In this answer · 3 sections
Your question, explained
You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Maryland, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Maryland.
However, if you and the child live in Maryland:
- You file in Maryland Circuit Court
- The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Maryland or in another state
- The adoption follows Maryland law regardless of where the other parent lives
- 0 months residency required (Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-02)
If the biological parent lives in Maryland and you live elsewhere:
- You file in YOUR state's court
- The biological parent is served at their Maryland address
- Maryland's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
- Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state
Cross-state service of process:
- A sheriff or process server in Maryland can serve the biological parent
- If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Maryland
- If the parent's location in Maryland is unknown, service by publication may be used
Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.
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
Published by Douglas Brown & the StepParent Adoption 360 team
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.
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