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

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

Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Portland?

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

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

Is Matthew accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Matthew F. Govan, Adoption Attorney in Portland, Maine

Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

AttorneyatGovan Law Office, P.A.

Portland, ME

Practicing adoption in Portland since 2005.

21+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Divorce Elder Law Family Law +4 more →

Are you Matthew F. Govan?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Matthew F. Govan is an attorney based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Matthew has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Govan Law Office, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Portland, ME
Experience: over 21 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Portland, ME.
Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in Portland

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

Adoption cases in Portland, Maine

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

Child Custody cases in Portland, Maine

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

Child Support cases in Portland, Maine

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

Divorce cases in Portland, Maine

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

Elder Law cases in Portland, Maine

Matthew takes elder law matters in Portland, Maine. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew F. Govan, adoption attorney serving Portland

Mr. Matthew F. Govan is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, adoption & guardianship and 5 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.B.A. degree from University of Massachusetts in 1999, and has been licensed for 21 years. Matthew practices at Govan Law Office, P.A. in Portland, ME.

How Matthew handles adoption matters

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

University of Maine School of Law
J.D. · 2003
University of Massachusetts
B.B.A. University · 1999

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

Maine
2005 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Maine School of Law and B.B.A. University in University of Massachusetts.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Matthew's legal honors and published work

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

Maine State Bar Association Cumberland and York County Bar Associations American Bar Association
membership

Locations

Matthew F. Govan's office in Portland

Matthew's primary office is at 97 India Street, Portland, ME, 04112. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Govan Law Office, P.A.

97 India Street

Portland, ME 04112

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew F. Govan — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew F. Govan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew F. Govan — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Portland, Maine

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 Matthew

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew'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 Matthew F. Govan

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

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

More counsel

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