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 all legislation from the 2022 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document