§ 5–319

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-319 (2026)

Title 5. Children

Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department

(a)

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a juvenile court shall rule on a guardianship petition:

(1)

within 180 days after the petition is filed; and

(2)

within 45 days after the earlier of:

(i)

receipt of all of the consents required under this Part II of this subtitle; or

(ii)

trial on the merits.

(b)

A juvenile court may not enter an order for guardianship of a child under this subtitle before the later of:

(1)

30 days after the birth of the child;

(2)

expiration of the time set for revocation of consent, and not waived, under § 5–321(c) of this subtitle; or

(3)

expiration of the time to respond to the show–cause order issued under § 5–316 of this subtitle.