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

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

Does James offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can James take my case if I'm outside Salt Lake City?

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

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

Is James accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James B. Hanks, Adoption Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody · 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

MemberatHanks & Peterson, P.C.

Salt Lake City, UT

Practicing adoption in Salt Lake City since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 8 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce +3 more →

Are you James B. Hanks?

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

James B. Hanks is a member based in Salt Lake City, UT. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hanks & Peterson, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in: Salt Lake City, UT
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Salt Lake City, UT.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James B. Hanks

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

Adoption cases in Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Alimony cases in Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Child Custody cases in Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Child Support cases in Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Criminal Defense cases in Salt Lake City, Utah

James takes criminal defense matters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

About James B. Hanks — Over 42 years of Utah adoption experience

James B. Hanks is a lawyer practicing divorce, child custody, child support/alimony and 5 other areas of law. James B. received a B.S. degree from University of Utah in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. James B. practices at Hanks & Peterson, P.C. in Salt Lake City, UT.

How James handles adoption matters

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area.

Credentials

James B. Hanks's legal education and bar admissions

Gonzaga University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
University of Utah
B.S. Mining · 1981

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2011 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2009 · ACTIVE
Utah
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1984 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Gonzaga University School of Law and B.S. Mining in University of Utah.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Gonzaga University School of Law and B.S. Mining in University of Utah. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Utah is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James B. Hanks

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Davis County Bar Association Utah State Bar
Member: Family Law Section Family Law Section Executive Committee Unlawful Practice of Law Committee, 1992-1997 · membership

Locations

James B. Hanks's office in Salt Lake City

James's primary office is at Judge Building, Suite 740, 8 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hanks & Peterson, P.C.

Judge Building, Suite 740, 8 East Broadway

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James B. Hanks — 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

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

5.0

8 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James B. Hanks — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

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 James

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

Payment methods and payment plans

James'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 James B. Hanks

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

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

More counsel

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