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20 Apr, 2023 by Stacy crow
Megan and her associate Kayla were not only extremely knowledgeable but also compassionate and poured their hearts into our two girl’s cases. Don’t let those pretty faces fool you, these two are bull dogs that give 110% in fighting for justice for children!!!
They took on the DCF establishment which helped us adopt our special needs child with an adoption subsidy that met her needs!! Every child deserves a family!!
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08 Oct, 2018 by Pat
In what was easily the most difficult situation/scenario we could have envisioned as we entered into a contested adoption for our daughter, Megan served as a pillar of strength, hope and most importantly unparalleled legal advice.
She did a fantastic job of balancing the heightened sensitivity and emotion of the situation with the professional, well-organized and meticulous expertise necessary to obtain the desired result (which ultimately culminated with the birth father agreeing to an open adoption half-way through Megan’s deposition).
She was extremely detailed in keeping us apprised of developments as they occurred and used her wealth of experience to provide invaluable insights and recommendations in crafting an initial strategy and modifying/revising her approach based on the evolution of the matter.
We cannot thank her enough for her efforts and would highly encourage anyone in need of representation to utilize Megan and the rest of the team at Martin Pringle.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I endorse Attorney Megan Monsour. Adoption and surrogacy are collaborative processes and frequently involve attorneys licensed in different states. I have worked with Ms. Monsour many times in the last five years and always had excellent experience with her. She is professional and knowledgeable. She has an impeccable reputation and demonstrates commitment to the best legal and ethical practices.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Bev
We came to Julia with an emergency grandchild custody/guardian situation that been totally botched by another attorney. This was our last chance so this time we were very careful and got a lot of advice from people who knew the field and knew the attorneys who was available. Unfailingly, Julia's name kept coming up as a recommendation. We were able to get in to her quickly. The fees are expensive but hers were not out of line with what we were expecting. You get what you pay for! She was knowledgeable and personable at our first meeting. Our case went on for close to a year. I felt like she only had us meet with her when it was necessary so she didn't waste our money. She was prompt at all court appearances and was obviously well respected by her peers and the 2 judges we went before. If we had any complaints, and it was only me because I was so emotional, it would have been that she spend a little more time explaining the process and what to expect. In retrospect, she didn't give us false hope. She can be a little blunt but when we were in court I was glad she was. Coming from the medical field, I compared her to a heart surgeon...a little over my head and all business. She was great in the courtroom, in control and she meticulously presented our case in a manner that was professional and convincing. We got the end results we wanted and she saved us a lot of money by working with the other attorney to get an agreement that saved us from another court hearing. Her office was gracious about allowing us to finish paying our bill in monthly installments. I have recommended her to others and if we ever have need of an attorney for something like this again we will be at her door immediately.
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28 Jun, 2015 by Abby
I was referred to Julia after I had an attorney, whom did nothing for me. Julia stepped right in and got the ball rolling. She is very informative, fair, prompt and won't nickel and dime you. I highly recommend Julia Craft to all of my family and friends.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Julia helped me with my child custody battle. She was very informative and helpful during my case. It almost took a year for my case to finalize and I was happy with the end result. I would recommend her to anyone seeking help in family law.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Evan overton
Attorney Stang gets it done. If you want to win, hire Stang and he will find a way.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth curtsinger
Five Stars genuinely isnt enough. I hired Ryan Gering for a case and had the best possible experience with him and this firm. My case was dismissed and at every step of the way it was handled with respect and professionalism. There aren't words to express my gratitude. I cannot recommend them strongly enough - if you are looking for assistance with your own case, stop looking now and call them - this IS who you want.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Markell freeman
29 Mar, 2024 by Stephanie lee
I originally lived in Kansas when my child custody case was created and I have since moved to North Carolina. There were some issues that arose with my daughter and I had to then find a lawyer that can practice in Kansas but would be willing to work with me via zoom. I was a little nervous about hiring an attorney without sitting down face to face and discussing my case.
I called and spoke with his staff to complete my intake paperwork and those ladies were so kind and caring and then after my Zoom call with Tony, I knew that I had found the right person to represent my daughter and I.
Tony is so kind and professional and he truly listens and cares. He was very patient with me during this process and always quick to respond to emails, phone calls, etc. He will fight for you and advocate for you, all the while keeping a positive attitude.
I will continue to use Tony and his staff with any future family law needs.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Sydney rickman
I first worked with Tony several years ago regarding a family law matter. I knew he was gold then and was so grateful he took me on as a client.
More recently, through a series of sad and unusual events, I became the administrator of my ex’s (and father of my child) estate, largely due to some ongoing litigation he had prior to passing.
Tony was my first call when that roller coaster started because I trusted him and knew I would need some help navigating. Through it, I worked with three other sets of attorneys I did not hire.
I can emphatically say Tony is hands down my favorite attorney. Tony has been the only attorney that I worked with that keeps at the forefront that clients are generally not attorneys and that all the not knowing through the legal process is really hard on them. Because the estate had so many moving parts, and I subsequently had a lot of questions, I got to find out how many ways Tony aims at efficiency AND keeping clients informed.
One set of attorneys was particularly awful, and I’m grateful Tony took the brunt of that so that part could get wrapped up sooner than it would have otherwise. The other two were more on the “average” side, but getting information from them was so difficult at times. The one I had the longest working relationship with also does family law, which makes me all the more emphatic in my recommendation of Tony.
He will actually listen to you. He handles the majority of his correspondence and will get back to you in a *very* timely matter, even with a busy caseload. His office staff are absolutely stellar. He really knows the law. (After my first call for the family law matter, as well as what turned into the estate, he quickly ascertained [with little information from me] what was going on and what was likely coming and gave me a spot on summary BOTH times.) Both cases had a moment of needing a strategic move, and what he arrived at was utterly brilliant, both times. He gives excellent counsel. I’ve never felt like I was just another day at the office/paycheck to him. That’s hard to do in any line of work, but especially in one that has so much routine in the day-to-day coupled with clients who are probably having a lot of rough days in a row. His billing is extremely fair, especially given he will not be wasting his time or yours and he will spare you SO MANY headaches because of how he keeps you informed and handles things as a whole. Tony somehow manages to move towards an efficient and fair resolution without getting mired in all the dramatic back and forth it’s easy to get into in a family law situation while still treating you like a person. And he does it all with the utmost integrity. He is the only attorney I’ve worked with that I would hire again (and with a swiftness). What an absolute godsend he’s been!
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18 Sep, 2023 by Corrie potter
09 Aug, 2024 by Katy garringer phelps
Whitney Chrisman is an outstanding attorney whose dedication to her clients is truly remarkable. She has extensive knowledge and experience that make her a formidable opponent in the courtroom. Ms. Chrisman’s ability to navigate complex cases while providing clear, practical, and empathetic counsel sets her apart in her field. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes and fair resolutions for her clients speak for themselves and I would recommend her without hesitation.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Whitney bolden
29 Jun, 2024 by Kalyna buresh
09 Sep, 2024 by Jason huff
Being mis informed by a legal aid of this firm is the same as asking my atty when I or my wife called.was told last week that my wc settlement would have to have an exemption but we wouldn't have to wait or turn check in which turns out false.i should have asked for a meeting to discuss what I could or could not do not being an attorney it was easy to misinterpret what Raquel was trying to tell me.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Shane thompson
Best experience ever. They quickly got my questions answered and got my bankruptcy filed in an excellent and professional manner. I would recommend and use this firm anytime.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Melanie black
Everyone here was absolutely amazing to work with from beginning to end. Always answered all my questions and kept me in the loop.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mark
My wife decided to divorce me after 35 years of marriage. I was very concerned about what this would do to my financial future, and especially being late in my career, my future retirement. I had heard many horror stories about how the laws in Kansas favor the female in a divorce. Only having very limited experience with lawyers, I decided to treat my lawyer selection like an interview process. I scheduled meetings with 2 lawyers to get started. Prior to my meeting with the lawyers, I reviewed all of my divorce papers in great detail. I identified several significant concerns with the terms that my ex’s legal counsel created. My first lawyer meeting was with Desiree Smith.
When I met with Desiree, my first question was about how she was going to represent me. Was I just a lost cause, because I was a male, or was she going to fight for everything she could get for me to protect my future retirement? She reassured me that she was working for me, and she would be doing everything she could for me. She asked me several general questions to understand our financial situation, and then laid out the typical scenarios that could happen in my situation. That immediately set me at ease, knowing that my financial future was not ruined, and that I had a path forward. She then reviewed the terms in the divorce papers. Within only 3-4 minutes of review, and without my assistance, she identified every concern I had about their terms, and a couple more that I hadn’t noticed. At that point, I knew I had found the right person to represent me, and I didn't need to meet with the next lawyer.
Throughout the rest of the divorce process, Desiree’s experience and knowledge showed in every conversation we had. She could quickly discuss detail, easily recall detail from previous meetings, easily answer questions, and was able to help me think through strategies for moving forward. Every meeting I had with her was very productive.
In the end, Desiree helped get a great settlement for me, and we did it without going to court. I got a far better settlement than I ever thought possible in the beginning, and I feel like I probably got a better settlement that most divorced men. Desiree was a very big part of making that happen. I can’t say enough about her knowledge, and how she could explain legal concepts in ways easy for me to understand. Desiree was very easy to work with. I would highly recommend Desiree to help anyone through their family legal needs!
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05 May, 2024 by Eva glover
27 Apr, 2024 by Nathan dawson
16 Aug, 2024 by Mark
My wife decided to divorce me after 35 years of marriage. I was very concerned about what this would do to my financial future, and especially being late in my career, my future retirement. I had heard many horror stories about how the laws in Kansas favor the female in a divorce. Only having very limited experience with lawyers, I decided to treat my lawyer selection like an interview process. I scheduled meetings with 2 lawyers to get started. Prior to my meeting with the lawyers, I reviewed all of my divorce papers in great detail. I identified several significant concerns with the terms that my ex’s legal counsel created. My first lawyer meeting was with Desiree Smith.
When I met with Desiree, my first question was about how she was going to represent me. Was I just a lost cause, because I was a male, or was she going to fight for everything she could get for me to protect my future retirement? She reassured me that she was working for me, and she would be doing everything she could for me. She asked me several general questions to understand our financial situation, and then laid out the typical scenarios that could happen in my situation. That immediately set me at ease, knowing that my financial future was not ruined, and that I had a path forward. She then reviewed the terms in the divorce papers. Within only 3-4 minutes of review, and without my assistance, she identified every concern I had about their terms, and a couple more that I hadn’t noticed. At that point, I knew I had found the right person to represent me, and I didn't need to meet with the next lawyer.
Throughout the rest of the divorce process, Desiree’s experience and knowledge showed in every conversation we had. She could quickly discuss detail, easily recall detail from previous meetings, easily answer questions, and was able to help me think through strategies for moving forward. Every meeting I had with her was very productive.
In the end, Desiree helped get a great settlement for me, and we did it without going to court. I got a far better settlement than I ever thought possible in the beginning, and I feel like I probably got a better settlement that most divorced men. Desiree was a very big part of making that happen. I can’t say enough about her knowledge, and how she could explain legal concepts in ways easy for me to understand. Desiree was very easy to work with. I would highly recommend Desiree to help anyone through their family legal needs!
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05 May, 2024 by Eva glover
27 Apr, 2024 by Nathan dawson
11 Feb, 2024 by Serle mcneil
12 Jan, 2024 by Jer
08 Jan, 2024 by Ylaria pronounced e-lah-d-ah
0 stars since Reception hung up on me, I had to call back to ask her to at least try to do something rather than hanging up on me like that. Was very rude to do.
3 stars, The lawyer I talked to was polite and helpful but I forgot to write their name down.
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16 Dec, 2023 by Mike “mike” mike
08 Jun, 2023 by Andru abbott
Friendly help and very respectful
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02 Feb, 2023 by Derek-ozzy osbourne
No comment at this time... Obviously.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Turley is an ambulance chaser, when in court he actually made things up to say about my ex that were not true. I understand that his job was to make me look better but I don't believe in fabricating information, just to win. I ended up having to fire him because I just didn't feel like his behavior was ethical. My ex is not a bad person or a bad mother and I don't feel that it was appropriate to attack her integrity to accomplish my goals. Just stick with the facts, there was no reason to twist things around. No wonder attorney's get a bad wrap, thankfully not all of them act like this.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Ashley
Stephen Turley is a phenomenal attorney. He has been my attorney since 2014 and has represented me in court multiple times. He always has my best interest at heart. He is incredibly smart and fights for what is right. He will continue to be my attorney for as long as I need him. I wouldn't hesitate one second to refer anyone to him!
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05 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Stephen advised me on several legal topics over the past few years, including estate planning and family law. He is very knowledgeable and his advice saved me many headaches. I greatly appreciate his professionalism and his explanation of the process. I trust Stephen and recommend contacting him.
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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.
