# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption

#### Section 5-3B-23

A court may not grant a petition under Sec. 5-3B-22 of this subtitle solely because a parent:

(1) does not have legal custody of a prospective adoptee by reason of a divorce or legal separation; or

(2) has been deprived of custody of a prospective adoptee by an act of the other parent.

---

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