Articles

    Setting up surrogacy contracts
    July 13, 2015
    Adoption Services

    ‘Gestational carrier’ agreements proliferate even as no MD statutes govern their use

    By Steve Lash

    A myriad of personal, financial and medical contingencies must be covered in the gestational carrier contract between couples or an individual seeking to become parents and a surrogate who plans to the carry the child, said Silver Spring adoption attorney Jennifer Fairfax.

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    Allowable Adoption Expenses in Maryland under New Law
    July 1, 2013
    Adoption Services

     

    Maryland adoption law has not changed much over the last 15 years.  Even with the revisions to the rules and code in 2007 there were not as many substantive changes as there were organization and clarification changes and forms created.  Maryland has one of the longest revocation periods (30 days), no putative father registry, adoption attorneys are not allowed to be compensated for “matching” and until October 1, 2013 a strict prohibition on living expenses. 

    On May 17, 2013...

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    Life meets Law
    May 31, 2013
    Assisted Reproduction Services

    Frozen embryos and posthumously conceived children are among the legal issues estate planning attorneys need to consider in the modern age, according to reproductive technology lawyers in the state. Lawyers in the field will discuss legal aspects of reproductive technology during a seminar at the Maryland State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting Friday. The presentation, hosted by the MSBA’s Estates and Trusts Section, will give lawyers...

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    Representing LGBT Clients in Adoption and ART Matters
    May 7, 2013
    Adoption Services - Second Parent and LGBT Parents

     

    Helping your gay or lesbian client reach their goal to be a parent through adoption is a very enriching and rewarding experience.  Below are a few tips to guide you in representing gay and lesbian clients. 

    Know the law.  When a gay or lesbian client comes in for a consult, be sure you know the adoption lawsin your state and local jurisdiction. While a state may not specifically allow or preclude a second parent...

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    Post Adoption Contact Agreements in Open Adoptions
    May 5, 2013
    Adoption Services

    As Bob Dylan wrote, “The Times They Are a-Changin.”  And changin’ they are when it comes to open adoption practices.  Until recently, the idea of either an open adoption or a post adoption contact agreement ("PACA") was unheard of among practitioners. Previously, the only agreements between adoptive and birth parents regarding on going post adoption contact were non-binding "moral...

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    Second Parent Adoption
    September 19, 2012
    Adoption Services - Second Parent and LGBT Parents

     

    Click the link below to view a copy of the published article.

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    Representing LGBT Clients Who Want to Build their Family through Domestic Adoption
    February 16, 2012
    Adoption Services - Second Parent and LGBT Parents

    Reprinted with permission from The Bar Association of Frederick County Maryland Newsletter

    By Jennifer Fairfax

     
    As part of my adoption practice, I represent lesbian, gay, transgender and bi-sexual (LGBT) clients who are interested in building or growing their family through domestic adoption. With today’s legal fights over the definition of family and parents, it is increasingly 
    important that an...

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    “I believe in working with each of my clients—in support of their family dynamic—to make the dreams of parenthood a reality. Whether you are single or married; or gay; a step-parent, a surrogate or intended parent or a child of adoption, it is my mission to serve as your advocate. With a dedication to the ethical and sensitive nature of each situation, I will help you understand the laws within Maryland or Washington, DC for adoption or surrogacy, and pledge to be your partner throughout the journey.” - Jennifer Fairfax

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