§ 5–337
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-337 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department
§ 5–337LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In ruling on a petition for a child’s adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:
(1)
any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;
(2)
all factors necessary to determine the child’s best interests; and
(3)
a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:
(i)
the suitability of the petitioner to be the child’s parent; and
(ii)
the child’s successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.
(b)
In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.
(c)
If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.