MD HB243

Spousal joinder in adoption petitions is now required only when adopting a minor; when adopting an adult, the petitioner's spouse may join but is not required to do so

Show-cause orders requiring service on a prospective adoptee's parents no longer apply when the adoptee is an adult

Parental consent requirements for adoption do not apply when the prospective adoptee is an adult

Courts may order investigations before ruling on adult adoption petitions only for good cause shown, rather than as a standard requirement

Effective October 1, 2025