Maryland Statutes
Part II - Adoption Proceedings
Section 5-3B-12 - Authority to Place Child for Adoption

Except for a child being placed for adoption with a relative of the child, by blood or marriage within 4 degrees of affinity or consanguinity under the civil law rule, a parent or grandparent may place a child for adoption only if:
        (1)    a petition for adoption is filed in court; and
        (2)    the court, by order, sanctions the placement pending final action on the petition.