Attorney Referral List

You are welcome to choose an attorney from other sources, however, we ask that you select an attorney that has experience in the adoption field. The attorney that you choose should have done at a minimum 12 adoptions in the last year.

WHAT TO ASK BEFORE HIRING YOUR ATTORNEY

FINANCES:

• What is the average cost of the adoptions you have handled?
• How do you bill? Is your fee an hourly fee, or do you charge a flat fee? (Keep in mind that ethical, experienced attorneys may have a higher hourly rate, but charge less because they don't have to spend the same amount of time that a less-experienced attorney would.)
• Do you require a retainer fee in advance? If so, how much? What happens to my retainer fee if the birth mother changes her mind?

QUALIFICATIONS:

• What is your experience, knowledge, competence? How long have you worked in the area of adoption?
• How many non-relative adoptions do you handle? How many this year? (Ten to twenty a year and several years of experience is desirable.) What percentage of your total practice is comprised of adoptions? (Fifty to one hundred percent suggests adoption expertise.)
• What services do you provide? Will you actively assist me in finding an adoption situation as well as handle the necessary legal work? Attorneys in some states cannot match you to a birth mother, a practice that is allowed in many states. Make sure that you and the birth parents are represented by different attorneys.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• What is your general philosophy about adoption? Why did you get involved in adoptions?
• Do you handle open adoptions, or both? Do you have strong feelings about openness?
• Will you office keep me up to date and involved?
• Do you see counseling for birth parents as helpful or useful? Why or why not?
• Will you accept collect calls from birth parents? Do you have an 800 number?
• When you are away from the office, is another knowledgeable attorney available?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

• Does the lawyer answer your questions to your satisfaction?
• Does the lawyer return your phone calls promptly?
• Is the lawyer sensitive to your feelings?
• Is the lawyer well-informed about adoption law?
• Is the lawyer well-organized?
• Does the lawyer pressure you or make you feel uncomfortable with the decision making process?
• Does the lawyer openly discuss the financial and emotional risks involved?
• Are the lawyer and support staff pleasant people who help me feel at ease and who will assist the birth parent graciously?