# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions

### Subtitle 2. General Provisions

#### Section 1-201

(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 Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)