Choosing the right adoption attorney takes time and effort. Anyone hoping to start an adoption journey should give themselves plenty of time to schedule consultations and find out more about the adoption lawyer’s experience and communication style. Choosing the wrong attorney will make adoption much more stressful than it needs to be. Furthermore, the wrong lawyer will increase the expense. Call the Law Office of David J. Rodriguez, PLLC, to schedule a consultation. Below, we provide a brief list of questions you should consider asking an adoption lawyer.
Questions About Legal Experience
It’s crucial to choose an attorney with in-depth knowledge of adoption law and substantial practical experience. Consider asking:
- How many adoption cases have you successfully handled?
- Do you typically represent adoptive parents, birth mothers, or both?
- Have you worked with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as surrogacy or in vitro fertilization?
- Are you a member of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys?
- Have you handled non-relative adoptions? If so, how many?
- Do you have experience with my type of adoption (stepparent, foster care, international, etc.)?
- What percentage of your practice is focused on adoption cases?
- Have you managed adoption litigation? How often do such cases arise?
- Can you assist with finding birth mothers or adoptive parents, or help advertise for an adoption?
A good adoption attorney should have ample experience, especially in your type of adoption. For example, you might use a surrogate, so it would be helpful to hire a lawyer who understands which legal documents need to be signed.
Questions About Attorney-Client Communication
A positive working relationship depends on clear and open communication. Evaluate the attorney’s communication style with questions like:
- Do you primarily communicate via phone, email, or in person?
- Can we use video conferencing, like Zoom, for remote discussions?
- Is there a charge for phone calls or emails?
- How will you keep me updated on the status of my adoption?
- Will I communicate directly with you, or through an assistant? Is there a dedicated assistant assigned to my case?
Your comfort level with the attorney’s communication approach can greatly impact your experience.
Questions About Legal Fees and Expenses
Understanding the financial aspects of working with an attorney is critical. Ask these questions:
- Do you require an upfront retainer? If so, how much is it?
- Do you charge by the hour or offer flat fees for specific adoptions, such as stepparent adoptions?
- How do you bill—monthly or upon completion of services? What payment methods do you accept?
- Are any fees refundable if the birth mother changes her mind?
The attorney should provide a clear, written fee agreement outlining all costs before you proceed. Be wary of any attorney who cannot provide this.
Questions About Birth Mothers
The birth mother’s role is pivotal in most adoptions, and an attorney’s experience in this area is vital. Consider asking:
- Have you dealt with cases where the birth mother changed her mind? How did you handle it?
- Can you help the birth mother find legal representation if needed?
- Do you assist with locating birth parents?
- Are you connected to counseling services for birth parents or adoptive families?
- If I’m using a surrogate, what expenses can I legally pay? Will you negotiate with the birth mother?
These questions can give insight into the attorney’s ability to navigate the complexities of working with birth mothers.
Questions About the Adoption Process
Each adoption journey is unique. Use your consultation to better understand the process with questions like:
- How long does a typical adoption take? What about my specific type of adoption?
- What can I do to help expedite the process after locating a birth mother?
- What are the common challenges or delays in adoptions?
- How often do birth parents change their minds?
- Will I need to complete a home study? What does that entail?
A knowledgeable attorney should provide you with a realistic timeline and help you prepare for potential hurdles.
How to Schedule a Consultation
You can start by asking friends, family, or acquaintances for recommendations. If someone you know has adopted, ask if they would recommend their attorney. Additionally, search online for local adoption lawyers, review their websites, and assess their qualifications. Contact our adoption attorneys via phone or online inquiry forms to schedule a consultation. While some may offer free consultations, these are often brief and not as comprehensive. Instead, inquire about the cost of a full consultation to ensure you get the detailed answers you need.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Arrive at your meeting with a prepared list of questions, but don’t be afraid to let the conversation flow naturally. The consultation is your opportunity to assess the attorney’s expertise and your comfort level in working with them. By the end of the meeting, you should feel confident in their ability to handle your case and comfortable discussing concerns with them.
Contact the Law Office of David J. Rodriguez, PLLC
If you’re ready to take the next step in your adoption journey, contact the Law Office of David J. Rodriguez, PLLC. Our adoption attorney is here to provide personalized guidance and answer all your questions in a private consultation. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
