Maryland Family Law Section 5-337

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

** SPECIAL NOTE: EFFECTIVE - JANUARY 1, 2006 - CHAPTER 464 - 2005 **

      (a)      In ruling on a petition for a child's adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:

            (1)      any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;

            (2)      all factors necessary to determine the child's best interests; and

            (3)      a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:

                  (i)      the suitability of the petitioner to be the child's parent; and

                  (ii)      the child's successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.

      (b)      In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.

      (c)      If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.