# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3A. Private Agency Guardianship and Adoption

#### Section 5-3A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Child" means an individual who is the subject of a guardianship or adoption petition under this subtitle.

(c) "Guardianship" means an award, under this subtitle, of any power of a guardian.

(d) "Identifying information" means information that reveals the identity or location of an individual.

(e)

  (1) "Parent" means an individual who, at the time a petition for guardianship or adoption is filed under this subtitle or at any time before a court terminates the individual's parental rights:

    (i) meets a criterion in Sec. 5-3A-06(a) of this subtitle; or

    (ii) is the mother.

  (2) "Parent" does not include an individual whom a court has adjudicated not to be a father or mother.

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