
Susan Jane Best, Adoption Attorney in Lakeland, Florida
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 3.7/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PrincipalatBest Law, PLLC
Lakeland, FL
Practicing adoption in Lakeland since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 3.7 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Susan Jane Best?
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Quick answer
Susan Jane Best is a principal based in Lakeland, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Susan has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Best Law, PLLC. Rated 3.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Lakeland, FL
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Alimony
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from Lakeland, FL.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Susan Jane Best: Susan Jane Best is a principal based in Lakeland, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Susan has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Best Law, PLLC. Rated 3.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Susan Jane Best
Susan concentrates on adoption, adr, alimony, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Alimony
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Civil Rights
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Divorce
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DV Defense
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DV Protection
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Paternity
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POA
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Prenup
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Wills
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Adoption cases in Lakeland, Florida
Susan takes adoption matters in Lakeland, Florida. 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.
ADR cases in Lakeland, Florida
Susan takes adr matters in Lakeland, Florida. 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.
Alimony cases in Lakeland, Florida
Susan takes alimony matters in Lakeland, Florida. 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 Lakeland, Florida
Susan takes child custody matters in Lakeland, Florida. 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 Support cases in Lakeland, Florida
Susan takes child support matters in Lakeland, Florida. 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 Jane Best — Over 37 years of Florida adoption experience
Susan Jane Best is a principal based in Lakeland, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Susan has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Best Law, PLLC. Rated 3.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Susan Jane Best is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, child custody - visitation and 54 other areas of law. Susan received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Central Florida in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Susan practices at Best Law, PLLC in Lakeland, FL.
Susan's approach to adoption cases
Susan Jane Best is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, child custody - visitation and 54 other areas of law. Susan received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Central Florida in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Susan practices at Best Law, PLLC in Lakeland, FL.
Clients Susan works with
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in Lakeland and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Susan Jane Best's legal education and bar admissions
University of Florida
J.D. · 1989
University of Central Florida
B.S.B.A. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
Florida
1989 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.S.B.A. in University of Central Florida.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.S.B.A. in University of Central Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Susan Jane Best
Susan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Susan's professional memberships and bar associations
The Florida Bar Lakeland Bar Association
membership
Locations
Susan Jane Best's office in Lakeland
Susan's primary office is at 1869 N. Crystal Lake Drive, Lakeland, FL, 33801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Susan Jane Best — 3.7/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Susan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Lakeland.
3.7
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Susan Jane Best claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Susan Jane Best — 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 Lakeland, Florida
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 Jane Best
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 Florida 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 Lakeland?
Susan is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 Lakeland, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Susan handles adoption matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Florida
If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Lakeland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.