§ 5-3B-16. Investigation

   (a) In general. -- Before ruling on a consensual adoption petition under § 5-3B-20(1) of this subtitle, a court may order any investigation that the court considers necessary.

(b) Report. -- Before ruling on a nonconsensual adoption petition under § 5-3B-20(2) and 5-3B-22 of this subtitle, a court shall order an appropriate agency to investigate and submit a report that includes summaries of:

   (1) the prospective adoptee's emotional ties with and feelings toward the prospective adoptee's parents, the prospective adoptee's siblings, and others who may affect the prospective adoptee's best interests significantly; and

   (2) the prospective adoptee's adjustment to:

      (i) community;

      (ii) home; and

      (iii) school.

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