Maryland Statutes
Part II - Adoption Proceedings
Section 5-3B-16 - Investigation

(a)    Except as provided in § 5–3B–27 of this subtitle, before ruling on a consensual adoption petition under § 5–3B–20(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)    Before ruling on a nonconsensual adoption petition under §§ 5–3B–20(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.

Structure Maryland Statutes