# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-345

(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 Sec. 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.

---

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