# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption

#### Section 5-3B-20

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 5-3B-22 of this subtitle, the court orders adoption without consent otherwise required under this section.

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