§ 5-345. Petition

MD Fam L Code § 5-345 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    If, after termination of parental rights as to a child, there is an open guardianship case, a petition for adoption of the child may be filed only as provided in this Part IV of this subtitle.

(b)    (1)    Any adult may petition a juvenile court for an adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle.

(2)    If a petitioner under this section is married, the petitioner’s spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse:

(i)    is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce; or

(ii)    is not competent to join in the petition.

(c)    (1)    A petitioner under this section shall attach to a petition:

(i)    1.    all written consents required under § 5-350 of this subtitle; or

2.    if applicable:

A.    proof of guardianship or relinquishment of parental rights granted by an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction; and

B.    certification that the guardianship or relinquishment was granted in compliance with the jurisdiction’s laws;

(ii)    a copy of an agreement, if any, for postadoption contact; and

(iii)    a notice of filing that:

1.    states the date on which the petition was filed;

2.    identifies each governmental unit or person whose consent was filed with the petition;

3.    if applicable, states that a postadoption agreement was filed with the petition; and

4.    includes no identifying information that would be in violation of an agreement or consent.

(2)    In addition to a copy of an agreement for postadoption contact, a petitioner shall file the original agreement under seal.

(d)    If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.