Maryland Statutes
Part I - General Provisions
Section 5-3A-07 - Appointed Counsel

(a)    (1)    In a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent who:
            (i)    has a disability that makes the parent incapable of effectively participating in the case; or
            (ii)    when the parent must decide whether to consent under this subtitle, is still a minor.
        (2)    To determine whether a disability makes a parent incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the parent.
    (b)    (1)    In an adoption proceeding under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:
            (i)    is at least 10 years old; and
            (ii)    1.    is a minor; or
                2.    has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the proceeding.
        (2)    To determine whether a disability makes a child incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the child.
    (c)    An attorney or firm:
        (1)    may represent more than one party in a case under this subtitle only if the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct allow; and
        (2)    may not represent a prospective adoptive parent and parent in the same case.
    (d)    Counsel appointed under this section may be compensated for reasonable fees, as approved by the court.

Structure Maryland Statutes