Page 16
Chapter
Sixteen
Email conversation between Grace Fairbanks and Neel Patel
From: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]
To: Neel Patel [email protected]
Subject: Re: Petition to Revoke Consent – Amey W.
Date: Monday, March 03, 10:14 a.m.
Dear Mr. Patel,
I’ve received the formal petition. I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly review the submitted documentation as well as the agency’s records. I’d like to note that throughout the adoption process, there is no indication—written or verbal—that Ms. W was misled or pressured in any way.
Given this, I’m reaching out informally before our next filing deadline to ask: has your client expressed what specifically led to this reversal? From a procedural standpoint, we followed the process to the letter. If something changed for Ms. W after the fact, I’d like the opportunity to understand that before this becomes unnecessarily adversarial.
Best,
Grace Fairbanks
Partner, Fairbanks & Associates
[email protected]
_____
From: Neel Patel [email protected]
To: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]
Date: Monday, March 03, 10:45 a.m.
Dear Ms. Fairbanks,
Thank you for your message. You’ll note that within those documents, there is also no written indication that she received information explaining the ten day revocation window.
While I appreciate your desire to understand my client’s position, I’m sure you also understand that I am not at liberty to discuss Ms. W’s state of mind beyond what has been included in the petition.
If you’re confident your clients followed procedure correctly, then the court will no doubt come to that conclusion.
Sincerely,
Neel Patel
Patel Law Group
[email protected]
_____
From: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]
To: Neel Patel [email protected]
Date: Wednesday, March 03, 11:09 a.m.
Mr. Patel,
I’ll be candid: my preference is to avoid escalating this unnecessarily. A contested hearing will be difficult on all parties—your client included. If this is about unresolved feelings or new circumstances, I’m willing to explore alternative solutions. But I can’t do that if I’m kept entirely in the dark.
This isn’t a tactic. It’s a genuine attempt to understand what changed. Your client signed the necessary paperwork, was provided with counseling options, and never expressed concerns during the process. Something shifted. I’d like to know what.
Would you be willing to ask Ms. W to authorize a limited disclosure? A conversation with her caseworker or support team, in confidence, could clarify whether this is a legal concern—or something better resolved through support and discussion.
Best,
Grace Fairbanks
Partner, Fairbanks & Associates
[email protected]
_____
From: Neel Patel [email protected]
To: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]
Date: Monday, March 03, 12:17 p.m.
Ms. Fairbanks,
I understand your concerns, and I respect your desire to resolve this amicably. That said, I must reiterate: my client is not currently prepared to authorize disclosure of any personal communications or counseling records.
She has asserted, in writing, that she felt undue pressure and was not adequately informed of the implications of her consent. If you believe that claim lacks merit, then I’m sure your clients will be confident moving forward in court.
I will advise my client of your request, but at this time, she has expressed no desire to engage further outside of formal proceedings.
Best regards,
Neel Patel
Patel Law Group
[email protected]