Maryland Statutes
Part II - Adoption Proceedings
Section 5-3B-13 - Petition

(a)    Any adult or minor may be adopted under this subtitle.
    (b)    (1)    Any adult may petition a court for adoption.
        (2)    If a petitioner is married, the petitioner’s spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse:
            (i)    is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce;
            (ii)    is not competent to join in the petition; or
            (iii)    1.    is a parent of the prospective adoptee; and
                2.    has consented to the adoption in accordance with this subtitle.
    (c)    Before a petition is filed under this subtitle, a petitioner shall move for, and a court shall order that, a case pending under Subtitle 3 of this title be closed.
    (d)    If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order under this subtitle, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.

Structure Maryland Statutes