§ 5–345
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-345 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department
§ 5–345LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If, after termination of parental rights as to a child, there is an open guardianship case, a petition for adoption of the child may be filed only as provided in this Part IV of this subtitle.
(b)
(1)
Any adult may petition a juvenile court for an adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle.
(2)
If a petitioner under this section is married, the petitioner’s spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse:
(i)
is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce; or
(ii)
is not competent to join in the petition.
(c)
(1)
A petitioner under this section shall attach to a petition:
(i)
(1)
all written consents required under § 5-350 of this subtitle; or
(2)
if applicable:
(A)
proof of guardianship or relinquishment of parental rights granted by an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction; and
(B)
certification that the guardianship or relinquishment was granted in compliance with the jurisdiction’s laws;
(ii)
a copy of an agreement, if any, for postadoption contact; and
(iii)
a notice of filing that:
(1)
states the date on which the petition was filed;
(2)
identifies each governmental unit or person whose consent was filed with the petition;
(3)
if applicable, states that a postadoption agreement was filed with the petition; and
(4)
includes no identifying information that would be in violation of an agreement or consent.
(2)
In addition to a copy of an agreement for postadoption contact, a petitioner shall file the original agreement under seal.
(d)
If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.