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 Indiana 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 Lafayette?

Michael is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana 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 Edwin Sum, Adoption Attorney in Lafayette, Indiana

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatMichael E. Sum

Lafayette, IN

Practicing adoption in Lafayette since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
2.9 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce Estate Planning +7 more →

Are you Michael Edwin Sum?

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

Michael Edwin Sum is a member based in Lafayette, IN. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Michael has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael E. Sum. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Lafayette, IN
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Lafayette, IN.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with CV Notable.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

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

Adoption cases in Lafayette, Indiana

Michael takes adoption matters in Lafayette, Indiana. 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 Lafayette, Indiana

Michael takes child custody matters in Lafayette, Indiana. 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 Support cases in Lafayette, Indiana

Michael takes child support matters in Lafayette, Indiana. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Lafayette, Indiana

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Lafayette, Indiana. 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.

Divorce cases in Lafayette, Indiana

Michael takes divorce matters in Lafayette, Indiana. 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

Meet Michael Edwin Sum — adoption lawyer in Lafayette

Michael Edwin Sum is a lawyer practicing general practice, probate, general and 11 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Purdue University in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Michael practices at Michael E. Sum in Lafayette, IN.

How Michael handles adoption matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Lafayette and the surrounding Indiana area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Indiana University
J.D. · 1981
Purdue University
B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Indiana
1981 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Purdue University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

CV Notable

Legal awards and honors

CV Notable.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Tippecanoe County and Indiana State Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Michael Edwin Sum's office in Lafayette

Michael's primary office is at 510 Main St., Lafayette, IN, 47901-1447. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Michael E. Sum

510 Main St.

Lafayette, IN 47901-1447

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Edwin Sum — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 Lafayette.

2.9

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Edwin Sum — 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 Lafayette, Indiana

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 Edwin Sum

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 Indiana 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 Lafayette?
Michael is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana 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 Lafayette, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana

Michael handles adoption matters throughout Indiana. 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 Lafayette handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.