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

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

Does Richard offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Mobile?

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

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

Is Richard accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Richard Earl Shields, Adoption Attorney in Mobile, Alabama

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody · 4.6/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

MemberatMccleave Denson Shields Llc

Mobile, AL

Practicing adoption in Mobile since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 10 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Appellate Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce +6 more →

Are you Richard Earl Shields?

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

Richard Earl Shields is a member based in Mobile, AL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Richard has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mccleave Denson Shields Llc. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Mobile, AL
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Adoption · Appellate · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody matters from Mobile, AL.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Richard's practice areas in Mobile

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

Adoption cases in Mobile, Alabama

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

Appellate cases in Mobile, Alabama

Richard takes appellate matters in Mobile, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Mobile, Alabama

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

Child Support cases in Mobile, Alabama

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

Criminal Defense cases in Mobile, Alabama

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

Biography

Richard Earl Shields, adoption attorney serving Mobile

Mr. Richard Earl Shields is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, juvenile law, probate law and 10 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Richard practices at McCleave Denson Shields, LLC in Mobile, AL.

Working with Richard on a adoption matter

Clients Richard works with

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, appellate, and child custody matters in Mobile and the surrounding Alabama area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Richard studied and practices

Cumberland School of Law of Samford University
J.D. · 1981
University of Alabama
B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Milita
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1981 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.A. in University of Alabama.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.A. in University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Richard's legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

Mobile and American Bar Associations Alabama State Bar
membership

Locations

Richard Earl Shields's office in Mobile

Richard's primary office is at 507 Church St., Mobile, AL, 36602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mccleave Denson Shields Llc

507 Church St.

Mobile, AL 36602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Earl Shields — 4.6/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

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

4.6

10 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Earl Shields claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Earl Shields — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Mobile, Alabama

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 Richard

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard'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 Richard Earl Shields

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

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

More counsel

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