
Denise C Hays-Johnson, Adoption Attorney in Minot, North Dakota
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratHays Johnson Law PC
Minot, ND
Practicing adoption in Minot since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Denise C Hays-Johnson?
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Quick answer
Denise C Hays-Johnson is a managing partner based in Minot, ND. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Denise has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hays Johnson Law PC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Minot, ND
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Child Custody
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody matters from Minot, ND.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Denise C Hays-Johnson: Denise C Hays-Johnson is a managing partner based in Minot, ND. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Denise has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hays Johnson Law PC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Denise takes on
Denise concentrates on adoption, adr, child custody, child support, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Denise handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Criminal Defense
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Divorce
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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Paternity
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POA
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Probate
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Elder Law
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Adoption cases in Minot, North Dakota
Denise takes adoption matters in Minot, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denise agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in Minot, North Dakota
Denise takes adr matters in Minot, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denise agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Minot, North Dakota
Denise takes child custody matters in Minot, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denise agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Minot, North Dakota
Denise takes child support matters in Minot, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denise agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Minot, North Dakota
Denise takes criminal defense matters in Minot, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denise agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Denise C Hays-Johnson — adoption lawyer in Minot
Denise C Hays-Johnson is a managing partner based in Minot, ND. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Child Custody. Denise has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hays Johnson Law PC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Denise C Hays-Johnson is a lawyer practicing family mediation, divorce, contested parenting litigation and 12 other areas of law. Denise received a B.A. degree from University of North Dakota, and has been licensed for 34 years. Denise practices at Hays Johnson Law PC in Minot, ND.
Denise's approach to adoption cases
<p>Denise C Hays-Johnson is a lawyer practicing family mediation, divorce, contested parenting litigation and 12 other areas of law. Denise received a B.A. degree from University of North Dakota, and has been licensed for 34 years. Denise practices at Hays Johnson Law PC in Minot, ND.</p>
Clients Denise works with
Denise reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and child custody matters in Minot and the surrounding North Dakota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Rutgers University School of Law, Camden
J.D. · 1992
University of North Dakota B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude
—
Jurisdictions
Denise's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1992 · ACTIVE
North Dakota
1992 · ACTIVE
Denise studied at J.D. in Rutgers University School of Law, Camden and — in University of North Dakota B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude.
Law school and academic background
Denise completed J.D. in Rutgers University School of Law, Camden and — in University of North Dakota B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Denise runs in North Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Denise has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Denise C Hays-Johnson's office in Minot
Denise's primary office is at 1412 2nd Avenue S.W., Suite C, Minot, ND, 58701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Denise C Hays-Johnson — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Denise. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Minot.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Denise C Hays-Johnson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Denise C Hays-Johnson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Denise usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Denise charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Denise'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; Denise will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Minot, North Dakota
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 Denise
Denise 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. Denise confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Denise'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 Denise C Hays-Johnson
How much does it cost to hire Denise for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Denise walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Denise offer a free consultation?
Denise charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Denise's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Denise's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in North Dakota 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. Denise gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Denise take my case if I'm outside Minot?
Denise is licensed in North Dakota. Matters governed by North Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Denise 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 Denise?
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. Denise will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Denise accepting new adoption clients right now?
Denise'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 Minot, Fargo and Bismarck in North Dakota
Denise handles adoption matters throughout North Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in North Dakota
If Denise's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Minot handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





