# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-3A-07

(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.

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