§ 5-337
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/md/family-law/5-337A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§5–337.
(a)In ruling on a petition for a child’s adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:
(1)any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;
(2)all factors necessary to determine the child’s best interests; and
(3)a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:
(i)the suitability of the petitioner to be the child’s parent; and
(ii)the child’s successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.
(b)In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.
(c)If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.