Testimonials

    "We tried to adopt for five years - at one point we even called Ms. Fairfax and should have signed up with her at that time (but no regrets or we wouldn't have our son). After we pretty much gave up all hope, our son's wonderful birth parents found us and the next thing we knew we became parents. Several attorney's later (just for our son's actual adoption), after much frustration with our attorney, we called Ms. Fairfax. She reassured us she knew what she was doing and she did. She quickly stepped, got everything fixed that was not done properly and got us to finalization without any further difficulties in a matter of weeks. Once she took over, we felt a great sense of relief and we could finally focus on enjoying being parents to our wonderful son rather than stressing over his adoption paperwork/finalization. She is a pleasure to work with, very supportive and professional. We highly recommend Ms. Fairfax as an adoption attorney and appreciated all her hard work, devotion and dedication to the couples trying to adopt and the families she has helped, especially ours!"   - J. S.

    "I was fortunate to meet Jennifer during training for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It was obvious to me that she cares about children and families, and that she is concerned with ethical practices in adoption.  She was our first choice for an attorney when it came time to finalize the adoption of our daughter. She is very knowledgeable regarding adoption law and helped us compile the necessary paperwork for the court and guided us through the bureaucracy. I would not hesitate to use her services again, and I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing the services of an adoption attorney."

     - Sharon and Scott

     

    "We are so happy that we chose Jennifer Fairfax as our attorney for our second parent adoption. We cannot say enough good things about her! At the beginning of the process, we felt very confused and lost about where to start. She made everything clear, quick, and painless. We appreciated her professionalism, her sense of humor, and her expertise in this area of law. She knew exactly which documents we would need, and the process was completed within the time frame she initially gave us. We recommend her to anyone seeking to adopt in Maryland. Thank you!" - Rebecca & Ileana

    "Jennifer made our second-parent adoption a very smooth, fast, and even enjoyable process.  She took the time to explain each step thoroughly, and was flexible in meeting our needs.  Our eagerly anticipated day in court was a very memorable and special day in our lives - the perfect culmination to all our efforts."

    - Deb, Kat, & baby Becca

     

    "We are very happy to have Jennifer Fairfax as an adoption lawyer for our family.  From our first initial meeting, we were very clear of all procedures and what to expect.  We were confident that Ms. Fairfax has alot of experiences with adoption and will be able to move our case forward.  She has made the very complex adoption procedures and paper worked streamlined and seamless for us.  She also kept us up-to-date on all progresses on our case.  We would highly recommend Ms. Jennifer Fairfax as your adoption lawyer." -Thao and Frank

    "Jennifer represented my step-dad to legally adopt me.  Jennifer informed me of all details for the adoption procedures and made certain that it was completely my choice.  I felt very good that she was our lawyer.  I was glad she told us in advance to bring a camera to take pictures with the judge.  She was very personal and it was a happy day for me.  I now have the same last name as my family with many thanks to Jennifer."

    -Vivi

     

    "Jennifer Fairfax is the consummate professional.  Her attention to detail and thorough research skills are augmented by her sense of humor and compassion.  We have worked with several adoption attorneys.   Jennifer is unique in that she is available for her clients and takes the time to listen to them.  She gives expert guidance while remaining objective.  We never would have been able maneuver the adoption web without Jennifer at the helm.   Thanks to Jennifer, we have a beautiful son who opens our hearts and minds to new things every day.  We were so impressed with Jennifer’s skills, that when my husband was to be adopted by his stepfather, we called Jennifer.  Jennifer is a household name in our family.  For all you have done for us Jennifer, Thank you."  

    - Steve and Elizabeth A.

    "Jennifer was able to complete in a very short time a rather complex adult adoption initiated earlier by another attorney.   Her professionalism and personal understanding of the issues has made me a very proud "father" of a very happy "daughter."

     -  RWW

     

    "I was lucky to find Jennifer Fairfax through a web search of LGBT-friendly lawyers, and I knew upon our first meeting that she was the right lawyer for me.  Jennifer is a solid legal professional who is also friendly and personable and will work hard.  Even in today’s supposedly enlightened society, transsexuals have very few true friends.  Jennifer Fairfax is a friend of the transgender community, and I enthusiastically recommend her to anyone in the trans community in need of legal assistance." - Melissa T.

    "I have done two other surrogacies and used a different attorney on behalf of myself. I wish I would have known Jennifer from the first time around. Her knowledge, and advice is by far way better than myself or my husband could ever had thought possible. She responds to questions or concerns very rapid. Her direction gave both my husband and I much comfort in every aspect. I highly recommend her to any GC as she gets her job done and gets it done correctly."

    - Debbie V.

     

    "We had a great experience with Jennifer as our adoption attorney. Not only was she knowledgeable about the whole process, but she was caring and extremely dedicated to helping us. She even came to our final court appearance a week after her surgery. I don't know any other lawyer who would have done that. We certainly trust Jennifer and will use her again if we have the opportunity to pursue adoption in the future." - S.E. and M.S.

    "I never met her in person but she provided excellent service when I got a MD birth certificate for my daughter, adopted from China. She was very personable."- J. Lapa

     

    "We hired Ms. Fairfax to draft a gestational carrier (surrogacy) contract. She was very easy to work with and knowledgable about our options and industry standards for this type of contract. I would highly recommend her." - K. Abood

     

    "Jennifer handled our second parent adoption and that of many others we know. She is efficient, caring and organized. She explained everything about the process beginning to end and there were no surprises. She knows everything about second parent adoptions and her rates are better than anyone in the area! Jennifer assisted with my partner’s second parent adoption. She is very knowledgeable and personable and was a pleasure to work with."

    - K. Louia

     

    "We found Jennifer at a particularly difficult time in our lives and she provided a great deal of comfort in our search for a child and subsequent adoption. As a mother herself, she was also able to provide parenting advice in addition to legal guidance and interpretation." - E. Weiss 

    To read how other professionals view Jennifer, visit her Linked In page and browse the "recommended by" section. You can also review Jennifer's background in resume format on Linked In.   

    Can Same Sex Clients Adopt?

    Yes.  In Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia gay and lesbian parents can adopt as single parents and as married parents.  Some other states will not grant same sex adoptions so talk to your attorney before you get started to ensure your adoption plan can be completed.  Maryland and D.C. allow both second parent and step parent adoptions for same-sex partners and Virginia will allow for a step-parent adoption (thus you must be married in Virginia to adopt your partner/spouse's child) 

    Adoption Tax Identification Number

    ATIN Numbers - An Adoption Tax Identification Number (ATIN) is obtained for your adopted child when you are not yet able to get a Social Security Number.  It is a temporary number that can be used until the SSN is issued.  To get an ATIN, adoptive parents must file a W-7A form which can be downloaded from www.irs.gov. It takes 4-6 weeks to obtain an ATIN and it expires two years after being issued (by then you should have the SSN!).  For information on getting a social security number, go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772.1213.   

    What rights do fathers have?

    A married woman’s husband and a legal father must consent to an adoption plan or have his rights adjudicated. An unmarried biological father’s rights are the same as the biological mothers in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.  He must receive notice and consent to the adoption or if he is unknown or unable to be located you may be able to notice him by newspaper publication and posting on the DHMH website.   

    “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