# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-351

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

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

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

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

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

  (3) the consent names the child;

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

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

    (i) the revocation provisions in this section;

    (ii) 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

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

(b) A guardian may revoke consent to an adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle at any time before a juvenile court enters an order of adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle.

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

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