# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-339

(a)

  (1) Consent of a parent to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle may include:

    (i) a provision barring a petitioner from learning identifying information about the parent; and

    (ii) a waiver of the right to notice of further proceedings under this Part III of this subtitle.

  (2) Consent to adoption entered into before a judge on the record shall include a waiver of the revocation period.

  (3) Consent of a party to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle is not valid unless:

    (i) the consent is given in a language that the party understands;

    (ii) if given in a language other than English, the consent:

      (1) is given before a judge on the record; or

      (2) is accompanied by the affidavit of a translator stating that the translation of the document of consent is accurate;

    (iii) the consent names the child;

    (iv) the consent contains enough information to identify the prospective adoptive parent;

    (v) the party has received written notice or on-the-record notice of:

      (1) the revocation provisions in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(1) of this section;

      (2) the search rights of adoptees and parents under Sec. 5-359 of this subtitle and the search rights of adoptees, parents, and siblings under Subtitle 4B of this title; and

      (3) the right to file a disclosure veto under Sec. 5-359 of this subtitle; and

    (vi) the consent is accompanied by an affidavit of counsel appointed under Sec. 5-307(a) of this subtitle, stating that a parent who is a minor or has a disability consents knowingly and voluntarily.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a parent may revoke consent to adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time within the later of:

    (i) 30 days after the parent signs the consent; or

    (ii) 30 days after the adoption petition is filed.

  (2) Consent to adoption under subsection (a)(2) of this section is irrevocable.

(c) A local department may revoke consent to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time before a juvenile court enters an order of adoption under this Part III of this subtitle.

(d) A child may revoke consent or object to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time before a juvenile court enters an order of adoption under this Part III of this subtitle.

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