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21 Oct, 2024 by Nyvibes914
I had a consultation with Mr. Bliven and he sounded very knowledgeable. While waiting for my appointment I was handed his book and I found it extremely well written, with simple examples and easy to follow guidance through the difficult process of divorce. His office staff, 2 lovely ladies, are very nice.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Carolina
Thank you for the advice, extremely helpful! David is knowledgeable and has his clients best interest at heart.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Afia
I really appreciate the time he took to explain everything to me. After speaking to him I felt much calmer about everything. He also provided an additional resource on his website high helped me to fully understand the process
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15 Nov, 2023 by Joshua
Greg got me every single thing on my wishlist that I wanted and asked for during my divorce. From Day 1 he was straight up with me. I had a couple hiccups throughout this process, but Greg still managed to get the job done. I sincerely appreciate Greg's hard work, transparency, and being straight up with me every single step of the way.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Greg exceeded all my expectations. He was extremely knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, and guided me to make all the right calls. I can't speak highly enough of Greg. He will fight for you; he listens attentively; he's reliable; and will win your case. I couldn't imagine having better representation. Extremely satisfied.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Greg Salant was straightforward beginning with the consultation through what was a very long and trying negotiation. I'm glad that he was recommended to me, and that I hired him. His response times are prompt, he's very thorough and prepared, and most importantly - he knows the law. Your divorce attorney isn't a shoulder to cry on, but there were a few times I felt like throwing in the proverbial towel. Fortunately, Greg encouraged me to keep going for the sake of my children and I'm glad I did. Divorce is incredibly difficult and complex, but you can be confident that Greg will help you navigate through the mess if you hire him.
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11 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
In an 8 year contract law case, Ms. Alberga was instrumental in an estate case that was dragged from Surrogates to Supreme Court to 2nd Appellate and NY Court of Appeals. Then again on a different issue (same estate) from Surrogates to 2nd appellate. There were approximately 8 decisions for which the courts agreed and affirmed with the facts supported by law that Ms. Alberga laid out in her briefs and summary judgements. Ms. Alberga was not only professional, she was extremely supportive and responsive to questions and concerns. If she needed to followup, she jumped through many hurdles to make sure she was following the law in the best defense of her client. Her client is truly grateful to have found Ms. Alberga for representation during a very difficult and trying time. Thank you Ms. Alberga, God bless you!
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12 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Fantastic lawyer, creative, compassionate and really smart. He got me a great settlement.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Michael kantargi
Ms. Cynthia Devasia and the offices of Isaacs, Devasia, Castro, and Wien saved my career.
When faced with insurmountable odds Ms. Cynthia saw through all the history that made my case a muddled mess and put the best, most succinct, argument forward to help save my career from a machine determined to ruin me.
Ms. Cynthia was integral in making all the right decisions and I will forever be grateful for her counsel and her offices resources that helped make my case a success, all things considered.
I was being railroaded and she fought the powers that be with my truth, incorporating all pertinent information necessary to preserve my employment. I was facing dismissal. Ms. Cynthia was able to help me preserve my career from people who were targeting me.
I highly recommend Ms. Cynthia and her law office for excellent service and the best counsel you can get.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kevin ballon
Jung helped me to secure my first O1B! I am grateful for her expertise and for answering my many questions throughout the process. Jung was recommended to me by a friend, and I’m so happy that I reached out. I felt guided and supported at each stage and I'm thrilled to now have the visa I was aiming for.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Manny manny
Very professional.. he did a great job..... I highly recommend him!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Nancy morales
LOS PEORES ABOGADOS DE INMIGRACIÓN!!!!
Busquen ayuda con una firma que si les importa sus cliente y NO SOLO EL DINERO. Son buenos para exigirles dinero, pero cuando uno les pregunta de sus casos, evaden responsabilidades/respuestas. NO GASTEN SU TIEMPO NI DINERO CON ESTA FIRMA!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Vanessa jones
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for Ms. Rosario, she handled my case with compassion, concern and diligence. The outcome was a successful one. Thank you, Ms. Rosario. I will be contacting you again real soon.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Denise page
I am so grateful to Glenys M. Rosario PLLC for the way she handled my case with such urgency. I would definitely recommend her to my friends and family.
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26 Feb, 2016 by Marjorie
Dear Georgia,
Thank you for everything!
It took me several hours last night to get over the unexpected strong emotions I was feeling from the events of the trial today.
You and your staff have spent hours, days and weeks doing the most thorough job in preparation for my trial, including all those heavy file boxes you methodically carried back and forth to court.
You were superb! You walked into a situation where several meetings with the judge, my ex-husband's attorney and my prior attorney had already taken place. You fought full-force against a judge who believed my ex-husband was ill, penniless and not capable of earning money.
When you examined my former husband on the stand, much to my ex-husband’s dismay, you were able to prove, based on a report from his doctor, that he was no longer ill nor incapacitated as a result of his illness. You were also able to prove he was far from penniless, and had, in fact, spent lavishly on apartment renovations, his dogs, restaurants, travel and other luxuries. You were able to prove he had just received a substantial payment from one of the companies with which he is actively involved. You thus proved he had the means to pay me the court-ordered alimony on which he had been in default of for over two and a half years.
Georgia, you turned a judge slanted to the other side into seeing the true situation. As you know, I have had other attorneys in my lifetime, but never have I had one who did the magnificent job you have done and never have I had an attorney or known a person who is as compassionate and as fine a human being as you.
I feel so lucky you came into my life and I honestly cannot imagine what would have happened to me without you.
With much gratitude and, yes, love,
Marjorie
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15 Feb, 2016 by Diane
After my husband and I went to a mediator for a separation agreement, a lawyer friend insisted that I go to Georgia Kramer, and ONLY Georgia Kramer, before I signed it. Am I glad I did! I cannot imagine what my post-marriage life would be like had I not had Georgia as my advocate and divorce attorney.
At Georgia's suggestion, I faxed the agreement to her, and when I arrived for our first meeting she was fully prepared to help. Her calm and personable manner alleviated much of my anxiety, and her suggestions and advice inspired great confidence in her ability to manage my case.
She wasted no time . After asking specifically about my needs and concerns for my future,she took out her notes on the already studied document, and began editing it to eliminate vague and ambiguous language that could present problems for me in the future, while clearly explaining the ramifications of these changes. Her amazing patience and her ability to help me understand the implications of what was done illustrated to me how knowledgeable, how experienced and how committed she is to her clients. She clearly understands the difficult situation that divorce presents, and she went out of her way both personally and professionally to represent my interests.
I also noticed her professionalism during meetings with my soon to be ex and his lawyer. While she acted respectfully toward my husband and his attorney, she was also quite assertive, and exhibited a strong, no-nonsense approach while arguing for the best outcome for me, her client. It was clear to me that my husband's lawyer knew of and had great respect for Georgia.
Because of all this, my settlement was more than I ever could have hoped for. It meets far more than my needs and concerns. Despite Georgia's extensive experience, her deep knowledge of divorce law and her obvious expertise in tax law, she constantly explained to me clearly what she was doing on my behalf, and how it would affect me. Georgia never talked down to me. She always included me in the process. And still, there was always time for a smile and a pat on the back from her.
I am so grateful to her .
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16 Dec, 2015 by Christopher
Highly recommended by a client of mine. Met a year prior to the commencement. Unfortunate circumstances led to another attorney in the firm a year later. Rejoined my case late in the proceeding's. She was instrumental in helping close & move towards settlement. Unfortunate circumstances beyond our control made this case a very costly one. In the end I was grateful to her years of experience & decision making. Highly recommend her wisdom from start to finish!
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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.
