# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-328

(a) If a local department is a child's guardian under this subtitle, a juvenile court:

  (1) retains jurisdiction until:

    (i) the child attains 18 years of age; or

    (ii) the juvenile court finds the child to be eligible for emancipation; and

  (2) may continue jurisdiction until the child attains 21 years of age.

(b) If a juvenile court designates an individual as a child's guardian, the juvenile court:

  (1) may retain jurisdiction until the child attains 18 years of age; or

  (2) on finding further review unnecessary to maintain the child's health and welfare, may terminate the case before the child attains 18 years of age.

(c) An order for adoption of a child terminates the child's guardianship case.

(d) On termination of a guardianship case, a juvenile court shall close the case.

(e) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, if the court enters an order directing the provision of services to a child under Sec. 5-324(b)(1)(ii)7B of this subtitle, the court retains jurisdiction to rule on any motion related to the enforcement, modification, or termination of the order, for as long as the order is effective.

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