Adoption and ART Attorneys in Maryland, District of Columbia & Virginia
Expectant Parents and Birth Parents
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your options. We can assist you if you are in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia and you are considering an adoption plan for your child.
We represent 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. It is important for you to know that you are in control of the adoption process, which means you will have to make many difficult decisions and we can assist you in making informed decisions that are best for you.
PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENT LINKS
Our prospective adoptive families. Please click on their names to review their website and if you are interested please contact them through their website which has both an email and phone number for you to contact them. All families are home study approved and ready to speak with you about an adoption plan for your child:
What expenses can be paid to the birth parent(s)?
In the District of Columbia, an adoptive family may only pay for medical, counseling and legal services related to the adoption for the birth family. The District of Columbia prohibits paying for living expenses or providing clothing, food or gifts to a birth family. In Maryland and Virginia, a birth mother may obtain reasonable and necessary living expenses if she obtains written confirmation from her doctor that she is unable to work due to the pregnancy.
Revocation Period
In Maryland, a birth parent has 30 calendar days to revoke their consent to an adoption whether private or agency. In D.C., consent is irrevocable upon execution for a private adoption & a birth parent has 14 days to revoke their consent to adoption if the baby is placed through an agency. In Virginia, a birth mother consents in Court in front of Judge 3 days or more after the baby is born & has seven days to revoke. In a Virginia agency case, the birth mother signs a relinquishment to the agency & does not appear in court.
“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
