Maryland Family Law Section 5-345

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

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

      (a)      If, after termination of parental rights as to a child, there is an open guardianship case, a petition for adoption of the child may be filed only as provided in this Part IV of this subtitle.

      (b)      (1)      Any adult may petition a juvenile court for an adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle.

            (2)      If a petitioner under this section is married, the petitioner's spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse:

                  (i)      is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce; or

                  (ii)      is not competent to join in the petition.

      (c)      (1)      A petitioner under this section shall attach to a petition:

                  (i)      1.      all written consents required under § 5-350 of this subtitle; or

                        2.      if applicable:

                        A.      proof of guardianship or relinquishment of parental rights granted by an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction; and

                        B.      certification that the guardianship or relinquishment was granted in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws;

                  (ii)      a copy of an agreement, if any, for postadoption contact; and

                  (iii)      a notice of filing that:

                        1.      states the date on which the petition was filed;

                        2.      identifies each governmental unit or person whose consent was filed with the petition;

                        3.      if applicable, states that a postadoption agreement was filed with the petition; and

                        4.      includes no identifying information that would be in violation of an agreement or consent.

            (2)      In addition to a copy of an agreement for postadoption contact, a petitioner shall file the original agreement under seal.

      (d)      If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.