Stepparent Adoption, Adopting step children

02/07/06

Posted by : Julie Crowley in Stepparent Adoption Blog at 08:03 pm , 720 words, 55 views
Categories: Legal Issues

What is your retainer fee?
Some lawyers require an upfront fee in order to secure their services. This fee varies from lawyer to lawyer.

What is your hourly rate?
Different lawyers have different rates, and bill differently. This is definitely something that you want to have clear BEFORE hiring an attorney. No one likes getting hit with hidden fees.

Do you do any Pro Bono work?
Often times, lawyers will do a certain amount of cases per year for free. You never know if you could be one of those lucky cases unless you ask!

How long have you been in practice?
This is an important question to ask, especially if you do not have a “run of the mill” case. When dealing with special issues it is usually best to have a seasoned lawyer who knows the ropes.

Do you specialize is adoptions, and or custody issues?
Just as you don’t see a psychologist for a cold, you don’t want a lawyer who specializes is anything BUT what your legal interest is.

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What is your win to loss ratio?
Just because the lawyer has been in practice for a long time, does not necessarily make them a good lawyer. Finding out what their win to loss ratio is will give you a better indication of how well they practice

Do you have any reference numbers that I could call?
Talking with past clients can give you a good feel for how the lawyer treats both clients and cases. See how satisfied they were with the lawyer, as well as what could have been handled better or differently.

Is their work that I could do during the process to help keep the cost down?
Most legal procedures require a lot of paper and footwork. Many lawyers are happy to let you do the dirty work for a slightly lower fee.

What, if any, documents, papers, etc will I need to have before the case is finished?
Different states, and counties require different documentation to be presented to the court. Some of these items can be timely to acquire, such, as original or certified copies of birth certificates, and or marriage licenses. By taking care of this ahead of time you will not have to hold the case up down the road by waiting on important documents. Getting an extra copy of each document you need is never a bad idea. There is usually a nominal fee for each copy.

Will I need to appear in court?
Again, the actual legal process of adoption varies from county to county. Sometime an appearance in court is necessary; sometimes you are simply notified by phone or mail when the process has been completed. Finding out what the process is in your county can help you prepare for the road ahead.

Will my/the child have to appear in court, or talk to anyone involved in the process?
This may be a deal maker or breaker for some families considering adoption. Some do not want the child in court, others beg for the child to be given a voice. In many places the age that a judge will listen to a child is up to the individual judges.

Does my child need a Guardian Ad Litem?
If the court feels it necessary, a child will be appointed a Guardian Ad Litem. This is a lawyer who works solely for the child’s best interest. If your case calls for a Guardian Ad Litem be sure ask them the same list of questions, so you are clear on all of the terms before proceeding to court.

What if I don’t know where the other biological parent is?
Not being able to locate the parent for whom you are seeking a TRP can lengthen the case. Steps must be taken to prove to the court that the petitioners have made a reasonable effort to locate the missing parent before appearing in court.

What happens if the biological parent contests the adoption?
Just because a biological parent objects to a stepparent adoption, does not make it a lost cause. If a strong case is presented to the court contested adoptions can go through. Find out what the lawyer’s plan of action is and see if it is within your personal limits and reasons.