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

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

Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Irvine?

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

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

Is Stephen accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Stephen Jay Kaufman, Adoption Attorney in Irvine, California

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 1.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratKaufman Steinberg LLP

Irvine, CA

Practicing adoption in Irvine since 1992.

34+: Years practicing
1.6 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law +2 more →

Are you Stephen Jay Kaufman?

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

Stephen Jay Kaufman is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Stephen has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Steinberg LLP. Rated 1.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Irvine, CA
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Irvine, CA.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Stephen Jay Kaufman

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

Adoption cases in Irvine, California

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

Child Custody cases in Irvine, California

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

Child Support cases in Irvine, California

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

Divorce cases in Irvine, California

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

DV Defense cases in Irvine, California

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

Biography

About Stephen Jay Kaufman — Over 34 years of California adoption experience

Stephen Jay Kaufman is a lawyer practicing family law, adoption, child custody and 4 other areas of law. Stephen received a degree from University of California, San Diego, and has been licensed for 34 years. Stephen practices at Kaufman Steinberg LLP in Irvine, CA.

Stephen's approach to adoption cases

The kind of cases Stephen takes

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Stephen Jay Kaufman's legal education and bar admissions

University of La Verne College of Law
J.D. · 1991
University of California, San Diego 1974-1976
—

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

California
1992 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in University of La Verne College of Law and — in University of California, San Diego 1974-1976.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in University of La Verne College of Law and — in University of California, San Diego 1974-1976. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen Jay Kaufman

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Stephen Jay Kaufman's office in Irvine

Stephen's primary office is at 2020 Main Street, Suite 345, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kaufman Steinberg LLP

2020 Main Street, Suite 345

Irvine, CA 92614

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Jay Kaufman — 1.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

1.6

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Jay Kaufman claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Jay Kaufman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Irvine, California

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 Stephen

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen'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 Stephen Jay Kaufman

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

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

More counsel

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