§ 5–3A-29

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3A-29 (2026)

Title 5. Children

Subtitle 3A. Private Agency Guardianship and Adoption

(a)

Any adult may petition a court for an adoption under this subtitle.

(b)

A petitioner may petition for adoption of a child 180 days or more after a child placement agency places the child with the petitioner.

(c)

(1)

If a petitioner under this section is married, the petitioner’s spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse:

(i)

is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce; or

(ii)

is not competent to join in the petition.

(2)

If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of a final order, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.