C.J. graduated from law school in 1982. For the next twelve years worked in a corporate setting and in a large law firm handling litigation cases. In 1994, she adopted a child from China. As a result, she became committed to helping other families and individuals add to their families through adoption. In particular, she realized that many families needed legal assistance navigating the complex immigration and related legal issues that are involved in international adoption. In 1997 she formally opened her practice as a Pennsylvania immigration lawyer and since that time has been representing people in the areas of adoption and immigration.
What She DoesC.J. provides experienced and affordable legal services and representation to people located throughout the United States and abroad to assist in the immigration and adoption of foreign-born adopted children. Throughout the years she has helped hundreds of families adopt internationally and bring their children to the U.S. In addition to international adoption cases she also handles all types of domestic adoptions in Pennsylvania, including independent, agency, stepparent, second parent, relative, foster and interstate adoptions, as well as general immigration and family immigration matters.
What She Can Do for YouPennsylvania immigration lawyer Ms. Lyford offers a wide and flexible range of services and can provide assistance at any point in your case. Depending on your needs, her services can range from a consultation and evaluation of your case on a limited basis to a more comprehensive handling of your adoption or immigration matter. Here are some examples. She can review your case or situation so that you understand all of your options and/or help you develop strategies to minimize future problems. She can prepare immigration submissions as well as evaluate those prepared by you. She can represent you if you receive a request from the USCIS for more information to support a petition or if a petition is denied and prepare an appropriate response or appeal. She can communicate with U.S. consulates abroad if problems arise when you apply for a visa. She can help you adopt and/or immigrate your relative abroad. She can finalize the adoption of your child in the U.S.
Where She PracticesC.J.’s office is located in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. In cases involving international adoption and immigration, she works with people from any U.S. state and worldwide.
She provides domestic adoption services in the many Pennsylvania counties including Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Berks. If you need services in other counties, please contact her to discuss whether arrangements can be made.
Evening and weekend appointments are available as needed.