2013 Maryland Code
FAMILY LAW
§ 5-3B-04 - Foreign orders

(a) "Order" defined. -- In this section, "order" includes any action that, under the laws of another jurisdiction, has the force and effect of a comparable judicial order under this subtitle.

(b) Order of another state. -- In accordance with the United States Constitution, this State shall accord full faith and credit to:

(1) an order of another state as to adoption or guardianship in compliance with the other state's laws; and

(2) termination of parental rights in compliance with the other state's laws.

(c) Other foreign orders. -- As to a jurisdiction other than a state:

(1) an order for adoption or guardianship entered in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws shall have the same legal effect as an order for adoption or guardianship entered in this State; and

(2) termination of parental rights in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws shall have the same legal effect as termination of parental rights in this State.

(d) Construction. -- This section may not be construed to require an individual to petition a court in this State for adoption of an adoptee if:

(1) the individual adopted the adoptee in compliance with the laws of a jurisdiction other than a state; and

(2) the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services verifies the validity of that adoption by granting, under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, an IR-3 visa for the adoptee.