§ 5-3B-06. Appointed counsel

MD Fam L Code § 5-3B-06 (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 to adoption, 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 a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:

(i)    has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the case; and

(ii)    when the prospective adoptee must decide whether to consent to adoption, is at least 10 years old.

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

(c)    An attorney or firm:

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

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

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