§ 1–201
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 1-201 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
For the purposes of subsection (b)(10) of this section, “child” means an unmarried individual under the age of 21 years.
(b)
An equity court has jurisdiction over:
(1)
adoption of a child, except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;
(2)
alimony;
(3)
annulment of a marriage;
(4)
divorce;
(5)
custody or guardianship of a child except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;
(6)
visitation of a child;
(7)
legitimation of a child;
(8)
paternity;
(9)
support of a child;
(10)
custody or guardianship of an immigrant child pursuant to a motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile factual findings requesting a determination that the child was abused, neglected, or abandoned before the age of 18 years for purposes of § 101(a)(27)(J) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act; and
(11)
a petition for authorization for a minor to marry.
(c)
In exercising its jurisdiction over the custody, guardianship, visitation, or support of a child, an equity court may:
(1)
direct who shall have the custody or guardianship of a child, pendente lite or permanently;
(2)
determine who shall have visitation rights to a child;
(3)
decide who shall be charged with the support of the child, pendente lite or permanently;
(4)
from time to time, set aside or modify its decree or order concerning the child; or
(5)
issue an injunction to protect a party to the action from physical harm or harassment.
(d)
This section does not take away or impair the jurisdiction of a juvenile court or a criminal court with respect to the custody, guardianship, visitation, and support of a child.