# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-3A-22

(a) An order for guardianship of an individual:

  (1) except as provided in Sec. 5-3A-23 of this subtitle, Sec. 4-414 of the Estates and Trusts Article, and Sec. 2-123 of the Real Property Article, terminates a parent's duties, obligations, and rights toward the individual;

  (2) eliminates the need for notice to a parent as to the filing of an adoption petition;

  (3) eliminates the need for further consent of a parent to adoption of the individual; and

  (4) grants guardianship of the individual to a child placement agency.

(b)

  (1) Unless a court gives legal custody to another person, a child's guardian under this subtitle has legal custody.

  (2) Unless a court orders otherwise and subject to review by the court, a child's guardian may make all decisions affecting the child's education, health, and welfare, including consenting to:

    (i) adoption of the child;

    (ii) application by the child for a driver's license;

    (iii) enlistment by the child in the armed forces;

    (iv) marriage of the child; and

    (v) medical, psychiatric, or surgical treatment.

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