[waitingforanangel]

Hello,
How important is it to secure a lawyer prior to being matched? Is it standard practice to have a lawyer review the agency contract prior to agreeing to a situation? Our social worker told us not to get a lawyer until we were matched and ready to bring the child home. When is a good time to begin working with a lawyer? We are now applying to agencies and being presented with situations from our facilitator, and we want to make sure we're protecting ourselves.

Thank you!

Cathy

[kelceesmom]

We secured a lawyer after we matched.

[jpchief2]

We secured a lawyer after we brought our son home. They are needed when you go to finalize. No need to hurry on that one. But, you may want to have one in mind.

[ajrl]

You dont need to hire a lawyer before you get your baby. but here is my words of wisdom.

1) since you are using a facilitator and you will be at the mercy of the agency that they use read the contracts of the agencies very carefully and do not go with agencies that pay a huge sum at match. You will get stuck with that agency if the match falls through.
2) Some agencies only want you to use their lawyers. Double check to make sure that 1) you can pick your own lawyer (as those that are sometimes associated with agencies charge a higher rate) 2) that you can check out the lawyer 3) if you can pick your own lawyer.

It is hard when you become locked in to something advocate for yourself.

AJ

[waitingforanangel]

Thank you Ajrl! Very interesting and helpful advice. I was not aware of these things. We will definitely look into everything that you suggested!!

Thank you SO MUCH!

Cathy