Md. Code, Family Law § 5-3B-20
Md. Code, Family Law § 5-3B-20
in effect(a) This section does not apply to an adoption of an adult.
(b) A court may enter an order for adoption only if:
(1) (i) 1. each of the prospective adoptee’s living parents consents:
A. in writing; or
B. by failure to timely file notice of objection after being served with a show–cause order in accordance with this subtitle;
2. an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction has granted a governmental unit or person other than a parent the power to consent to adoption, and the unit or person consents; or
3. parental rights have been terminated in compliance with the laws of a state or other jurisdiction, as described in § 5–3B–04 of this subtitle; and
(ii) if the prospective adoptee is at least 10 years old, the prospective adoptee consents; or
(2) in accordance with § 5–3B–22 of this subtitle, the court orders adoption without consent otherwise required under this section.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl§ion=5-3B-20&enactments=falseFetched: 10/17/2026