Maryland Family Law Section 5-3A-01

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

      This subtitle shall apply to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2000.

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

      (a)      In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (b)      "Child" means an individual who is the subject of a guardianship or adoption petition under this subtitle.

      (c)      "Guardianship" means an award, under this subtitle, of any power of a guardian.

      (d)      "Identifying information" means information that reveals the identity or location of an individual.

      (e)      (1)      "Parent" means an individual who, at the time a petition for guardianship or adoption is filed under this subtitle or at any time before a court terminates the individual's parental rights:

                  (i)      meets a criterion in § 5-3A-06(a) of this subtitle; or

                  (ii)      is the mother.

            (2)      "Parent" does not include an individual whom a court has adjudicated not to be a father or mother.