Who must appear in this adoption case?

The named natural parent, Benjamin Phillip Washington, must appear or file an answer.

What is the deadline to respond to the Order of Publication?

A written answer or court appearance must be made on or before May 21, 2026.

Where can I send a written answer?

Send it to the Fairfax Circuit Court clerk; the notice lists petitioner Edward Humphrey at 5420 Gristmill Court S, Fort Belvoir, VA for contact.

Public Notice — 5420 Gristmill Court S, Fort Belvoir, VA (AD-2025-147)

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Affects:HeirsGeneral Public

The Fairfax Circuit Court issued an Order of Publication in an adoption case because a natural parent (Benjamin Phillip Washington) cannot be located. The parent must appear or file a written answer by May 21, 2026 to protect parental rights, or risk the adoption proceeding without them.

Key Takeaways

Natural parent named: Benjamin Phillip Washington
Appearance or written answer due by May 21, 2026
Order allows publication because parent is unlocatable
Adoption may proceed without the parent if no response

Published: May 18, 2026 · 3 days ago
Category: Other
City: Fort Belvoir
Address: 5420 Gristmill Court S, Fort Belvoir, VA

Case #

AD-2025-147

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If you don't respond

If the named natural parent does not appear or file a written answer by May 21, 2026, the adoption may proceed and the parent could lose legal parental rights.

What to do next

1
File a written answer
Submit a written answer to the Fairfax Circuit Court by May 21, 2026 to contest the adoption.
2
Contact the petitioner
Call petitioner Edward Humphrey at 330-285-8415 or write to 5420 Gristmill Court S, Apt B, Fort Belvoir, VA before May 21, 2026.
3
Consult an attorney
If you are the named parent, consult a family law attorney immediately to protect parental rights before the May 21, 2026 deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Who must appear in this adoption case?: The named natural parent, Benjamin Phillip Washington, must appear or file an answer.
What is the deadline to respond to the Order of Publication?: A written answer or court appearance must be made on or before May 21, 2026.
Where can I send a written answer?: Send it to the Fairfax Circuit Court clerk; the notice lists petitioner Edward Humphrey at 5420 Gristmill Court S, Fort Belvoir, VA for contact.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Order of Publication: A court order allowing service by public notice when a person cannot be found.
Affidavit: A written sworn statement submitted to the court as evidence.

Full Notice Text

V I R G I N I A:  FAIRFAX CIRCUIT COURT   IN RE: ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD Juiz Lee Humphrey AD-2025-147   ORDER OF PUBLICATION The reason for this cause is to obtain an adoption. An affidavit having been made and filed showing that the Natural Parent in the above-entitled cause cannot be found, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain location of the party to be served; and the last known mailing address of Natural Father/Mother is as follows: Benjamin Phillip Washington Unknown  Upon consideration, this Order of Publication is  granted, and it is ORDERED that the above named Natural Parent shall appear here on or before 21st day of May, 2026 after proper publication of this Order, to protect his/her interest in this cause.  Entered: March 24, 2026   TESTE: CHRISTOPHER J. FALCON, CLERK BY: Kaleigh Lawson DEPUTY CLERK Written Answer may be filed in lieu of Court appearance Reply should be received by May 21, 2026    Edward Humphrey Signature of Petitioner  5420 Gristmill Court S. Apt B Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 330-285-8415   April 27, 2026 May 4, 11, 18, 2026 AD#101827

Related Notices

Notice

DateCategoryCity

Fairfax Circuit Court issued an Order of Publication for an adoption petition because a natural parent (Benjamin Phillip Washington) cannot be located; the parent must appear or file a written answer by May 21, 2026 to protect parental rights.

May 11, 2026Name ChangeFort Belvoir

The Fairfax Circuit Court issued an Order of Publication in an adoption proceeding because a natural parent cannot be located. The missing parent must appear or file a written answer by May 21, 2026 to protect their parental rights.

May 11, 2026Name ChangeFort Belvoir

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5420 Gristmill Court S., Apt B, Fort Belvoir, VA
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