(a) If, after termination of parental rights as to a child, there is an open guardianship case, a petition for adoption of the child may be filed only as provided in this Part IV of this subtitle. (b) (1) Any adult may petition a juvenile court for an adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle. (2) If a petitioner under this section is married, the petitioner's spouse shall join in the petition unless the spouse: (i) is separated from the petitioner under a circumstance that gives the petitioner a ground for annulment or divorce; or (ii) is not competent to join in the petition. (c) (1) A petitioner under this section shall attach to a petition: (i) 1. all written consents required under § 5-350 of this subtitle; or 2. if applicable: A. proof of guardianship or relinquishment of parental rights granted by an administrative, executive, or judicial body of a state or other jurisdiction; and B. certification that the guardianship or relinquishment was granted in compliance with the jurisdiction's laws; (ii) a copy of an agreement, if any, for postadoption contact; and (iii) a notice of filing that: 1. states the date on which the petition was filed; 2. identifies each governmental unit or person whose consent was filed with the petition; 3. if applicable, states that a postadoption agreement was filed with the petition; and 4. includes no identifying information that would be in violation of an agreement or consent. (2) In addition to a copy of an agreement for postadoption contact, a petitioner shall file the original agreement under seal. (d) If the marital status of a petitioner changes before entry of an order, the petitioner shall amend the petition accordingly.
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