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16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sameerah williams
She lost my case
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03 Jul, 2024 by Tim ortiz
Both Janet and Ms Kym were amazing, my case went just as I prayed it would and got what was best for my children accomplished. Thank you!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Ann pons
I would not recommend. There were many times I had to remind her she represented me and not the other party because she prioritized getting any information THEY requested over what I needed before court. I also had the exact same experience another client posted for their review, despite stressing that we needed to ask for child and spousal support she said, we can ask for that during your divorce case and waited until right before we were about to walk into court to run the paperwork up to the clerks office so not only did we not get that set but because paperwork had not been submitted until the last minute I was ordered to pay the other parties attorneys fees. The only time she was quick to make sure I recieved paperwork was when I went to sign off to end her representation as my lawyer. I was told I owed her thosands of dollars and because my retainer had been used up and when asked why this was the first time I was hearing about this was told "we've been emailing the bills to you" despite me repeatedly informing her I was having issues recieving emails. The multiple times I was in her office there was no mention that she was now billing me well after and that my retainer was used up. Instead I was handed a large envelope on the spot that was as thick as a book listing billed hours. You are better off handing your money directly to the other party and saving yourself the time and frustration.
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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.
