Maryland

Maryland

Who Must Consent:

The natural mother and father.
If parental rights have been terminated, the head of the agency that has been awarded guardianship.

Consent of Adoptee:
A child 10 years or older must consent to the adoption.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

Child has been out of parent's custody for 1 year and has significant attachment to petitioner.
Parent has failed to contact or support child.
Parent has been convicted of child abuse or a crime of violence against a child.

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:
Not addressed in statutes reviewed.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

Consent must contain express notice of right to revoke.
A minor parent's consent is valid only when accompanied by an affidavit from counsel stating that consent is given knowingly and willingly.

Time for Revocation:

Consent may be revoked within 30 days.
Individual to be adopted may revoke consent at any time before a decree is entered.

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