Maryland Family Law Section 5-3A-29

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

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

      (a)      Any adult may petition a court for an adoption under this subtitle.

      (b)      A petitioner may petition for adoption of a child 180 days or more after a child placement agency places the child with the petitioner.

      (c)      (1)      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.

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