ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA
We work with every kind of family, using our extensive experience to represent same-sex couples who are growing their family through any type of adoption or through ART.
Contact us today to learn more how we can represent you as you adopt or explore your ART options.
The Progression of LGBT Adoption in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
In your journey to grow your family, you may have wondered, “Can gay couples adopt in my state?”
Thankfully, after decades of struggle, same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals have equal marriage and adoption rights in the U.S. However, some states are still trying to find ways to circumvent these federal protections for LGBTQ+ families. Our team will help you navigate the legal process of same sex adoption or ART within your state and protect your family through every step of the process.
We represent families in three jurisdictions, using our knowledge of the LGBTQ+ adoption laws within those states. Wherever you live, we can help you to grow your family.
Same-sex Adoption in Maryland, Virginia & Washington, D.C.
In 2015, Maryland legally required health insurers to offer fertility treatments as a benefit regardless of sexual orientation and to protect same-sex couples’ parental rights. The state’s gay adoption laws also protect the adoption rights of same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The state of Virginia has no explicit prohibition on gay adoption by same-sex couples or second-parent adoptions, unlike many U.S. states that still have not revised their laws. However, in 2012, Virginia
passed two bills into law that allow state adoption agencies to use religious grounds to refuse same-sex couples who wish to adopt. We can help you find an agency that is LGBTQ+ friendly.
Same-Sex Adoption in Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia has strict laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples from being discriminated against when adopting or pursuing ART options. Gay and lesbian adoptions undergo the same processes as a heterosexual couple adoption in DC.
The Different Ways We Can Help You Become a Family
If you’re pursuing same-sex adoption in DC, Maryland or Virginia, there are several ways same-sex couples can grow their families:
- Domestic infant adoption, either through a private agency adoption, independent adoption, or a public agency adoption, all of which can be pursued singly or jointly as a couple.
- International adoption, singly or jointly.
- Stepparent adoption, when one partner of a married same-sex couple adopts their spouse’s biological or adopted child.
- Second parent adoption, when one partner of an unmarried same-sex couple adopts their partner’s biological or adopted child.
Aside from adoption, ART (assisted reproductive technology) provides another method through which LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can become parents. Surrogacy and egg or sperm donation are increasingly common ways for LGBT families to welcome children into their lives.
are increasingly common ways for LGBTQ+ families to welcome children into their lives.
There are many ways you can become a parent. Although families often contact us already knowing which goal they wish to pursue, we can counsel you about all your options until you find the family-building choice that’s right for you.
We can help you realize your dream of becoming a family no matter what path you take to parenthood. We can assist you through any type of adoption or ART process.
Contact us now to learn more.
Same-Sex Adoption Laws that May Affect You, and How We Can Help
Depending on the state you reside in and the type of LGBTQ+ adoption or ART you choose to pursue, the legal process will vary. For gay couples adopting in VA, MD or DC, you’ll need an experienced lawyer who exclusively works with adoption and ART law, with years of experience representing LGBTQ+ parents.
Our team is proud to help create families throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia — whether that family has one mom, one dad, two moms or two dads. We’re here to support and guide you throughout the adoption or ART processes so you can realize your dream of becoming a parent.
HOW MUCH DOES ADOPTION COST?
The cost is determined by the type of adoption you pursue. Public agency adoptions tend to be the least expensive and sometimes do not cost the adoptive parents anything after subsidies, tax benefits and other factors. A private agency or independent adoption can cost between $15,000 and $45,000. Some of the factors that impact the cost of an adoption are whether the birth mother has medical insurance, where the adoption is being finalized, interstate requirements and the role of the birth father.