§ 5-3A-45
297 words·~1 min read·
/md/family-law/5-3a-45·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§5–3A–45.
(a)Except as otherwise provided by law, a person may not charge or receive, from or for a parent or prospective adoptive parent, any compensation for a service in connection with:
(1)placement of an individual to live with a preadoptive family; or
(2)an agreement for custody in contemplation of adoption.
(1)In this subsection, “Administration” means the Social Services Administration of the Department.
(2)This section does not:
(i)prohibit payment, by an interested person, of:
1. a customary and reasonable charge or fee for adoption counseling, hospital, legal, or medical services;
2. reasonable expenses for transportation for medical care associated with the pregnancy or birth of the child;
3. reasonable expenses for food, clothing, and shelter for a birth mother if, on written advice of a physician, the birth mother is unable to work or otherwise support herself because of medical reasons associated with the pregnancy or birth of the child; or
4. reasonable expenses associated with any required court appearance relating to the adoption, including transportation, food, and lodging expenses; or
(ii)prevent the Administration, or a person that the Administration licenses or supervises, from receiving and accepting reasonable reimbursement for costs of an adoptive service in connection with adoption, if:
1. the reimbursement is in accordance with standards set by regulation of the Administration; and
2. the ability to provide this reimbursement does not affect:
A. the acceptability of any individual for adoptive services; or
B. the choice of the most suitable prospective adoptive parent.
(c)Each State’s Attorney shall enforce this section.
(d)A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both, for each offense.