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

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

Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?

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

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

Is Melissa accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Melissa Chardae Lewis, Adoption Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over 7 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody

Pittsburgh, PA

Practicing adoption in Pittsburgh since 2019.

7+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law +1 more →

Are you Melissa Chardae Lewis?

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

Melissa Chardae Lewis is an attorney based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Melissa has over 7 years of legal experience.

Based in: Pittsburgh, PA
Experience: over 7 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Pittsburgh, PA.
Over 7 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Melissa takes on

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

Adoption cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Alimony cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Child Custody cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Child Support cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Divorce cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Biography

Meet Melissa Chardae Lewis — adoption lawyer in Pittsburgh

Melissa Chardae Lewis is an attorney based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Melissa has over 7 years of legal experience.

Melissa Chardae Lewis is a lawyer practicing family, adoption, alimony and 5 other areas of law. Melissa has been licensed for 7 years. Melissa practices in Pittsburgh, PA.

Melissa's approach to adoption cases

Melissa Chardae Lewis is a lawyer practicing family, adoption, alimony and 5 other areas of law. Melissa has been licensed for 7 years. Melissa practices in Pittsburgh, PA.

Clients Melissa works with

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Duquesne University School of Law
JD · 2018

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania
2019 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at JD in Duquesne University School of Law.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed JD in Duquesne University School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Melissa Chardae Lewis's office in Pittsburgh

Melissa's primary office is at 3399 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15227. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

3399 Churchview Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15227

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa Chardae Lewis

Melissa 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 Melissa Chardae Lewis — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 Melissa

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa'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 Melissa Chardae Lewis

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

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

More counsel

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