Maryland Family Law Section 5-3A-22

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

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

      (a)      An order for guardianship of an individual:

            (1)      except as provided in § 5-3A-23 of this subtitle, § 4-414 of the Estates and Trusts Article, and § 2-123 of the Real Property Article, terminates a parent's duties, obligations, and rights toward the individual;

            (2)      eliminates the need for notice to a parent as to the filing of an adoption petition;

            (3)      eliminates the need for further consent of a parent to adoption of the individual; and

            (4)      grants guardianship of the individual to a child placement agency.

      (b)      (1)      Unless a court gives legal custody to another person, a child's guardian under this subtitle has legal custody.

            (2)      Unless a court orders otherwise and subject to review by the court, a child's guardian may make all decisions affecting the child's education, health, and welfare, including consenting to:

                  (i)      adoption of the child;

                  (ii)      application by the child for a driver's license;

                  (iii)      enlistment by the child in the armed forces;

                  (iv)      marriage of the child; and

                  (v)      medical, psychiatric, or surgical treatment.