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

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

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Morton?

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

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

Is Susan accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Susan Kay Hickman, Adoption Attorney in Morton, Illinois

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatLaw Office of Susan H. Butler, P.C.

Morton, IL

Practicing adoption in Morton since 1977.

49+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Divorce DV Defense Family Law Military +3 more →

Are you Susan Kay Hickman?

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

Susan Kay Hickman is a member based in Morton, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce. Susan has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Susan H. Butler, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Morton, IL
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Divorce

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Morton, IL.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Susan's practice areas in Morton

Susan concentrates on adoption, child custody, divorce, dv defense, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Morton, Illinois

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

Child Custody cases in Morton, Illinois

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

Divorce cases in Morton, Illinois

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

DV Defense cases in Morton, Illinois

Susan takes dv defense matters in Morton, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Morton, Illinois

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

Biography

Susan Kay Hickman, adoption attorney serving Morton

Susan Kay Hickman is a lawyer practicing divorce & separation, child custody, adoption and 5 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from University of Memphis in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. Susan practices at Law Office of Susan H. Butler, P.C. in Morton, IL.

How Susan handles adoption matters

Who Susan represents

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and divorce matters in Morton and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Susan studied and practices

Drake Law School
J.D. · 1977
University of Memphis
B.A. · 1974

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1977 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Drake Law School and B.A. in University of Memphis.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Susan's legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Susan's professional memberships and bar associations

Tazewell County, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Susan Kay Hickman's office in Morton

Susan's primary office is at 100 S. Main St., Morton, IL, 61550. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of Susan H. Butler, P.C.

100 S. Main St.

Morton, IL 61550

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Kay Hickman — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Susan Kay Hickman claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Kay Hickman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Morton, Illinois

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 Susan

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan'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 Susan Kay Hickman

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

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

More counsel

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