How much does it cost to hire Alina for a adoption case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alina walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Alina offer a free consultation?

Alina charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alina's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Alina's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in Texas typically take?

Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alina gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Alina take my case if I'm outside Dallas?

Alina is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alina will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Alina?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alina will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Alina accepting new adoption clients right now?

Alina's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Alina Caratas, Adoption Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Over 15 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody

AssociateatGoranson Bain Ausley Family Law

Dallas, TX

Practicing adoption in Dallas since 2011.

15+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law +5 more →

Are you Alina Caratas?

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Quick answer

Alina Caratas is an associate based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Alina has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law.

Based in: Dallas, TX
Experience: over 15 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Dallas, TX.
Over 15 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Alina Caratas

Alina concentrates on adoption, alimony, child custody, child support, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alina handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Dallas, Texas

Alina takes adoption matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alina agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Dallas, Texas

Alina takes alimony matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alina agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Dallas, Texas

Alina takes child custody matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alina agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Dallas, Texas

Alina takes child support matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alina agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Dallas, Texas

Alina takes divorce matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alina agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Alina Caratas — Over 15 years of Texas adoption experience

Before transitioning to family law, Alina spent more than a decade as a prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. She handled serious felony cases, including assault, family violence, and homicide, and served as lead trial counsel in numerous jury trials. This depth of courtroom experience allows her to confidently guide clients through litigation when it becomes necessary.

She was also selected to serve in a specialized white collar crime division, where she prosecuted complex financial cases involving hidden assets, fraud, and electronic data. This background provides a strategic advantage in divorce cases involving sophisticated financial issues, asset tracing, and disputes over financial transparency.

In addition, her work in family violence cases and a mental health specialty court program gives her a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that often underlie high-conflict custody and divorce matters.

Alina is fluent in Romanian and Macedonian, and conversant in Spanish.

Alina understands that divorce is not just a legal process, it is a deeply personal transition. As a single mother of two, she has firsthand insight into the emotional, financial, and practical realities her clients face.

This perspective allows her to connect with clients, navigating uncertainty, while helping them stay focused on building a stable and successful next chapter.

Originally from Romania, Alina immigrated to the United States with her family and grew up in Los Angeles.

Outside of her practice, she enjoys riding motorcycles, hiking, and spending as much time as possible with her daughter and son.

Working with Alina on a adoption matter

Clients Alina works with

Alina reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Alina Caratas's legal education and bar admissions

Southwestern Law School
J.D. Vice · 2008
California State University, Northridge
B.S. · 2003

Jurisdictions

Alina's state bar admissions

Texas
2013 · ACTIVE
California U.S. Dist
2011 · ACTIVE

Alina studied at J.D. Vice in Southwestern Law School and B.S. in California State University, Northridge.

Law school and academic background

Alina completed J.D. Vice in Southwestern Law School and B.S. in California State University, Northridge. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Alina runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Alina's professional memberships and bar associations

Dallas Bar Association, Member California Bar Association, Member
membership

Locations

Alina Caratas's office in Dallas

Alina's primary office is at 8350 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1700, Dallas, TX, 75206. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law

8350 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1700

Dallas, TX 75206

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Alina Caratas

Alina has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Alina Caratas — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alina usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Alina charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alina's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Alina will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Dallas, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Alina

Alina discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Alina confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Alina's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Alina Caratas

How much does it cost to hire Alina for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alina walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Alina offer a free consultation?
Alina charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alina's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Alina's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Texas typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alina gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Alina take my case if I'm outside Dallas?
Alina is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alina will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Alina?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alina will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Alina accepting new adoption clients right now?
Alina's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas

Alina handles adoption matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Alina's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Dallas handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.