FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN CHOOSING THE ADOPTION & SURROGACY LAW CENTER AS YOUR ATTORNEY.
Finances
Q: What is the average cost of the adoptions you have handled?
A: They range on average from $1,500 to $10,000 and vary greatly depending on the adoption. Contested cases can run much higher.
Q: Do you bill by the hour or charge a flat fee?
A: Both. It depends on the type of adoption.
Q: Do you require a retainer fee? If so, how much?
A: Yes. Again it depends on the type of adoption and estimated fees and costs.
Q: What happens to my retainer if the adoption is not completed?
A: We refund any unused retainer. We only take out the amount for actual accrued fees and costs.
Qualifications
Q: How long have you handled adoptions?
A: Since 1989.
Q: How many non-relative adoptions have you completed?
A; Hundreds.
Q: How many this year?
A: Dozens
Q: What percentage of your total practice is devoted to adoption?
A: Approximately 50% is devoted to adoption & surrogacy.
Q: What services do you provide?
A: All legal services that exist – ranging from representation in all types of adoptions to expert witness services to handling contested matters.
Q: Will you actively assist me in finding an adoption situation, as well as handle the legal paperwork?
A: Yes.
Q: Can you recommend an adoption counselor to guide me and/or the birthparents through the process?
A: Yes.
Working Relationships
Q: What is your general philosophy of adoption?
A: I favor adoptive placements while respecting the rights of placing parents to make voluntary and informed decisions. I respect my clients’ views with regard to whether they want a more open adoption or not. I do believe that acquiring as much information as possible regarding both birth parents is in the child’s best interests.
Q: Why did you get involved in it?
A: I was first exposed to adoption through a close family member being a birth mother.
Q: Do you handle open adoptions, confidential adoptions, or both?
A: Both
Q: What are your feelings about openness?
A. Personally I think ongoing contact generally is most beneficial to all involved – especially the adoptee. However, I respect the views and preferences of both placing parents and adoptive parents in that regard. In some situations – a closed placement is best for the situation.
Q: Do you see counseling for birthparents as helpful? Why or why not?
A: Yes – it usually is helpful mainly because it forces the placing parent to really focus on the placement decision and adoption plan – this can assist in determining if it really is the right direction to take. I do not believe in forcing counseling though on an unwilling placing parent.
Q: Are you available after hours?
A: Yes. The nature of adoption law is that there often is after hour work to be done.
Q: When you are unavailable is another knowledgeable attorney available?
A: Yes. I have three family law partners to pinch hit for me if I am not available.