Md. Code, Family Law § 5-349

in effect

(a) In ruling on a petition for a child’s adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider: (1) any assurance by the 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 for adoption 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. (b) In ruling on a petition for adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny a petition for adoption solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl&section=5-349&enactments=falseFetched: 10/17/2026