# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department

#### Section 5-305

(a) In this section, "order" includes any action that, under the laws of another jurisdiction, has the force and effect of a comparable judicial order under this subtitle.

(b) In accordance with the United States Constitution, this State shall accord full faith and credit to:

  (1) an order of another state as to adoption or guardianship in compliance with the other state's laws; and

  (2) termination of parental rights in compliance with the other state's laws.

(c) As to a jurisdiction other than a state:

  (1) an order for adoption or guardianship entered in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws shall have the same legal effect as an order for adoption or guardianship entered in this State; and

  (2) termination of parental rights in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws shall have the same legal effect as termination of parental rights in this State.

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