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

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

Does Michelle offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?

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

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

Is Michelle accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michelle G. Chaas, Adoption Attorney in Buffalo, New York

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatMichelle G. Chaas, Esq. LLC

Buffalo, NY

Practicing adoption in Buffalo since 1992.

34+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Family Law Prenup

Are you Michelle G. Chaas?

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

Michelle G. Chaas is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Michelle has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michelle G. Chaas, Esq. LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Buffalo, NY
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Buffalo, NY.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michelle G. Chaas

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

Adoption cases in Buffalo, New York

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

Child Custody cases in Buffalo, New York

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

Child Support cases in Buffalo, New York

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

Family Law cases in Buffalo, New York

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

Prenup cases in Buffalo, New York

Michelle takes prenup matters in Buffalo, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michelle G. Chaas — Over 34 years of New York adoption experience

Michelle G. Chaas is a lawyer practicing matrimonial law, family law, adoptions and 3 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from Syracuse University in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michelle practices at Michelle G. Chaas, Esq. LLC in Buffalo, NY.

How Michelle handles adoption matters

Who Michelle represents

Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Michelle G. Chaas's legal education and bar admissions

New England School of Law
J.D. · 1991
Syracuse University
B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Michelle's state bar admissions

New York
1992 · ACTIVE

Michelle studied at J.D. in New England School of Law and B.A. in Syracuse University.

Law school and academic background

Michelle completed J.D. in New England School of Law and B.A. in Syracuse University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michelle G. Chaas

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Michelle G. Chaas's office in Buffalo

Michelle's primary office is at 1207 Delaware Ave., Ste. 201, Buffalo, NY, 14209-1460. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Michelle G. Chaas, Esq. LLC

1207 Delaware Ave., Ste. 201

Buffalo, NY 14209-1460

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michelle G. Chaas — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michelle G. Chaas claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michelle G. Chaas — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Buffalo, New York

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 Michelle

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Michelle'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 Michelle G. Chaas

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

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

More counsel

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