Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 5-3A-07 - Appointed counsel(a)(1) In a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent who:(i) has a disability that makes the parent incapable of effectively participating in the case; or(ii) when the parent must decide whether to consent under this subtitle, is still a minor.(2) To determine whether a disability makes a parent incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the parent.(b)(1) In an adoption proceeding under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:(i) is at least 10 years old; and(ii)2. has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the proceeding.(2) To determine whether a disability makes a child incapable of effectively participating in a case, a court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may order examination of the child.(c) An attorney or firm: (1) may represent more than one party in a case under this subtitle only if the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct allow; and(2) may not represent a prospective adoptive parent and parent in the same case.(d) Counsel appointed under this section may be compensated for reasonable fees, as approved by the court.