§ 5–3B-16
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3B-16 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption
§ 5–3B-16LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in § 5–3B–27 of this subtitle and subject to subsection (c) of this section, before ruling on a consensual adoption petition under § 5–3B–20(b)(1) of this subtitle, a court may order a court investigator or child placement agency to conduct any investigation that the court considers necessary.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, before ruling on a nonconsensual adoption petition under §§ 5–3B–20(b)(2) and 5–3B–22 of this subtitle, a court shall order a court investigator or an appropriate child placement agency to investigate and submit a report that includes summaries of:
(1)
the prospective adoptee’s emotional ties with and feelings toward the prospective adoptee’s parents, the prospective adoptee’s siblings, and others who may affect the prospective adoptee’s best interests significantly; and
(2)
the prospective adoptee’s adjustment to:
(i)
community;
(ii)
home; and
(iii)
school.
(c)
If a prospective adoptee is an adult, the court may order an investigation under subsection (a) or (b) of this section only for good cause shown.