§ 5–3A-07
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3A-07 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3A. Private Agency Guardianship and Adoption
§ 5–3A-07LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent who:
(i)
has a disability that makes the parent incapable of effectively participating in the case; or
(ii)
when the parent must decide whether to consent under this subtitle, is still a minor.
(2)
To determine whether a disability makes a parent incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the parent.
(b)
(1)
In an adoption proceeding under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:
(i)
is at least 10 years old; and
(ii)
(1)
is a minor; or
(2)
has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the proceeding.
(2)
To determine whether a disability makes a child incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the child.
(c)
An attorney or firm:
(1)
may represent more than one party in a case under this subtitle only if the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct allow; and
(2)
may not represent a prospective adoptive parent and parent in the same case.
(d)
Counsel appointed under this section may be compensated for reasonable fees, as approved by the court.