# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-319

(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 Sec. 5-321(c) of this subtitle; or

  (3) expiration of the time to respond to the show-cause order issued under Sec. 5-316 of this subtitle.

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