Maryland § 5-308
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-308, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-308.
(a) (1) A prospective adoptive parent and parent of a prospective adoptee under this subtitle may enter into a written agreement to allow contact, after the adoption, between:
(i) the parent or other relative of the adoptee; and
(ii) the adoptee or adoptive parent.
(2) An adoptive parent and former parent of an adoptee under this subtitle may enter into a written agreement to allow contact between:
(i) a relative or former parent of the adoptee; and
(ii) the adoptee or adoptive parent.
(b) An agreement made under this section applies to contact with an adoptee only while the adoptee is a minor.
(c) An individual who prepares an agreement described in subsection (a)(1) of this section:
(1) shall provide a copy to each party in a case pending as to the prospective adoptee under this subtitle or in a CINA case pending as to the prospective adoptee; and
(2) if the agreement so provides, shall redact identifying information from the copies.
(d) Failure to comply with a condition of an agreement made under this section is not a ground for revoking consent to, or setting aside an order for, an adoption or guardianship.
(e) If a dispute as to an agreement made under this section arises, a court may refer the parties to mediation to try to resolve the dispute.
(f) (1) A juvenile court or other court of competent jurisdiction shall enforce a written agreement made in accordance with this section unless enforcement is not in the adoptee’s best interests.
(2) If a party moves in juvenile court or another court of competent jurisdiction to modify a written agreement made in accordance with this section and satisfies the court that modification is justified because an exceptional circumstance has arisen and the court finds modification to be in an adoptee’s best interests, the court may modify the agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-308
What does Maryland Code § 5-308 cover?
Section 5-308 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 5-308?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-308" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 5-308 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.