Terms Used In Maryland Code, FAMILY LAW 5-3B-13

  • Adult: means an individual at least 18 years old. See
  • minor: means an individual under the age of 18 years. See
(a) Any adult or minor may be adopted under this subtitle.

(b) (1) Any adult may petition a court for adoption.

(2) If a petitioner 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;

(ii) is not competent to join in the petition; or

(iii) 1. is a parent of the prospective adoptee; and

2. has consented to the adoption in accordance with this subtitle.

(c) Before a petition is filed under this subtitle, a petitioner shall move for, and a court shall order that, a case pending under Subtitle 3 of this title be closed.

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