# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-318

(a)

  (1) In addition to any hearing required under this subsection or Sec. 5-306(b)(2) of this subtitle, a juvenile court may hold a hearing before entering a guardianship order under Sec. 5-320(a)(1) of this subtitle or otherwise ruling on a guardianship petition.

  (2) If a party becomes aware, before a juvenile court rules on a guardianship petition, that a condition of consent under Sec. 5-320(b) of this subtitle may not be fulfilled:

    (i) the party promptly shall:

      (1) file notice with the juvenile court;

      (2) give notice to all of the other parties; and

      (3) if consent was received from a governmental unit or person who is not a party, give notice to that unit or person;

    (ii) the juvenile court shall schedule a hearing to occur within 30 days after the filing of the notice; and

    (iii) if the party, unit, or person whose condition cannot be fulfilled fails to enter into a new consent, the juvenile court shall set the case in for a prompt trial on the merits of the petition.

(b) Before a juvenile court grants guardianship under Sec. 5-320(a)(2) of this subtitle, the juvenile court shall hold a trial on the merits of the petition.

(c) Before a trial or other hearing under this section, a juvenile court shall give notice to all of the parties.

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