Maryland § 5-3A-19

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-3A-19, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-3A-19.

    (a)    (1)    Consent of a parent may include a waiver of the right to notice of:

            (i)    the filing of a petition under this subtitle; and

            (ii)    further proceedings under this subtitle.

        (2)    Consent to guardianship is not valid unless the consent:

            (i)    is given after the child for whom guardianship is sought 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 person signs the consent, unless the revocation is barred under subsection (b)(2) of this section;

                2.    the search rights of adoptees and parents under § 5-3A-42 of this subtitle and the search rights of adoptees, parents, and siblings under Subtitle 4B of this title; and

                3.    the right to file a disclosure veto under § 5-3A-42 of this subtitle; and

            (v)    is accompanied by an affidavit of counsel appointed under § 5-3A-07(a) of this subtitle stating that a parent who is a minor or has a disability consents knowingly and voluntarily.

    (b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may revoke consent to guardianship at any time within 30 days after the person signs the consent.

        (2)    A parent may not revoke consent for guardianship of a child if:

            (i)    in the preceding year, the parent has revoked consent for or filed a notice of objection to guardianship of the child; and

            (ii)    the child is at least 30 days old and consent is given before a judge on the record.

    (c)    If a petitioner becomes aware, before a court rules on a petition, that a condition of consent under § 5-3A-18(b) of this subtitle cannot be fulfilled, the petitioner promptly shall:

        (1)    file notice with the court;

        (2)    give notice to all of the other parties;

        (3)    if consent was received from a governmental unit or person who is not a party, give notice to that unit or person; and

        (4)    (i)    if the unit or person enters into a new consent, file the consent with the court; or

            (ii)    if the unit or person fails to enter into a new consent, dismiss the petition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-3A-19

What does Maryland Code § 5-3A-19 cover?

Section 5-3A-19 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 § 5-3A-19?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-3A-19" (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 § 5-3A-19 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.