# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption

#### Section 5-3B-16

(a) Except as provided in Sec. 5-3B-27 of this subtitle and subject to subsection (c) of this section, before ruling on a consensual adoption petition under Sec. 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 Sec.Sec. 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.

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