§ 5–3B-32
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-3B-32 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 3B. Independent Adoption
§ 5–3B-32LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as otherwise provided by law, a person may not charge or receive, from or for a parent or prospective adoptive parent, any compensation for a service in connection with:
(1)
placement of an individual to live with a preadoptive family; or
(2)
an agreement for custody in contemplation of adoption.
(b)
This section does not prohibit payment, by an interested person, of:
(1)
a reasonable and customary charge or fee for adoption counseling, hospital, legal, or medical services;
(2)
reasonable expenses for transportation for medical care associated with the pregnancy or birth of the child;
(3)
reasonable expenses for food, clothing, and shelter for a birth mother if, on written advice of a physician, the birth mother is unable to work or otherwise support herself because of medical reasons associated with the pregnancy or birth of the child; or
(4)
reasonable expenses associated with any required court appearance relating to the adoption, including transportation, food, and lodging expenses.
(c)
Each State’s Attorney shall enforce this section.
(d)
A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both, for each offense.