Maryland Statutes
Part II - Adoption Proceedings
Section 5-3B-21 - Consent

(a)    (1)    Consent of a parent may include a waiver of rights to notice of:
            (i)    the filing of a petition under this subtitle; and
            (ii)    further proceedings under this subtitle.
        (2)    Consent to adoption under this subtitle is not valid unless the consent:
            (i)    is given after the prospective adoptee is born;
            (ii)    is given in a language that the party understands;
            (iii)    if given in a language other than English:
                1.    is given before a judge on the record; or
                2.    is accompanied by the affidavit of a translator stating that the translation of the document of consent is accurate;
            (iv)    contains an express notice of:
                1.    the right to revoke consent, at any time within 30 days after the consent is signed;
                2.    the search rights of adoptees and parents under § 5-3B-29 of this subtitle and the search rights of adoptees, siblings, and parents under Subtitle 4B of this title; and
                3.    the right to file a disclosure veto under § 5-3B-29 of this subtitle;
            (v)    except as to an adoption by a spouse of the prospective adoptee’s parent or a relative of the prospective adoptee, states that the parent has been advised of the parent’s rights to:
                1.    have independent counsel; and
                2.    receive adoption counseling and guidance;
            (vi)    states whether the parent chose to have or not have counsel or counseling; and
            (vii)    is accompanied by an affidavit of counsel appointed under § 5-3B-06 of this subtitle stating that a parent who is a minor or has a disability gives consent knowingly and voluntarily.
    (b)    (1)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a parent may revoke consent at any time within 30 days after the parent signs the consent.
            (ii)    A parent may not revoke consent for adoption of a prospective adoptee if:
                1.    in the preceding year, the parent has revoked consent for or filed a notice of objection to adoption of the prospective adoptee; and
                2.    the child is at least 30 days old and consent is given before a judge on the record.
        (2)    A prospective adoptee may revoke consent at any time before a court enters an order of adoption under this subtitle.