§ 5-3A-36. Order for adoption

   (a) Effect on parent-child relationship. --

   (1) This subsection does not limit the right of an individual to provide for distribution of property by will.

   (2) Except as provided in § 2-123 of the Real Property Article, after a court enters an order for adoption under this subtitle:

      (i) the adoptee:

         1. is the child of the adoptive parent for all intents and purposes; and

         2. is entitled to all of the rights and privileges of and is subject to all of the obligations of offspring born to the adoptive parent;

      (ii) each of the adoptee's living parents is:

         1. relieved of all parental duties and obligations to the adoptee; and

         2. divested of all parental rights as to the adoptee; and

      (iii) the Estates and Trusts Article shall govern all of the rights of inheritance between the adoptee and parental relatives.

(b) Effect on pending cases. -- An order for adoption under this subtitle terminates all pending guardianship cases as to the adoptee.

(c) Adoption of adults. -- Adoption of an adult has the same legal effect as adoption of a minor.

(d) Notice of order. --

   (1) When a court enters an order for a child's adoption under this subtitle, the court shall send notice to:

      (i) each court that has a pending guardianship case as to the adoptee;

      (ii) each of the child's living, former parents who has not waived the right to notice; and

      (iii) the former guardian of the child.

   (2) Service on a parent under this subsection shall be at the parent's last address known to the court.

HISTORY: 2005, ch. 464, § 3; 2006, ch. 365, § 1, 2.