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

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

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

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

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

Is Susan accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Susan Frances, Adoption Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce

AssociateatJill M. Metz & Associates

Chicago, IL

Practicing adoption in Chicago since 2002.

24+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Divorce Estate Planning Family Law General +5 more →

Are you Susan Frances?

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

Susan Frances is an associate based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce. Susan has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jill M. Metz & Associates.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 24 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Divorce

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Susan Frances

Susan concentrates on adoption, child custody, divorce, estate planning, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Chicago, Illinois

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

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

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

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

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

Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois

Susan takes estate planning matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

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

Biography

About Susan Frances — Over 24 years of Illinois adoption experience

Susan Frances is a lawyer practicing real estate, estate planning, living wills and 8 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1995, and has been licensed for 24 years. Susan practices at Jill M. Metz & Associates in Chicago, IL.

How Susan handles adoption matters

Who Susan represents

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and divorce matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Susan Frances's legal education and bar admissions

Southern Illinois University School of Law
J.D. · 2002
Illinois Wesleyan University
B.A. International · 1995

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2002 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Southern Illinois University School of Law and B.A. International in Illinois Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Southern Illinois University School of Law and B.A. International in Illinois Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Susan's professional memberships and bar associations

McLean County and Illinois State Bar Associations American Inns of Court
Pupil, Southern Illinois Chapter Associate, R.C. Underwood Chapter · membership

Locations

Susan Frances's office in Chicago

Susan's primary office is at 5443 N. Broadway, Ste. 2-North, Chicago, IL, 60640. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jill M. Metz & Associates

5443 N. Broadway, Ste. 2-North

Chicago, IL 60640

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Frances

Susan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Frances — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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 Susan

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan'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 Susan Frances

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

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

More counsel

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