(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) 1. is a minor; or 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.
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