# Estates and Trusts (GET)

## Title 13.5. Maryland Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act

### Subtitle 2. Jurisdiction

#### Section 13.5-201

A court of this State has jurisdiction to appoint a guardian or issue a protective order for a respondent if:

(1) This State is the home state of the respondent;

(2) On the date the petition is filed, this State is a significant-connection state and:

  (i) The respondent does not have a home state or a court of the home state of the respondent has declined to exercise jurisdiction because this State is a more appropriate forum; or

  (ii) The respondent has a home state, a petition for the appointment of a guardian or protective order is not pending in a court of that state or another significant-connection state, and, before the court makes the appointment or issues the order:

    (1) A petition for an appointment or order is not filed in the home state of the respondent;

    (2) An objection to the jurisdiction of the court is not filed by a person required to be notified of the proceeding; and

    (3) The court concludes that the court is an appropriate forum under the factors set forth in Sec. 13.5-204 of this subtitle;

(3)

  (i) This State does not have jurisdiction under item (1) or (2) of this subsection; and

  (ii) The home state of the respondent and all significant-connection states have declined to exercise jurisdiction because:

    (1) This State is the more appropriate forum; and

    (2) Jurisdiction in this State is consistent with the constitutions of this State and the United States; or

(4) The requirements for special jurisdiction under Sec. 13.5-202 of this subtitle are met.

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Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)