What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Maryland?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Maryland:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 0 months in Maryland (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-02)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-35

4. Child Consent: Children age 10+ must consent (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-18)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Maryland (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3B-04)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Circuit Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.