# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption

#### Section 5-3B-21

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

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