Md. Code, Fam. Law § 5-339

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 5-339 - Consent
(a)
(1) Consent of a parent to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle may include:
(i) a provision barring a petitioner from learning identifying information about the parent; and
(ii) a waiver of the right to notice of further proceedings under this Part III of this subtitle.
(2) Consent to adoption entered into before a judge on the record shall include a waiver of the revocation period.
(3) Consent of a party to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle is not valid unless:
(i) the consent is given in a language that the party understands;
(ii) if given in a language other than English, the consent:
1. is given before a judge on the record; or
2. is accompanied by the affidavit of a translator stating that the translation of the document of consent is accurate;
(iii) the consent names the child;
(iv) the consent contains enough information to identify the prospective adoptive parent;
(v) the party has received written notice or on-the-record notice of:
1. the revocation provisions in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(1) of this section;
2. the search rights of adoptees and parents under § 5-359 of this subtitle and the search rights of adoptees, parents, and siblings under Subtitle 4B of this title; and
3. the right to file a disclosure veto under § 5-359 of this subtitle; and
(vi) the consent is accompanied by an affidavit of counsel appointed under § 5-307(a) of this subtitle, stating that a parent who is a minor or has a disability consents knowingly and voluntarily.
(b)
(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a parent may revoke consent to adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time within the later of:
(i) 30 days after the parent signs the consent; or
(ii) 30 days after the adoption petition is filed.
(2) Consent to adoption under subsection (a)(2) of this section is irrevocable.
(c) A local department may revoke consent to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time before a juvenile court enters an order of adoption under this Part III of this subtitle.
(d) A child may revoke consent or object to an adoption under this Part III of this subtitle at any time before a juvenile court enters an order of adoption under this Part III of this subtitle.

Md. Code, FL § 5-339

Amended by 2013 Md. Laws, Ch. 43,Sec. 1, eff. 4/9/2013.