§ 5-3B-16
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/md/family-law/5-3b-16·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§5–3B–16.
(a)Except as provided in § 5–3B–27 of this subtitle and subject to subsection
(c)of this section, before ruling on a consensual adoption petition under § 5–3B–20(b)(1) of this subtitle, a court may order a court investigator or child placement agency to conduct any investigation that the court considers necessary.
(b)Except as provided in subsection
(c)of this section, before ruling on a nonconsensual adoption petition under §§ 5–3B–20(b)(2) and 5–3B–22 of this subtitle, a court shall order a court investigator or an appropriate child placement agency to investigate and submit a report that includes summaries of:
(1)the prospective adoptee’s emotional ties with and feelings toward the prospective adoptee’s parents, the prospective adoptee’s siblings, and others who may affect the prospective adoptee’s best interests significantly; and
(2)the prospective adoptee’s adjustment to:
(i)community;
(ii)home; and
(iii)school.
(c)If a prospective adoptee is an adult, the court may order an investigation under subsection
(a)or
(b)of this section only for good cause shown.