# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 9. Child Custody and Visitation

### Subtitle 3. Removal of Child From State; Child Abduction

#### Section 9-304

If a child is under the age of 16 years, a relative who knows that another person is the lawful custodian of the child may not, with the intent to deprive the lawful custodian of the custody of the child:

(1) abduct, take, or carry away the child from the lawful custodian to a place within this State;

(2) having acquired lawful possession of the child, detain the child within this State for more than 48 hours after the lawful custodian demands that the child be returned;

(3) harbor or hide the child within this State, knowing that possession of the child was obtained by another relative in violation of this section; or

(4) act as an accessory to an act prohibited by this section.

---

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