Maryland § 5-313
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-313, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-313.
(a) Except as provided in § 5-331 of this subtitle, a petition for guardianship shall precede a petition for adoption under this subtitle.
(b) Only the individual who would be subject to guardianship or a local department may file a petition for guardianship under this Part II of this subtitle.
(c) A petition for guardianship of an individual shall be filed before the individual attains 18 years of age.
(d) A petitioner under this section shall attach to a petition:
(1) all written consents for the guardianship that the petitioner has;
(2) if applicable:
(i) proof of guardianship or relinquishment of parental rights granted by an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction; and
(ii) certification that the guardianship or relinquishment was granted in compliance with the jurisdiction’s laws; and
(3) a notice of filing that:
(i) states the date on which the petition was filed;
(ii) identifies each person whose consent was filed with the petition;
(iii) states the obligation of a parent to give the juvenile court and local department notice of each change in the parent’s address;
(iv) has printed on it the website that the Department maintains under § 2–302 of the Human Services Article; and
(v) includes no identifying information that would be in violation of an agreement or consent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-313
What does Maryland Code § 5-313 cover?
Section 5-313 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 § 5-313?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-313" (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 § 5-313 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.