Susan Smith Frederick, Adoption Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody
MemberatMcMahon Law Group
St Louis, MO
Practicing adoption in St Louis since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Susan Smith Frederick?
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Quick answer
Susan Smith Frederick is a member based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Susan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McMahon Law Group.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Adoption · Appellate · Child Custody
- Handles Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody matters from St. Louis, MO.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Susan Smith Frederick: Susan Smith Frederick is a member based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Susan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McMahon Law Group.
Areas of practice
Susan's practice areas in St Louis
Susan concentrates on adoption, appellate, child custody, divorce, and family law. 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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Appellate
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Child Custody
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Divorce
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Family Law
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Paternity
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POA
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Probate
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Traffic
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Child Support
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Adoption cases in St Louis, Missouri
Susan takes adoption matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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.
Appellate cases in St Louis, Missouri
Susan takes appellate matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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 St Louis, Missouri
Susan takes child custody matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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 St Louis, Missouri
Susan takes divorce matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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 St Louis, Missouri
Susan takes family law matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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
Susan Smith Frederick, adoption attorney serving St Louis
Susan Smith Frederick is a member based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Susan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McMahon Law Group. Susan works from St Louis, Missouri and takes on adoption matters across the region.
Susan Smith Frederick is a lawyer practicing divorce, appeals - civil, probate and 8 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from Blackburn College in 1975, and has been licensed for 41 years. Susan practices at McMahon Law Group in St. Louis, MO.
How Susan handles adoption matters
Susan Smith Frederick is a lawyer practicing divorce, appeals - civil, probate and 8 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from Blackburn College in 1975, and has been licensed for 41 years. Susan practices at McMahon Law Group in St. Louis, MO.
The kind of cases Susan takes
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, appellate, and child custody matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Susan studied and practices
St. Louis University
J.D. · 1985
Blackburn College
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
Missouri
1985 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in Blackburn College.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in Blackburn College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Susan's professional memberships and bar associations
St
membership
Louis County and American (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations Bar Association of Metropolitan St
membership
Louis
membership
Locations
Susan Smith Frederick's office in St. Louis
Susan's primary office is at 4386 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Susan Smith Frederick
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Susan Smith Frederick — 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 St Louis, Missouri
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 Smith Frederick
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 Missouri 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 St Louis?
Susan is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri 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 St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Susan handles adoption matters throughout Missouri. 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 Missouri
If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





