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

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

Does Donna offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Donna take my case if I'm outside Gaithersburg?

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

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

Is Donna accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Donna Nicholson Ersek, Adoption Attorney in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatGimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, P.A.

Gaithersburg, MD

Practicing adoption in Gaithersburg since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Divorce Family Law Litigation POA +1 more →

Are you Donna Nicholson Ersek?

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

Donna Nicholson Ersek is a member based in Gaithersburg, MD. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce. Donna has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Gaithersburg, MD
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Divorce

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Gaithersburg, MD.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Donna takes on

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

Adoption cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

Child Custody cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

Divorce cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

Family Law cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

Litigation cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Donna takes litigation matters in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Donna Nicholson Ersek — adoption lawyer in Gaithersburg

Donna Nicholson Ersek is a lawyer practicing domestic relations, litigation, divorce and 4 other areas of law. Donna Nicholson received a A.A. degree from Montgomery College in 1976, and has been licensed for 45 years. Donna Nicholson practices at Gimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, P.A. in Gaithersburg, MD.

Donna's approach to adoption cases

Clients Donna works with

Donna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and divorce matters in Gaithersburg and the surrounding Maryland area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Baltimore
J.D. · 1981
Montgomery College
A.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Donna's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
1987 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1984 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1981 · ACTIVE

Donna studied at J.D. in University of Baltimore and A.A. in Montgomery College.

Law school and academic background

Donna completed J.D. in University of Baltimore and A.A. in Montgomery College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donna runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Donna Nicholson Ersek's office in Gaithersburg

Donna's primary office is at 4 Professional Drive, Suite 145, Gaithersburg, MD, 20879-3427. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, P.A.

4 Professional Drive, Suite 145

Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3427

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Donna Nicholson Ersek — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donna Nicholson Ersek claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Donna Nicholson Ersek — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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 Donna

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Donna'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 Donna Nicholson Ersek

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

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

More counsel

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