What is Agency Adoption?

Agency adoption is an adoptive that is facilitated by a licensed child placing agency.  Agency Adoptions are conducted through either public or private agencies. Residents of Maryland or the District of Columbia may work with public and private agencies located in Maryland or D,C. or anywhere in the United States.  In Agency adoptions, the birth parents are placing the child with the Agency which then places the child with the adoptive couple.  The birth parents can still select the adoptive parents or they can request that the Agency select a family.    ..

Revocation Period

In Maryland a birth parent has 30 calendar days to revoke their consent to an adoption.  In the District of Columbia consent is irrevocable upon execution for a private adoption and a birth parent has 7 days to revoke their consent to adoption if the baby is placed through an agency. 

What expenses can be paid to the birth parent(s)?

In both Maryland and the District of Columbia an adoptive family may only pay for medical and legal services related to the adoption for the birth family.  The medical expenses include the cost of counseling for the birth parents.  Maryland and the District of Columbia prohibit paying for living expenses or providing clothing, food or gifts to a birth family 

Birth Families

 If you are an expectant parent in Maryland or the District of Columbia wanting to make an adoption plan for your child, Jennifer can be of help to you.  Jennifer represents many birth mothers and birth fathers each year who wish to place their child without relying on an agency list of potential adoptive families.  Many choose private adoption because it provides them control over their adoption plan and gives them an opportunity to consider many families across the country.  Jennifer offers free phone consultations to birth families prior to matching and in person meetings once matched.  Call Jennifer to discuss your legal rights and options.  

Use the contact form on this website to send your inquiry or call Jennifer Fairfax, LLC today to ask about your options for private adoption.

In both Maryland and the District of Columbia birth parents have the right to make an adoption plan through an agency or independently (also called private adoption).  Prior to choosing the option that works for you, Jennifer can explain the legal process for agency and independent adoption and what you can expect from each type of adoption.  She can explain the differences in choosing a family that lives in Maryland or the District of Columbia or in another State.  In a private adoption, your adoptive family can be located anywhere in the United States.  As an informed expectant parent, you can have more confidence in your adoption plan and in the family you select. 

If you decide to place your child for adoption independently or privately, Jennifer can provide you information on how to locate an adoptive family safely and once you select an adoptive family can represent you through the adoption process regardless of where your adoptive family resides.  Having your own lawyer can help to ensure your rights are protected. 

It is important to know up front that Maryland and the District of Columbia prohibits an attorney or a facilitator from matching a birth family with an adoptive family.  Jennifer will not find an adoptive family for you.  Jennifer will help you formulate an adoption plan and provide you information to allow you to locate a family on your own.  During the initial consultation, which usually lasts 1 hour, Jennifer will explain to you how to proceed with your plan and if you wish, will assist you as you proceed.  Once you select an adoptive family and they agree to work with you it is deemed a "match."  Once there is a match, adopting parents will cover the birth parents legal fees which will be discussed with their attorney prior to proceeding with the plan.  

As an expectant parent who is interested in making an adoption plan you should know your rights and options including the right to make a private or agency adoption plan and the right to parent.  Often the laws can be confusing particularly when distinguishing between the rights of birth mothers and birth fathers and the laws of the state where you reside compared to the laws where the adoptive family resides.  Sometimes your home state laws apply and sometimes the adoptive parents home state laws apply and Jennifer can explain this to you in detail so you understand and can make an informed decision.  

Jennifer can also advise you on the laws that impact you including Safe Haven laws, consent and revocation laws, paternity issues and costs associated with the placement of a child for adoption.  For example, if your adoption is proceeding under Maryland law as a private adoption you will have thirty (30) days after you sign the Consent to change your mind - the Consent cannot be signed until the baby has been born.  In the District of Columbia, your consent is irrevocable upon signing and is usually signed about 24 hours after the baby is born.  You have a right to adoption counseling paid for by the adoptive parents and the adoptive parents can pay for uncovered medical expenses and your legal fees in both jurisdictions.  However, if your adoption is proceeding under the laws of another state, your revocation rights are in accordance with the laws of the adoptive parents state and Jennifer can assist you in understanding your rights in an interstate adoption.