2020 Maryland Statutes
Family Law
Title 5 - Children
Subtitle 3B - Independent Adoption
Part II - Adoption Proceedings
Section 5-3B-13 - Petition
(a) Any adult or minor may be adopted under this subtitle.
(b) (1) Any adult may petition a court for adoption.
(2) If a petitioner 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;
(ii) is not competent to join in the petition; or
(iii) 1. is a parent of the prospective adoptee; and
2. has consented to the adoption in accordance with this subtitle.
(c) Before a petition is filed under this subtitle, a petitioner shall move for, and a court shall order that, a case pending under Subtitle 3 of this title be closed.
(d) If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order under this subtitle, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.
