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

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

Does James offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in South Carolina 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Greenville?

James is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James 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 James?

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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

James Stone Craven, Esq., Adoption Attorney

Quick answer

James Stone Craven, Esq. is an attorney based in Greenville, SC. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. James has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James Stone Craven, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Greenville, SC
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Business

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Business matters from Greenville, SC.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

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

Adoption cases in Greenville, South Carolina

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

Alimony cases in Greenville, South Carolina

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

Business cases in Greenville, South Carolina

James takes business matters in Greenville, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Greenville, South Carolina

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

Child Support cases in Greenville, South Carolina

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

Biography

Meet James Stone Craven, Esq. — adoption lawyer in Greenville

James Stone Craven, Esq. is an attorney based in Greenville, SC. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. James has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James Stone Craven, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

A fourth-generation native of Greenville, South Carolina, Attorney Craven is passionate about helping people and contributing well to the world. His beliefs are “if you put good in the universe, good will come back to you and that you must be tough but fair.” With over 15 years of practice experience, there is no legal issue that Attorney Craven is not up to the challenge to solve. Attorney Craven has an extensive background in various areas of the law including but not limited to: family, criminal defense, probate, intellectual property/trademark, and civil litigation. He hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the legal profession through his hiring practices, mentorship of young lawyers, and integrity demonstrated to his clientele. Attorney Craven cares about people, and that is demonstrated by the reviews of his many clients and friends.

After graduating from Greenville High School, Attorney Craven attended undergraduate at the University of South Carolina where he graduated with honors and was President of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He attended Loyola School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana where he absorbed the law and all the culture the city had to offer.

After graduating from Loyola with Honors, Attorney Craven returned to Greenville, South Carolina to work for Ralph Bailey, PA- the first Intellectual Property Attorney in the State of South Carolina. After Attorney Bailey passed away, Attorney Craven went out on his own and has been a fixture in the Greenville Legal Community ever since.

On his days off, you can find Attorney exploring his favorite cities, enjoying a game of golf, or spending time with his family all while dressed in the hottest sneakers of the season. There is no one better to have in your corner than Attorney Stoney Craven.

Courts Practiced In:

• Common Pleas. South Carolina State Court

• General Sessions. South Carolina State Court

• Federal Court – 4th Circuit

• 4th Circuit Court of Appeals

• Trial Trademark and Appeal Court

• Masters in Equity Court

• Probate Court

• Summary Court

• Magistrate’s Court

• Traffic Court

• Family Court

Working with James on a adoption matter

A fourth-generation native of Greenville, South Carolina, Attorney Craven is passionate about helping people and contributing well to the world. His beliefs are “if you put good in the universe, good will come back to you and that you must be tough but fair.” With over 15 years of practice experience, there is no legal issue that Attorney Craven is not up to the challenge to solve. Attorney…

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and business matters in Greenville and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Loyola School of Law
J.D. · 2001
University of South Carolina
B.A. · 1997

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
2001 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Loyola School of Law and B.A. in University of South Carolina.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Loyola School of Law and B.A. in University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

James Stone Craven, Esq.'s office in Greenville

James's primary office is at 600 E. Washington Street, Suite 620, Greenville, SC, 29601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of James Stone Craven, LLC

600 E. Washington Street, Suite 620

Greenville, SC 29601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Stone Craven, Esq. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Greenville.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Stone Craven, Esq. claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Stone Craven, Esq. — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Greenville, South Carolina

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 James

James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James'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 James Stone Craven, Esq.

How much does it cost to hire James for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in South Carolina 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Greenville?
James is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new adoption clients right now?
James'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 Greenville, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina

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

James Stone Craven, Esq., Adoption Attorney in Greenville, South Carolina