§ 5–3B-20
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3B-20 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption
§ 5–3B-20LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to an adoption of an adult.
(b)
A court may enter an order for adoption only if:
(1)
(i)
(1)
each of the prospective adoptee’s living parents consents:
(A)
in writing; or
(B)
by failure to timely file notice of objection after being served with a show–cause order in accordance with this subtitle;
(2)
an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction has granted a governmental unit or person other than a parent the power to consent to adoption, and the unit or person consents; or
(3)
parental rights have been terminated in compliance with the laws of a state or other jurisdiction, as described in § 5–3B–04 of this subtitle; and
(ii)
if the prospective adoptee is at least 10 years old, the prospective adoptee consents; or
(2)
in accordance with § 5–3B–22 of this subtitle, the court orders adoption without consent otherwise required under this section.