§ 5-3A-07. Appointed counsel

MD Fam L Code § 5-3A-07 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    (1)    In a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent who:

(i)    has a disability that makes the parent incapable of effectively participating in the case; or

(ii)    when the parent must decide whether to consent under this subtitle, is still a minor.

(2)    To determine whether a disability makes a parent incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the parent.

(b)    (1)    In an adoption proceeding under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:

(i)    is at least 10 years old; and

(ii)    1.    is a minor; or

2.    has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the proceeding.

(2)    To determine whether a disability makes a child incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the child.

(c)    An attorney or firm:

(1)    may represent more than one party in a case under this subtitle only if the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct allow; and

(2)    may not represent a prospective adoptive parent and parent in the same case.

(d)    Counsel appointed under this section may be compensated for reasonable fees, as approved by the court.