In Maryland, the adoption laws are designed to make adoption easier while protecting the rights of vulnerable children. The legal requirements for adoption can be complicated, so many people choose to work with their attorneys throughout the process. Most adoptions take place at the state level, but there are times when federal regulations may apply to a case.
Maryland’s adoption laws state that any person can be adopted. If the biological or natural parent’s rights have been terminated, a child may consent to adoption when he or she is 10 years of age or older. There is no home residency requirement in Maryland, so potential adoptive parents can adopt without a long residency in the state.
Any adult can adopt in Maryland, whether he or she is single or married. In the case that a married party wishes to adopt, both people in the couple must act jointly. If one who is married acts separately, it is only allowed if one of the spouses is the natural parent, incompetent or if the couple is legally separated.
If you’re ready to expand your family, you know that you need to prepare for the complications of adoption. Adoptions can take many months or years, and they have the potential to be expensive. The path to an adoption is potentially confusing, so working with someone who has experience in adoption law can help you bring your child home sooner. Our website has more information about how you can adopt in Maryland and what you should do if you’re interested in adoption from in or out of the state.
