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

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Brentwood?

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

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

Is Michael accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael James Amthor, Adoption Attorney in Brentwood, California

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 4.4/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

Principal

Brentwood, CA

Practicing adoption in Brentwood since 1996.

30+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 7 client reviews
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption ADR Alimony Business Child Custody Child Support +16 more →

Are you Michael James Amthor?

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

Based in: Brentwood, CA
Experience: over 30 years
Known for: Adoption · ADR · Alimony

Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from Brentwood, CA.
Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Brentwood

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

Adoption cases in Brentwood, California

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

ADR cases in Brentwood, California

Michael takes adr matters in Brentwood, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Brentwood, California

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

Business cases in Brentwood, California

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

Child Custody cases in Brentwood, California

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

Biography

Michael James Amthor, adoption attorney serving Brentwood

Michael James Amthor is a principal based in Brentwood, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Michael has over 30 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 7 client reviews. Michael works from Brentwood, California and takes on adoption matters across the region.

Michael James Amthor is a lawyer practicing family law, adoptions, alimony and 83 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from California State University in 1992, and has been licensed for 30 years. Michael practices in Brentwood, CA.

How Michael handles adoption matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in Brentwood and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

John F. Kennedy University
J.D. Law · 1995
California State University
B.S. · 1992

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
California
1996 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. Law in John F. Kennedy University and B.S. in California State University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. Law in John F. Kennedy University and B.S. in California State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Contra Costa County Bar Association American Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael James Amthor's office in Brentwood

Michael's primary office is at 1181 Central Boulevard, Brentwood, CA, 94513. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1181 Central Boulevard

Brentwood, CA 94513

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael James Amthor — 4.4/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

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

4.4

7 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael James Amthor claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael James Amthor — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Brentwood, California

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 Michael

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael James Amthor

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

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

More counsel

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