Home Table of Contents

§ 5-337. Considerations

West's Annotated Code of MarylandFamily Law

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Family Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 5. Children (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department (Refs & Annos)
Part III. Adoption Without Prior Termination of Parental Rights (Refs & Annos)
MD Code, Family Law, § 5-337
§ 5-337. Considerations
Currentness
General
(a) In ruling on a petition for a child's adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:
(1) any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;
(2) all factors necessary to determine the child's best interests; and
(3) a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:
(i) the suitability of the petitioner to be the child's parent; and
(ii) the child's successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.
Marital status
(b) In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.
Construction as voluntary
(c) If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.

Credits

Added by Acts 2005, c. 464, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
MD Code, Family Law, § 5-337, MD FAMILY § 5-337
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document