1944                                             LAWS OF MARYLAND                                        Ch. 296

Also in item (2) of this section, the phrase "child to
be adopted" is substituted for the former word
"infant", for consistency.

Also in item (2) of this section, the phrase "the
religious background, training, or beliefs of these
individuals" is substituted for the former, ambiguous
reference to the "same".

Defined term: "Support" § 1-101

5-317. PETITIONS FOR GUARDIANSHIP.

(A)   IN GENERAL.

A PETITION FOR A DECREE OF ADOPTION MAY BE PRECEDED BY A
PETITION FOR GUARDIANSHIP OF THE CHILD.

(B)  EXCLUSIVE PETITIONER.

ONLY THE EXECUTIVE HEAD OF A CHILD PLACEMENT AGENCY MAY FILE
A PETITION FOR THE AGENCY TO BE GRANTED GUARDIANSHIP.

(C)  REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTING PETITION.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN § 5-313 OF THIS SUBTITLE, THE COURT
MAY GRANT A DECREE AWARDING GUARDIANSHIP ONLY:

(1)  AFTER ANY INVESTIGATION AND HEARING THE COURT
CONSIDERS NECESSARY; AND

(2)  WITH THE CONSENT OF EACH LIVING NATURAL PARENT OF
THE CHILD.

(D)  REVOCATION OF CONSENT.

IN A PROCEEDING FOR GUARDIANSHIP, CONSENT MAY BE REVOKED AT
ANY TIME BEFORE A FINAL DECREE OF GUARDIANSHIP.

(E)  EFFECT OF GUARDIANSHIP DECREE.
A DECREE OF GUARDIANSHIP:

(1)  TERMINATES THE NATURAL PARENTS' RIGHTS, DUTIES,
AND OBLIGATIONS TOWARD THE CHILD;

(2)  SUBJECT TO § 5-319 OF THIS SUBTITLE, ELIMINATES
THE NEED TO GIVE NOTICE TO THE NATURAL PARENTS OF THE FILING OF A
PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF THE CHILD; AND

(3)  ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR A FURTHER CONSENT BY THE
NATURAL PARENTS TO AN ADOPTION OF THE CHILD.