WM. PEESTON LANE, JR., GOVERNOR. 1501

of the person to be adopted, such natural parent need not join
in the petition with the adopting parent, but need only give
his or her consent to the adoption, as provided elsewhere in
this sub-title.

85E. (Who May Be Adopted.) Any person, whether a
minor or an adult, may be adopted.

85F. (Petition.) Every petition filed for the adoption of a
minor under 21 years of age shall be under oath or affirmation
of the petitioner and the titling thereof shall be substantially
as follows: "Ex parte in the matter of the petition of........

for the adoption of a minor." The petition or the exhibits an-
nexed hereto shall contain the following information:

(a) The name, sex, date and place of birth of the person
to be adopted, and the names and addresses and residences of
the natural parents, if known to the petitioner;

(b) The name, address, age, business or employment of the
petitioner, and the name of the employer, if any, of the peti-
tioner ;

(c) The names and relationship to the petitioner of any
members of the immediate family of the petitioner, and the
relationship, if any, of the person to be adopted to the peti-
tioner ;

(d) The race and religious affiliation, if any, of the person
to be adopted, or of his natural parent or parents;

(e) The race and religious affiliation, if any, of the peti-
tioner ;

(f) The names and addresses of the natural persons, and
the institutions which have had physical or legal care and
custody of the child since its birth, and the period of time
during which such natural persons and institutions have had
such care and custody and whether the homes of such natural
persons and institutions were duly registered or licensed under
the laws of the State with reference to foster homes;

(g) Any change of name which may be desired.

If any of the above facts are unknown to the petitioner, the
petition shall state this fact. If any of the above facts are
known to a child care or child placement agency, which as a
matter of social policy declines to disclose them to the peti-
tioner, the facts may be disclosed to the court in an exhibit
filed with the petition by the agency in question. If more than
one petitioner joins in a petition, the requirements of this sec-
tion shall be applicable to each petitioner.