# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

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

#### Section 5-3A-29

(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.

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