§ 5–3B-21
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3B-21 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption
§ 5–3B-21LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Consent of a parent may include a waiver of rights to notice of:
(i)
the filing of a petition under this subtitle; and
(ii)
further proceedings under this subtitle.
(2)
Consent to adoption under this subtitle is not valid unless the consent:
(i)
is given after the prospective adoptee is born;
(ii)
is given in a language that the party understands;
(iii)
if given in a language other than English:
(1)
is given before a judge on the record; or
(2)
is accompanied by the affidavit of a translator stating that the translation of the document of consent is accurate;
(iv)
contains an express notice of:
(1)
the right to revoke consent, at any time within 30 days after the consent is signed;
(2)
the search rights of adoptees and parents under § 5-3B-29 of this subtitle and the search rights of adoptees, siblings, and parents under Subtitle 4B of this title; and
(3)
the right to file a disclosure veto under § 5-3B-29 of this subtitle;
(v)
except as to an adoption by a spouse of the prospective adoptee’s parent or a relative of the prospective adoptee, states that the parent has been advised of the parent’s rights to:
(1)
have independent counsel; and
(2)
receive adoption counseling and guidance;
(vi)
states whether the parent chose to have or not have counsel or counseling; and
(vii)
is accompanied by an affidavit of counsel appointed under § 5-3B-06 of this subtitle stating that a parent who is a minor or has a disability gives consent knowingly and voluntarily.
(b)
(1)
(i)
Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a parent may revoke consent at any time within 30 days after the parent signs the consent.
(ii)
A parent may not revoke consent for adoption of a prospective adoptee if:
(1)
in the preceding year, the parent has revoked consent for or filed a notice of objection to adoption of the prospective adoptee; and
(2)
the child is at least 30 days old and consent is given before a judge on the record.
(2)
A prospective adoptee may revoke consent at any time before a court enters an order of adoption under this subtitle.