How do I adopt my stepson or stepdaughter in Maryland?

You adopt your stepchild in Maryland by filing a petition for stepparent adoption in the Circuit Court in your county, giving proper notice to the child's other biological parent, and completing the court process. That process typically takes about 3-6 months.

Where you file. Maryland has 24 counties, and adoption petitions go to the Circuit Court. That includes courts serving cities like Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Bowie. Maryland has no minimum residency period before you can file (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 6-203(e)). The Circuit Court clerk in your county can confirm which courthouse is correct for your family.

What the process involves.

• Petition and paperwork. You prepare and file the adoption petition and supporting forms with the court.
• Notice to the other parent. Maryland requires proper notice to the other biological parent. How that works depends on your facts, such as whether that parent consents, is contesting, or cannot be found. For those situations, ask the clerk or an attorney.
• Child's consent. Maryland sets the age for a child's consent at 10 (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3B-20(b)(1)(ii)).
• Home study. Maryland does not waive the home study for stepparent adoptions (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3B-16). The clerk can tell you how it works in your county.
• Name change. Maryland allows a name change as part of the adoption, so you can request it in the same case.

If the other parent is absent. Maryland's abandonment period is 12 months (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3B-22(b)(1)). Whether your situation meets that standard depends on the specific facts, so talk with an attorney or the Circuit Court clerk before relying on it.

What it costs. Court filing fees in Maryland typically run $200-$500. A stepparent adoption done without an attorney generally costs under $1,000 in total, compared with $3,000-$5,000+ when a family hires one. If your case is contested or complicated, an attorney may still be the right choice.

After the adoption. The Maryland Division of Vital Records is the agency for birth records. Ask the clerk how to request an updated birth certificate once your adoption is final.

Why families adopt. Adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship. That can bring inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority for you as the stepparent, recognition of your family by law, and access to Social Security and insurance benefits.