[fsqared]

Hi,

We are looking to retain an attorney for a domestic adoption (we don’t have one yet but hope to soon!). We contacted one attorney; their first question was can you come in for a 1hr consultation. When I asked about the fees or a fee schedule, I was told they can’t tell me that yet because they don’t know what the situation is - is the adoption in state, will there be medical fees etc. I kept asking and so I finally got a quote of $7,000 – 8,000.

I have some questions that I’m hoping people can help me with –

• Do you ask for references before you have a 1hr consultation with an attorney or do you ask during the consultation?
• Should you be given a fee schedule prior to working with them?
• Should they present you with a fee schedule at the consultation?
• Are the fees quoted here high or average?
• Does the consultation have to be in office or can it be on the phone (we found some attorneys that are approximately 1 1/2hr from where we live)?
• Does the attorney have to be in your state?

Any advice or guidance would be much appreciated

Thanks so much

Grainne