Choosing to adopt a child is a truly life-changing decision for all involved, and in order to ensure it goes successfully, it is important that you have an attorney who understands what is at stake. The adoption process can be very complex, even for legal professionals, and there are certain questions that you should ask in order to ensure you get a knowledgeable attorney who is equipped to handle it.
#1: What Is Your Background in Adoption Law
This is perhaps the most important question to ask. The process can be complicated for anyone, even those with experience, especially for certain types of adoption that may require you and your attorney to work with an international agency or biological parents who seek to contest the adoption. These challenges can be significant roadblocks for an inexperienced attorney.
#2: What Types of Adoption Do You Handle?
There are multiple types of adoptions, including related, private, open, agency-assisted, and others. Some attorneys prefer not to work with adoption agencies, and others may not handle adoptions from specific countries. It is important to ask about this upfront, so that you know whether the attorney will be able to handle your case..
#3: What Do You Charge to Handle an Adoption On Average?
Attorney fees and fee structures can vary, and it is important to have a sense of how much you can expect to pay for their services. Ask the attorney whether they work on a flat fee or an hourly rate, and decide which is preferable for your situation. Sometimes an hourly rate is more cost effective if the attorney is experienced and can work efficiently. When you understand the attorney’s rates from the start, you will be able to make an appropriate decision.
#4: Do You Require a Retainer Fee?
Some adoption attorneys in Illinois charge retainer fees to secure their services, while others do not. It is important that you know whether your attorney requires a retainer and whether this is a cost you are willing to assume. If there is significant uncertainty surrounding the adoption, you could end up losing money if it ultimately does not go through.
#5: Will I Be Kept Informed?
While this is hopefully a given for any competent attorney, it is still important to ask. If your attorney is a solo practitioner with many clients, or if they are the only knowledgeable associate on adoption at their firm, it may be hard for them to keep in touch with you while they are busy with other matters. It is important to get a clear picture of your potential attorney’s availability so you can make sure you will get the attention you need.
Contact a Knowledgeable Kane County Adoption Lawyer
Ensuring your adoption attorney is a good fit for you can be critical to the success of your adoption. If you are in need of guidance, contact an experienced St. Charles adoption attorney at Goostree Law Group. Call 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/adoptionsabroad/en/about-us/statistics.html
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000500K10.htm