# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-337

(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 Sec. 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.

---

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