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

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

Does Janel offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Janel take my case if I'm outside Wahpeton?

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

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

Is Janel accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Janel Brudvik Fredericksen, Adoption Attorney in Wahpeton, North Dakota

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

PartneratSmith & Strege Ltd.

Wahpeton, ND

Practicing adoption in Wahpeton since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 3 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Divorce Elder Law Estate Planning +4 more →

Are you Janel Brudvik Fredericksen?

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

Janel Brudvik Fredericksen is a partner based in Wahpeton, ND. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Janel has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Strege Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Wahpeton, ND
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Wahpeton, ND.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Janel takes on

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

Adoption cases in Wahpeton, North Dakota

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

Child Custody cases in Wahpeton, North Dakota

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

Child Support cases in Wahpeton, North Dakota

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

Divorce cases in Wahpeton, North Dakota

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

Elder Law cases in Wahpeton, North Dakota

Janel takes elder law matters in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janel agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Janel Brudvik Fredericksen — adoption lawyer in Wahpeton

Janel Brudvik Fredericksen is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, child custody and 7 other areas of law. Janel received a B.S.B.A. degree from Concordia College in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Janel practices at Smith & Strege Ltd. in Wahpeton, ND.

Working with Janel on a adoption matter

Who Janel represents

Janel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Wahpeton and the surrounding North Dakota area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of North Dakota
J.D. · 1994
Concordia College
B.S.B.A. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Janel's state bar admissions

Minnesota
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
North Dakota
1995 · ACTIVE

Janel studied at J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.S.B.A. in Concordia College.

Law school and academic background

Janel completed J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.S.B.A. in Concordia College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Janel runs in North Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Janel's professional memberships and bar associations

North Dakota State Bar Association Minnesota State Bar Association American Bar Association Southeast Judicial District Association Richland County Bar Association
membership

Locations

Janel Brudvik Fredericksen's office in Wahpeton

Janel's primary office is at 321 Dakota Avenue, Wahpeton, ND, 58074-0038. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith & Strege Ltd.

321 Dakota Avenue

Wahpeton, ND 58074-0038

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Janel Brudvik Fredericksen — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Janel Brudvik Fredericksen claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Janel Brudvik Fredericksen — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Wahpeton, North Dakota

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 Janel

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Janel'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 Janel Brudvik Fredericksen

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

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

More counsel

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