Lawyers map
>31
experienced lawyers
Filter by
26 Nov, 2024 by Chayanne
I had a 10/10 experience with this law firm.
David Shobe:
I will forever be grateful for your representation. You were always kind, professional, and never wasted time; you always spoke with relevance in support of my case. The fact that you were affected in your personal life from a devastating hurricane, yet didn’t let this hinder you from providing me a spectacular representation at my hearing just a week after this catastrophic hurricane is incredible. David, you are a great man who deserves all the merit. Thank you for a great outcome, on behalf of myself and my son.
The firm: I am grateful for how easy to work with you all were from start to finish. Originally, I had my consultation with Jason. Despite Jason having a conflicting hearing date thus being unable to represent me, he still offered a helpful consultation and referred me to a phenomenal attorney, David Shobe from the same law group. Thank you.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Deb b
Ms. Jeana Vogel was attentive, extremely knowledgeable, returned communication promptly, and our work together was seamless. I felt very supported and heard and would and have recommended her to friends. She is definitely an asset to this firm, and I am so incredibly grateful for her top notch work.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Marc tauchnitz
It has been a few years since I was represented by Jeana Vogel in a custody dispute, I recently had the opportunity to refer her to a friend. That is when I realized that I had not provided a review of her performance. Her attention to detail and ability to set expectations was what impressed me. I have heard horror stories from people about not having a clue what was coming. I never had that feeling due to her clarity and ability to explain the process. She provided options while explaining the probability of their success. It is very easy to feel alone in any court proceeding especially in Family Court. I never once felt that I was alone or that I did not have the best advocate for my case. Thank you Jeana for everything!!
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Emily
The good news is that after six years of going back and forth litigating in two different states and having four attorneys, my daughter is with me now. All of my gratitude goes to God, Traci, Kari, and their legal team. She is the only custodial attorney I will ever recommend to someone. As a mother having zero idea as to how my daughter’s well-being has been, Traci and her associate, Kari, have been able to demonstrate authentic humanity and empathy towards my situation, whilst maintaining a non-negotiable fierce demeanor and laser sharp focus in the courtroom. I strongly believe that Traci is an angel that is beyond equipped with her God-given litigatory weapons and determination. In your most devastating and crucial moments, she is there working so, so hard for you. She has brought humanity into the courtroom but is vicious in debate, which is what makes her the perfect attorney.
Read more
08 Sep, 2023 by Andre
I worked with Traci on establishing paternity and requesting 100% physical custody of my 3 year old daughter. Her mother has been battling severe mental illness and is not capable of parenting at the moment. Traci was incredible to work with. Top notch communication, always responded quickly to any questions I had. Worked with Tara as well during the final hearing and Tara was well prepared and knew all of the facts like the back of her hand. I would 100% recommend Traci Koster and her team. I couldn't envision the process having gone any better. Don't mess around with something so important. Call Koster Legal and you won't be disappointed.
Read more
21 Jun, 2023 by Mark
I am so glad I chose Traci and her team to represent me. Table stakes in a divorce is competency in the law. The difference maker for me is Traci's approach -- she is calm, she is fair, and she brings those qualities and approach to all parties in the process -- me, opposing counsel and by proxy, my ex. The impact of that to the journey was huge. Traci and her team calmly guided me through the most disruptive event in my life. Grateful.
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Doug
Attorney Healey was a great help to me in having my adoption record unsealed. I learned about my adoption as an adult and spent many years trying to find my birth mother without success. After only a couple of months and two hearings the courts allowed my record to be unsealed. The presiding judge said she only allowed it because Ms. Healey was the attorney and trusted her to handle it with care and discretion. I contacted approximately 10 other attorneys before finding Ms. Healey. I am very pleased and wish that I had found her sooner,.
Read more
06 Jan, 2025 by Natasha
I cannot thank Erica and Meredith enough for their incredible work on my adoption case this past year. Despite the challenges of a sibling adoption and dealing with a particularly difficult parent throughout the process, they guided me with clarity and professionalism every step of the way. They ensured that I was never in the dark, thoroughly explaining the situation and involving me in strategies to demonstrate my stability and efforts to the judge. Their expertise extended beyond the legal aspects, as they also provided advice on applying for grants, which I successfully received. Erica and Meredith are not only highly knowledgeable but also compassionate and dedicated advocates. The best team I could have ever hoped for!
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Witdely cantillo
A Dream Come True
Erica and Meredith were nothing short of angels during our adoption journey. Their kindness, understanding, and professionalism made an incredibly complex process feel effortless. They were always available to answer our questions, address our concerns, and guide us through each step.
If you're considering adoption, no matter the circumstances, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Tate | Healey | Webster. They will go above and beyond to help you bring your dream of family to life.
Erica and Meredith, we will forever be grateful for your invaluable support. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Rita
Donna and her team helped me through one of the hardest times in my life, they handled everything in a timely manner and was a smooth transition. In a time where i felt lost and defeated, Donna helped me understand everything and was very empathetic as well. She advised me very well during my divorce.
Read more
26 Nov, 2024 by Chayanne
I had a 10/10 experience with this law firm.
David Shobe:
I will forever be grateful for your representation. You were always kind, professional, and never wasted time; you always spoke with relevance in support of my case. The fact that you were affected in your personal life from a devastating hurricane, yet didn’t let this hinder you from providing me a spectacular representation at my hearing just a week after this catastrophic hurricane is incredible. David, you are a great man who deserves all the merit. Thank you for a great outcome, on behalf of myself and my son.
The firm: I am grateful for how easy to work with you all were from start to finish. Originally, I had my consultation with Jason. Despite Jason having a conflicting hearing date thus being unable to represent me, he still offered a helpful consultation and referred me to a phenomenal attorney, David Shobe from the same law group. Thank you.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Deb b
Ms. Jeana Vogel was attentive, extremely knowledgeable, returned communication promptly, and our work together was seamless. I felt very supported and heard and would and have recommended her to friends. She is definitely an asset to this firm, and I am so incredibly grateful for her top notch work.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Marc tauchnitz
It has been a few years since I was represented by Jeana Vogel in a custody dispute, I recently had the opportunity to refer her to a friend. That is when I realized that I had not provided a review of her performance. Her attention to detail and ability to set expectations was what impressed me. I have heard horror stories from people about not having a clue what was coming. I never had that feeling due to her clarity and ability to explain the process. She provided options while explaining the probability of their success. It is very easy to feel alone in any court proceeding especially in Family Court. I never once felt that I was alone or that I did not have the best advocate for my case. Thank you Jeana for everything!!
Read more
06 Apr, 2023 by Kate
Adam Cordover and Britney Penaherrera make working through a very difficult and time-consuming process much more manageable. I was particularly grateful for their ability to read non-verbal cues and encourage us to take breaks before a conversation became too overwhelming. They truly worked in both of our interests, were fair and patient, and led us to an amicable agreement.
Read more
26 May, 2022 by Mae
After my name change was approved without using a lawyer, I found out I needed to get it amended to include my birth name. The court order listed only my married name so I was unable to change my birth certificate. I started the amendment process on my own, but contacted Adam after I moved. He was able to change it to virtual court hearings. My amended name change was approved immediately once we had the court hearing with the judge. Ultimately, I wish I had contacted him sooner, before starting the name change. It is not as easy as it seems on your own. I would have saved on time, money, and stress.
Read more
08 Feb, 2022 by Kelly
Excellent experience with attorney Adam and his paralegal.
Objective with common sense, yet looking out for my best interests.
I will say it was the greatest decision I've ever made.
He's very courteous, nice, understanding, punctual and knowledgeable. He was very upfront with everything and how my case might go.
And on top of all that, his services were reasonably priced.
I have no complaints at all. Very appreciative of everything he helped me achieve. And I would recommend him to any and everyone in a divorce.
Thanks Again,
Highly recommend!!!
Read more
10 Oct, 2022 by Deanna
He is very professional. He accomplished everything I needed him to do for me and my family and picked up my phone calls every single time. Don’t go to any other attorney because he is the best you will find out there.
Read more
21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
We're glad we found Atty. Leduc. My son's case would have been dumped into the deep without any chance of seeing the light. The initial lawyer we hired is just interested of what he gains.
Atty. Leduc digs deeper than what is presented and will do everything in his power to protect and defend you.
I love this guy.
Read more
28 Dec, 2020 by Cecelia
atrick is an amazing attorney. He took on my husbands case. He managed to get a 20 year sentence down to really no jail time at all. He fought for us when no one else would. I would recommend him, if you want an honest guy he's your guy. Me and the kids thank you Mr. Leduc for everything you are doing for my family. I know God is in control of the outcome, and he's working through you to bring him home to us as soon as possible
Read more
25 Apr, 2024 by John
Danelle was a breath of fresh air at the end of a long international adoption process. Delivered everything as promised and without any delays. She always responded quickly to any question or inquiry and the adoption was completed timely as promised. HIGHLY recommend Danelle as she knows how to get it done!
Read more
30 Mar, 2023 by Jen
From the very beginning, having no idea what the process was - Danelle and her amazing paralegal Sue were simply amazing. Incredibly kind, thorough and patient with all our questions. They provided guidance and timelines every step of the way. We were blessed to be able to work with them through 2 adoptions and would highly recommend them to anyone needing legal services!!
Read more
10 Jan, 2023 by Beth
Attorney Barksdale of Jeanne T. Tate P.A. handled our adoption case and did a wonderful job making sure we had all the forms necessary to make our finalization hearing go smoothly. Her paralegal, Jennifer Miller, did an amazing job keeping us informed and up to date through emails and phone calls.
Read more
21 Jul, 2014 by Cp
Ms. Colon has handled all of my post dissolution matters in the most professional manner. There have been numerous occasions with my former spouse that could have easily escalated out of control. I credit Ms. Colon with keeping a handle on the situation, and keeping all the parties focused and on track. As a father, I never felt the courts considered my contributions to the family fairly, but with the help of Ms. Colon and her staff, I felt like I finally had an advocate on my side. I will continue to use Ms. Colon and her services, and I would highly recommend her.
Thank you Amanda!
Read more
02 Aug, 2013 by Craig
Amanda handled a child custody case for me involving a minor child of unwed parents. She is very well prepared and makes sure you are equally well prepared. She clearly has the best interests of the child in mind and I believe she truly cares about her clients. In my opinion she is an excellent family law attorney. I have recommended her to people in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Read more
25 Jan, 2025 by Melissa utley
Aside from genius quality executions at the top level of the firm, I was equally impressed with depth of knowledge and experience possessed by the support staff. Prompt and accurate communications with me regarding the case was especially comforting.
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Suzanne haines
This law firm is amazing! The team effectively communicates with clients throughout the whole process. I seriously don't know what I would have done without them handing my case! I would highly recommend !
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Nicholas armstrong
Being represented by Danahy & Dunnavant was an all around great experience. The entire team worked diligently to help resolve my case with a great outcome! Always responded to my emails, questions, and calls very quickly, and kept me informed of everything through the whole process.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Ana
This is truly a review from my heart and experience with this amazing human being.
My case was very specific, (I guess all are), but i didn’t have a lot of funds to spend on litigation, my heart had been broken and my son has special needs… As my lawyer, she and her team guided me and my family through a difficult divorce with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to finding solutions that worked for everyone. Her calm and knowledgeable demeanor helped me navigate even the toughest conversations, and her creative approach ensured that we achieved most of our goals. Britney truly listened to my needs and concerns, and her extensive knowledge of family law helped me avoid costly and stressful litigation. She went above and beyond on everything, she put her heart into helping me and I’ll be forever thankful. Thanks to her skillful mediation, we were able to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement that has allowed us to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. If you're facing a divorce or family conflict, do yourself a favor and work with Britney - you won't regret it!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by Alex chilsholm
I had a terrible experience with my previous attorney that really put me and my family in a compromising situation. I reached out to this firm to help me sort out my crisis and I am beyond pleased with Jeff Hankersson. Although I'm still in litigation its comforting to know they are extremely thorough with communicating and explaining the process. I highly recommend them.
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Gabriella di piazza
Matthews Injury Law deserves more than 5 stars! From start to finish, they took care of everything. They handled all the billing, found me the right doctors, and had my case settled in just 6 months. Their professionalism, compassion, and efficiency made a difficult time so much easier. I never had to worry about a thing—they truly went above and beyond. God forbid I or someone I care about ever gets injured again, but if it happens, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Matthews Injury Law. They’re simply amazing!
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Andrew clay
Nearly a decade ago I was fortunate to find Marc Matthews! I had a thriving career when I was involved in a car wreck! The insurance carrier offered me $2,000 - it took some time and excellent legal skills in order to obtain a 7 figure settlement which made a huge difference for getting back on my feet and providing for my family. My life has moved on, I take care of the injuries, I’m back to work and live a good life, which would not be possible without being represented by Marc so long ago! It matters who you chose - You won’t find a more intelligent, dedicated or skilled Attorney to be your strongest advocate in your toughest time! Thank you Marc!
Read more
26 Nov, 2024 by Chayanne
I had a 10/10 experience with this law firm.
David Shobe:
I will forever be grateful for your representation. You were always kind, professional, and never wasted time; you always spoke with relevance in support of my case. The fact that you were affected in your personal life from a devastating hurricane, yet didn’t let this hinder you from providing me a spectacular representation at my hearing just a week after this catastrophic hurricane is incredible. David, you are a great man who deserves all the merit. Thank you for a great outcome, on behalf of myself and my son.
The firm: I am grateful for how easy to work with you all were from start to finish. Originally, I had my consultation with Jason. Despite Jason having a conflicting hearing date thus being unable to represent me, he still offered a helpful consultation and referred me to a phenomenal attorney, David Shobe from the same law group. Thank you.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Deb b
Ms. Jeana Vogel was attentive, extremely knowledgeable, returned communication promptly, and our work together was seamless. I felt very supported and heard and would and have recommended her to friends. She is definitely an asset to this firm, and I am so incredibly grateful for her top notch work.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Marc tauchnitz
It has been a few years since I was represented by Jeana Vogel in a custody dispute, I recently had the opportunity to refer her to a friend. That is when I realized that I had not provided a review of her performance. Her attention to detail and ability to set expectations was what impressed me. I have heard horror stories from people about not having a clue what was coming. I never had that feeling due to her clarity and ability to explain the process. She provided options while explaining the probability of their success. It is very easy to feel alone in any court proceeding especially in Family Court. I never once felt that I was alone or that I did not have the best advocate for my case. Thank you Jeana for everything!!
Read more
26 Nov, 2024 by Chayanne
I had a 10/10 experience with this law firm.
David Shobe:
I will forever be grateful for your representation. You were always kind, professional, and never wasted time; you always spoke with relevance in support of my case. The fact that you were affected in your personal life from a devastating hurricane, yet didn’t let this hinder you from providing me a spectacular representation at my hearing just a week after this catastrophic hurricane is incredible. David, you are a great man who deserves all the merit. Thank you for a great outcome, on behalf of myself and my son.
The firm: I am grateful for how easy to work with you all were from start to finish. Originally, I had my consultation with Jason. Despite Jason having a conflicting hearing date thus being unable to represent me, he still offered a helpful consultation and referred me to a phenomenal attorney, David Shobe from the same law group. Thank you.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Deb b
Ms. Jeana Vogel was attentive, extremely knowledgeable, returned communication promptly, and our work together was seamless. I felt very supported and heard and would and have recommended her to friends. She is definitely an asset to this firm, and I am so incredibly grateful for her top notch work.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Marc tauchnitz
It has been a few years since I was represented by Jeana Vogel in a custody dispute, I recently had the opportunity to refer her to a friend. That is when I realized that I had not provided a review of her performance. Her attention to detail and ability to set expectations was what impressed me. I have heard horror stories from people about not having a clue what was coming. I never had that feeling due to her clarity and ability to explain the process. She provided options while explaining the probability of their success. It is very easy to feel alone in any court proceeding especially in Family Court. I never once felt that I was alone or that I did not have the best advocate for my case. Thank you Jeana for everything!!
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Witdely cantillo
A Dream Come True
Erica and Meredith were nothing short of angels during our adoption journey. Their kindness, understanding, and professionalism made an incredibly complex process feel effortless. They were always available to answer our questions, address our concerns, and guide us through each step.
If you're considering adoption, no matter the circumstances, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Tate | Healey | Webster. They will go above and beyond to help you bring your dream of family to life.
Erica and Meredith, we will forever be grateful for your invaluable support. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Read more
18 Nov, 2024 by Julie hicks
Friendly, responsive and made the adoption finalization easy. Thank you!!
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Cathleen mineo
This is our second time using Tate, Healey & Webster Attorneys for our child's adoption. Their team is extremely friendly, hard working, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I recommend them for all of your family attorney needs.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Tony h
I used Kevin back in 2004 for an accident case out of Sarasota County. The trial in case took quite a while but that’s expected. Kevin was absolutely amazing and did an in-depth thorough job. He kept me updated all along the way and it all paid off in the end, literally, I highly recommend Kevin Woods for any type of Cases that he practices. I really don’t think you could find a better attorney anywhere around in Southwest Florida, including Morgan and Morgan. If you’ve been involved in any kind of an accident whatsoever, make sure you hire this man because you won’t find any better.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Michael r. guinn
Highly recommend!
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Elizabeth duncan
20 Dec, 2024 by Sherri killough
I highly recommend Jordan Finley and his staff for anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, caring, and always available to answer my questions. Jordan and his team handled my complicated legal matter with efficiency and care, ensuring everything was resolved promptly, even when a few unexpected challenges arose. He went above and beyond to provide support and guidance, which made a stressful situation so much more manageable. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares about their clients and their needs, Jordan Finley is the lawyer to call.
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by Walter sturgeon
Made the process very simple and easy. Getting questions answered and communication in general very easy and fast. Very satisfied.
Read more
07 Dec, 2024 by Chris baron
Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Read more
01 Aug, 2021 by Brandon
My wife and I worked with Jennifer Meister on a family law matter. The issue involved a parenting plan, and the case was brought on by our son's biological father.
Jennifer is a smart and competent woman. However she is also distracted and made it clear that we were not her priority, except when it came to billing us. Jennifer conducted a marketing photoshoot during my wife's zoom mediation, meaning she was distracted and not present for much of the mediation. This mediation was covering our son's parenting agreement with his biological father, and it was the most important thing in the world to us. Clearly it was not that important to Jennifer.
During the mediation, Jennifer actually attempted to tank the mediation and told my wife it's not going to work out very early on, which per my wife was in no way the situation. We believe she did that so that we would have to move to a court case, which would continue to rack up bills. My wife was able to save it and reach an agreed upon parenting agreement thankfully, although a second mediation needed to be scheduled because Jennifer had to leave the first before it could be finalized to watch her child (which I would understand, except for the fact that she was absent for much of it doing a photoshoot, which is beyond ridiculous, and the plan could have been wrapped up in one mediation if she had actually set that time aside in her calendar). The second mediation racked the bills up further.
Since reaching that parenting agreement (which we had paid approximately $10,000 to Jennifer to reach it), we have now been charged another $6k just to recalculate child support. Every two weeks her firm sends us another retainer for $4,500, when at this point it is very minor work left over. It looks like we are going to be charged $10k for them to work through a financial affidavit and calculate child support per normal guidelines. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? They also charge us a minimum of $35 for every email sent, even if it's two sentences, and for a 10 minute phone call expect to pay close to $100. Jennifer even charged us $350 for legal research about changing a minor’s name. She’s a family law attorney and she’s charging us to research family law?? Should we pay for her law school also?
In addition to Jennifer’s ridiculous billing and complete lack of caring, she also appeared to change her mind frequently on best strategic course of action. She strongly discouraged us from getting GAL involved early on and said it will cost us a lot of money. Then 2 days before the mediation she said we should just cancel the mediation and get GAL involved. We were very confused and decided to keep the mediation, but we now realize it was because the mediation conflicted with her marketing photoshoot.
Jennifer is money hungry and does not care about you. If you are not extremely wealthy, steer clear. We fired Jennifer before finalizing child support because she is terrible. We would not have been able to finalize the parenting plan at all if we hadn’t put forth countless hours of work on our own. She certainly didn’t get it done for us.
Read more
17 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Meister is an incredibly knowledgeable attorney that is easy to work with. She values opinions and is able to understand what is in best interest of her clients, and her cases as a whole. Strongly recommend her as an attorney.
Read more
29 Aug, 2019 by Meladie
She was very thorough and worked hard on my behalf.. She left no stone unturned if she thought it would benefit me.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
