In this answer · 2 sections
This is rare, but it happens — and it's important to handle with care.
In Maryland, children age 10 and older must consent to the adoption (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-18). If your stepchild is 10+ and doesn't want to be adopted, the court will not force it.
Common reasons a child might hesitate:
- Loyalty to the biological parent (they feel adopting "replaces" them)
- Fear of change
- Not fully understanding what adoption means
- Teenage resistance to adult decisions in general
What we suggest:
- Have an age-appropriate conversation about what adoption means and doesn't mean
- Reassure them it doesn't erase their biological parent from their life
- Explain the legal benefits (inheritance, medical decisions, etc.)
- Give them time — there's no rush
- Consider family counseling if the hesitation is deep
If the child is under 10: Their consent is not legally required in Maryland, though it's still good to involve them in age-appropriate ways.
Many children who initially hesitate eventually come around. And adult adoption (18+) is always available later.
Stepparent adoption in Maryland at a glance
- Court
- Circuit Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $200-$500
- Child must consent at age
- 10
- Home study
- May be required
- Maryland families we've helped
- 519
Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.
Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.
Get to know our team →