# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-348

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a juvenile court shall rule on the adoption petition under this Part IV of this subtitle promptly but no later than 180 days after the petition is filed.

(b) A juvenile court may not enter an order for adoption of a child under this Part IV of this subtitle before the later of:

  (1) 30 days after the birth of the child; or

  (2) 10 days after the notice is served under Sec. 5-346 of this subtitle.

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