at the court appearances, and made an uncomfortable situation even pleasant. She wrote the briefs in such a way that made complete sense to me. She has ample expertise on the topic of stepparent adoption and termination of parental rights. She knew a lot of the staff in the courts/ offices we were in, and they knew her. She was personable, kind, compassionate, prepared, in communication, easy to get a hold of. Her offices made it easy and pleasant to pick up/drop off documents.
Also, when I told her that I was looking to get budget-oriented towards the middle of the whole legal situation, she was so cooperative and helpful with this.
We won our case and just got word the appeal was dismissed as well.
Cannot recommend her enough if you are in this sort of situation. She certainly seems like *THE* lawyer to hire in any kind of similar situation. I recommend her fully.
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20 Jun, 2011 by Aldo
Mrs. Neumann understood the most important aspect of my case. She demonstrated lots of compassion and treated me and family with the utmost respect you could not possibly imagine.
All the times I have found Mrs. Neumann to be dependable, reliable, hard-working, conscientious, honest, and very courteous.
Mrs.Neumann is helpful. She satisfied all my concerns and skilfully took control of all my case as if it were her case
Thank you Sara for all your help. You gave me my life back.
To anyone who is seeking a lawyer that cares...
I'd contact Mrs.Sara Neumann she'll get the job done. Don't waist your time with anyone else.
All the Best!
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24 Mar, 2017 by Nicholas
Bethany Ward thank you, and my family thanks you for all of the hard work and time that you put into our case. When we thought we didn't not have any other way to win Bethany Ward stepped in and made our case in a way that we could not express on our own. She was able to relay to the Judge how our rights were being violated and made our case valid and unjust in the eyes of the court.
Thanks to her we won the day, and her hard work, dedication and loyalty are the only reason we won.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Eugene
With the excellent results of Stage 1 (K1 + K2 visas to enter the US), we retained Ms. Perez for Stage 2 (Application for permanent status - i.e. green card. I'm so glad we did. The results were the same - completion with quality and minimal stress.
Ms. Perez speedily prepared and filed our documents for submission to apply for permanent status. She was clear with her guidelines and patient with my reviews and changes. She even handled a mistake I made that caused a small delay.
The result is that we are done!!! :) My wife and her two children arrived in the US early this year. They received their employment authorization documents, are now working, have their driver's permit and the kids are already enrolled in college courses.
Just a week ago, they were excited to open their envelopes marking the end of this stage to hold their green cards in their hands. Wow! The Lord was gracious to gift us with a fast process for this stage after the need for patience in trust in the first stage.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Troy browning
If you have a Lemon Law case Doug is the only attorney for you.
I wouldn't take my business anywhere else
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13 Sep, 2024 by Amani abdallah
I cannot recommend Sotera Anderson enough! She made the entire estate planning process seamless, thorough, and stress-free. My family is so grateful it was this easy. She was great with sending us regular reminders to make sure we stayed on track.
From the first consultation to the close, Sotera was professional, attentive, and truly listened to all of our needs and concerns. She explained every detail so clearly and not in lawyer terms, but in terms that made sense to us. We left our meetings always feeling really confident about our decisions.
She's incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate even when we discussed really daunting and sad circumstances, it was a very eye opening experience.
If you’re looking for someone you can trust to handle your estate planning with care and precision, Sotera and her team are simply the best! I feel like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders after working with her. Truly in awe with how wonderful it's been to work with her.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Christopher
We had Bryan Grundon help us with a San Diego judgement renewal. Things have been relatively smooth so far and he was quick to get it done. We are waiting to have a clerical error corrected. Will follow up here with a full review.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
91 Reviews
22 Oct, 2024 by Troy browning
If you have a Lemon Law case Doug is the only attorney for you.
I wouldn't take my business anywhere else
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13 Sep, 2024 by Amani abdallah
I cannot recommend Sotera Anderson enough! She made the entire estate planning process seamless, thorough, and stress-free. My family is so grateful it was this easy. She was great with sending us regular reminders to make sure we stayed on track.
From the first consultation to the close, Sotera was professional, attentive, and truly listened to all of our needs and concerns. She explained every detail so clearly and not in lawyer terms, but in terms that made sense to us. We left our meetings always feeling really confident about our decisions.
She's incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate even when we discussed really daunting and sad circumstances, it was a very eye opening experience.
If you’re looking for someone you can trust to handle your estate planning with care and precision, Sotera and her team are simply the best! I feel like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders after working with her. Truly in awe with how wonderful it's been to work with her.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Christopher
We had Bryan Grundon help us with a San Diego judgement renewal. Things have been relatively smooth so far and he was quick to get it done. We are waiting to have a clerical error corrected. Will follow up here with a full review.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Ruben talamantes
Michelle is amazing,
Having to deal with my legal issues was stressful. I don’t know what to expect. When I met Michelle for the first time she was easy to talk to, answered all my questions and explained how things would go each step of the way. She was always available to answer my questions. I feel like she worked really hard to help
the judge understand my situation and took time to write an extensive client report that was helpful and supportive to my case. I often refer her to my friends and family. I hope I never need her again, but if I do I would definitely work with Michelle!
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16 Aug, 2024 by River tepetla
Ms.Reynoso advocates fearlessly and is dedicated to her clients. During very difficult times she assisted in walking me through the legal process with clear and expert advise. Reynoso Law made me feel safe and protected and I highly recommend to anyone needing their services
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22 Jun, 2020 by Keri
Elizabeth handled my divorce with ease. I would highly recommend her for family law issues.
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03 Oct, 2024 by W amer
I am incredibly grateful to have had REJALI Law Firm as my legal representatives. From the moment I reached out to them, I was met with a level of professionalism and respect that made me feel valued as a client. The attorneys and staff treated me like a family member, which made the entire process much more comfortable.
What impressed me the most was their willingness to answer any questions I had, no matter how small. They were always available and eager to provide clarity, which significantly alleviated my concerns during a challenging time. Their approachable nature and genuine care for their clients truly set them apart.
I wholeheartedly recommend REJALI Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance. I will certainly be referring my friends and family to this trustworthy law firm in the future. Thank you, REJALI Law Firm, for your exceptional service and support!
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24 Sep, 2024 by M g
I highly recommend Omid Rejali and his team! They handled my case with professionalism and efficiency, resolving everything much faster than I expected. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and truly cared about getting the best outcome for me. I'm extremely satisfied with their service!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Us moore
It was a plum pleasing pleasure as well as a privilege to have Omid representing me in this lawsuit. From the moment that I met him until now he has been more than a stand-up person that you could really trust. I even had my girlfriend on the phone with me and she mention the same thing about his warm spirit. She noticed the same thing that I noticed how contrite and honest omid is . I am so happy about the settlement and the way he conducted his business with me. I truly believe in this young man and will recommend all of my friends to this law firm. All I can say is much thanks and God bless you and your family. He truly looks out for his clients and I can say a thousand more times thank you thank you thank you!
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26 Aug, 2024 by John weiss
Troy Krich is a very knowledgeable and personable attorney. He is a good listener and is thorough in his responses. I recommend him for real estate and general legal questions and issues.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Infuse10
Tom was great to work with and provided timely status updates.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Sasha mashoud
I am deeply disappointed with the services provided by Hoffman & Forde in San Diego. Despite scheduling an appointment, NICK KRITIKOS was rude, never called me, and seemed disinterested in my case. To make matters worse, I was charged $485 for absolutely no communication or progress. I never spoke to anyone on the phone and they still charged me. Taking time off work for the appointment only added to the frustration. I strongly advise against using this firm.
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26 Aug, 2024 by John weiss
Troy Krich is a very knowledgeable and personable attorney. He is a good listener and is thorough in his responses. I recommend him for real estate and general legal questions and issues.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Infuse10
Tom was great to work with and provided timely status updates.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Sasha mashoud
I am deeply disappointed with the services provided by Hoffman & Forde in San Diego. Despite scheduling an appointment, NICK KRITIKOS was rude, never called me, and seemed disinterested in my case. To make matters worse, I was charged $485 for absolutely no communication or progress. I never spoke to anyone on the phone and they still charged me. Taking time off work for the appointment only added to the frustration. I strongly advise against using this firm.
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14 May, 2024 by Drina di cantin
My husband and I called the law offices of David Chesney at his first court date they were super kind over the phone explained everything to us took our payment over the phone partial and let us make payments as the case was going forward any questions that we had we were answered promptly. They even called us and did a follow-up a few months later to see how we were doing. I hope I don't ever have to use them again, but if for some reason we do definitely will. will also recommend them to family and friends if needed
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23 Mar, 2024 by Jay towers
Didn’t help at all, kept postponing case until trial. Left me no time to get another attorney.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Matt tauiliili
The David Chesley Law Office is very professional and does all they can to help their clients. My attorney, Bryan, was always available to answer any questions and concerns, put me at ease throughout the process, and got me the best possible deal with the court. The lawyers at this office have a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. I highly recommend this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I was referred to Maria and it was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I spoke to her on the phone, I felt comfortable and safe. I had a very high conflict custody case and I never thought this process would end; but Maria was extremely helpful, thorough, attentive, resourceful and knowledgeable every step of the way. I felt at ease and confident through it all. She is so understanding, kind, and gracious, yet tough and hard as nails when she needs to fight for you. We won our case and the outcome was more than I expected. I’ve experienced other family lawyers and nothing compares to the care she gave my case. I HIGHLY recommend Maria. A simple “thank you” can’t express the gratitude, peace she has made me feel and what she has brought to my life. She gave me a voice and made it loud and clear. I consider her an angel. Thank you Maria for EVERYTHING.
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02 Aug, 2018 by Nate
I was David vs Goliath. My ex had a powerful family and stacked the deck against me, and I thought I would never get to have my son. My ex and her family had done everything they could to keep me and my son seperated. I had nobody to help me. Maria was able to prepare me and guide me through the scariest part of the legal system; and without her I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH IT. I cannot overstate how grateful I am for her help. she is incredible and fought for me. Do not hesitate to call her.
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20 Apr, 2018 by Zoey
Maria handled my custody case and she did an awesome job. She took my concerns seriously and helped to present them in a professional manner. She is a great lawyer and a very warm person, super easy to get along with and talk to about our case. Her response time for my MANY questions was excellent, she is well educated on the ins and outs of child custody. Maria was always straight forward and honest while handling my case, which was hard to find so it was greatly appreciated. We will definitely be using her again!
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30 Nov, 2023 by I am bbjnene
Scammers. They had me pay all of the money they were charging me for my case then claim that their business was closing because the owner had “cancer” and I couldn’t get my money back WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY.
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05 Jun, 2022 by Linda l. keating
June 5, 2022 GOLDEN STATE LAW GROUP is EXCELLENT & OFFERS SUPERIOR SERVICE. THANK YOU again for all your great help.
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25 Dec, 2019 by Flint lorraine
I was uncomfortable from the first time I walked into the office. I felt like I was in the middle where they just grind out bankruptcies. I was not happy about filing a bankruptcy but it needed to be done. In the meantime things went from bad to worse my son died and I was in the hospital for a month. When I told them I really wanted to go with a different firm one of their employees told me that they would keep me in court to use all the money. I was talking about small claims court. She was almost yelling at me. I’m thinking about making a complaint with the state attorney board. But I warn you right now stay away from them. I am shortly going to be 74 years old. And the way she yelled at me it was almost elder abuse. I believe their shysters. And due to my failing health. I’ve been delayed and filing a small claims court. To my knowledge you cannot be represented by an attorney in small claims court. But apparently their employee thought differently. Beware
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01 Jun, 2021 by Sarah
I was really frustrated after reading some of these reviews. Leigh has been extremely supportive and encouraging during this difficult process. She is a matter of fact, tell it like it is kind of person but isn't that the kind of person you want standing up for you in court? Leigh's prices are so reasonable, I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to afford a lawyer and I prayed for a miracle. Leigh has been doing this for a long time and I am grateful for her knowledge, guidance and support. I am confident that walking into this courtroom with her by my side is the best choice I could have made.
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27 Apr, 2018 by Justin
Leigh was not reliable nor did she provide the effort you would expect when dealing with legal issues. I was very open and upfront with her regarding my case and needs as a client, but Leigh couldn't provide the same respect back. After my consultation, which I thought was comforting, I spent money immediately to retain her due to the complication of my case. Leigh showed up to every court hearing either as court checked in or had already started, which left no time to consult with her going into a hearing about expectations, needs, and facts required for judge. During the hearing, due to lack of consultation, I consistently had to try to provide input or request things on an instant before hearing would be over. After hearings is when Leigh would communicate with us, in which she charged for. After I received my first invoice, not only did she charge the incorrect rate, but she would charge for simple communication (reading and responding to my emails). Not only was her hours spent on tasks appearing to be inflated, Leigh also didn't provide a receipt for a cash transaction, then wouldn't credit the money provided to her until I gave my bank statement reflecting my atm withdrawl. She blamed "personal" reason as means to not crediting me, but I had to advise her multiple times she didn't credit me. Now comes the unethical aspect, which occurred every hearing. I'm not sure if race played a role in her character judgment, but Leigh would tell my wife and I we couldn't afford her nor the effort to fight for my rights as a father. This was the single most disrespectful and inappropriate thing I've ever been told, from someone I looked to for counsel. There was no indication of my ability to pay, when I keep my terms to our contract regarding payment. Then when asked to actually make effort to progress the case, Leigh consistently told me she couldn't do anything. Therefore it left me with no other choice but to move on from her services. BE CAUTIOUS IN RETAINING THIS ATTORNEY, she will force you to do all the footwork, legal processes, and more while she collects your money. Also, if you can't afford her suggestions, don't expect her to fight for you in your case. I believe Leigh thought she had a money case because of the high conflict I'm involved in, but she didn't expect me to be as efficient as I am in my case. Just as stated from the anonymous reviewer, they were 100% correct about Leigh. Dont believe me, theres other sites that have reviews on her as well dating back to 2009 of her poor and unethical work, in a simple Google search, which I do regret not doing before retaining her. I would highly suggest you review your invoices and contract before you make a legal decision.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
She's very good on billing you for hours that she probably never did considering on how badly she arranged my file. I deeply regret that I had to deal with her. Please do a favor to yourself and AVOID this attorney. Good luck!
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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.
