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MarylandHB 02432025 Regular SessionHouse

Family Law - Adoption of an Adult

Sponsored By: Regina T. Boyce (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Family LawAdoption - see also- FamLaw; FosterCare; ParentsGuardiansCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Investigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestParents and GuardiansPetitionsSpouses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Fewer hurdles for Maryland adult adoptions

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland law allows adult adoptions with fewer required steps than minor adoptions. A married person can petition to adopt an adult without their spouse joining, though the spouse may join. The specified parental consent rules do not apply to adult adoptions; other applicable legal requirements remain. Adult adoptions also do not require the court's show-cause order or its related notice and service steps. Courts can order an adult adoption investigation only when good cause is shown.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0

House vote • 2/20/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 501

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/5/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    4/4/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/4/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/4/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/4/2025Senate

  7. Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/15/2025Senate

  8. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    2/21/2025Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    2/20/2025House

  10. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    2/18/2025House

  11. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    2/17/2025House

  12. Hearing 1/30 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/10/2025House

  13. First Reading Judiciary

    1/8/2025House

  14. Pre-filed

    10/10/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/18/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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