Md. Code, Family Law § 5-337

in effect

(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. (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. (c) If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl&section=5-337&enactments=falseFetched: 10/17/2026