Adoption Retainer Agreement

ADOPTION RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Adoption Retainer Agreement ("Agreement") is made effective as of by and between Client Name: residing at (hereinafter "Client") and Attorney/Firm Name: with principal place of business at (hereinafter "Attorney").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation for the purpose of pursuing an adoption proceeding for the placement and legal adoption of a child; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is duly admitted to practice law and represents parties in adoption matters and has agreed to represent Client subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective duties, financial arrangements, and the scope of representation in writing.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

1.1 Attorney will provide legal services to Client in connection with the adoption described above including, as applicable, counsel regarding agency selection, preparation and filing of petitions and pleadings, representation at hearings, coordination with the home study provider, assistance with interjurisdictional procedures, obtaining consents and releases, and finalization of the adoption (collectively, "Services"). Attorney does not guarantee the outcome of any application to an agency or the courts.

1.2 Services specifically do not include representation in unrelated matters unless expressly agreed in writing. Services do not include payment of agency fees, court costs, home study fees, or any third-party fees except as expressly provided in Section 3.

2. TYPE OF ADOPTION

The adoption contemplated under this Agreement is: Domestic International Foster Care Step-Parent

3. RETAINER, FEES AND BILLING

3.1 Client agrees to pay an initial retainer in the amount of $ which will be deposited into Attorney's trust account and applied against fees and costs as billed. Receipt of the retainer is not a condition precedent to Attorney's undertaking of tasks that are time sensitive, provided parties agree in writing.

3.2 Fee arrangement (select one): Flat fee Hourly rate

If flat fee is selected, the flat fee shall be $ payable as follows:

If hourly representation is selected, Attorney's hourly rate shall be $ per hour. Client will be billed for attorney and paralegal time, as well as for costs. Attorney will provide periodic statements showing services rendered, time expended, and costs advanced.

4. COSTS, EXPENSES AND THIRD-PARTY FEES

4.1 Client is responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses and third-party fees incurred in connection with the adoption, including but not limited to court filing fees, publication costs, home study fees, agency fees, travel, translation, fingerprinting, background checks, medical clearances, and fees required by foreign authorities where applicable.

5. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORIZATIONS

5.1 Client will cooperate fully with Attorney, provide truthful and complete information, execute documents promptly, attend required appointments and hearings, and timely pay fees and costs. Failure to cooperate may result in termination of representation.

5.2 Client authorizes Attorney to obtain records and information necessary for representation, including but not limited to medical, educational, social services, criminal history, and immigration records. Client gives consent for fingerprinting and background checks as required by agencies or courts: Consent to background checks:

5.3 Client authorizes Attorney to communicate with agencies, home study providers, social workers, and foreign authorities as required for the representation:

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND FILES

6.1 All information given to Attorney will be held in confidence and is subject to the attorney-client privilege to the extent provided by law. Attorney may, however, disclose information to third parties as necessary to effectuate representation and with Client's consent.

6.2 Client may request copies of the file. Attorney may retain copies of work product and may charge reasonable copying and retrieval fees. Original documents provided by Client will be returned upon request.

7. TERMINATION; RETURN OF UNEARNED FEES

7.1 Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination, Attorney will provide a final accounting of fees and costs; any unearned portion of the retainer will be refunded after deduction of fees and costs properly incurred.

7.2 Termination does not relieve Client of the obligation to pay fees and costs for services rendered and expenses incurred prior to termination.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 The parties agree to attempt to resolve any fee dispute through negotiation. If negotiation fails, the dispute shall be submitted to mediation prior to filing suit. The parties may agree in writing to binding arbitration for fee or other disputes, but absent such written agreement, mediation shall be the condition precedent to litigation.

9. NOTICES

9.1 All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below (or to such other address as the receiving party may designate by written notice):

10. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

10.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Venue for any judicial action arising from this Agreement shall be in the courts of the county in which Attorney maintains its principal place of business unless otherwise required by law.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS

11.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral or written understandings. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

12. SEVERABILITY; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

12.1 If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision shall not operate as a waiver of any subsequent breach. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges receiving a copy of this Agreement, understands the nature and scope of the representation, and accepts the fee and billing arrangements set forth herein.

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