§ 5-3A-22. Effects of order for guardianship

   (a) Parent-child relationship. -- An order for guardianship of an individual:

   (1) except as provided in § 5-3A-23 of this subtitle, § 4-414 of the Estates and Trusts Article, and § 2-123 of the Real Property Article, terminates a parent's duties, obligations, and rights toward the individual;

   (2) eliminates the need for notice to a parent as to the filing of an adoption petition;

   (3) eliminates the need for further consent of a parent to adoption of the individual; and

   (4) grants guardianship of the individual to a child placement agency.

(b) Guardian. --

   (1) Unless a court gives legal custody to another person, a child's guardian under this subtitle has legal custody.

   (2) Unless a court orders otherwise and subject to review by the court, a child's guardian may make all decisions affecting the child's education, health, and welfare, including consenting to:

      (i) adoption of the child;

      (ii) application by the child for a driver's license;

      (iii) enlistment by the child in the armed forces;

      (iv) marriage of the child; and

      (v) medical, psychiatric, or surgical treatment.

HISTORY: 2005, ch. 464, § 3.