Form 9-102.8.Attorney affidavit as to consent of a parent to adoption

Last amended July 1, 2024 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceForm 9-102.8 is the affidavit an attorney files confirming that a parent's consent to an adoption was informed and voluntary.

Full Text of Form 9-102.8

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Affidavit by Attorney as to Consent of __________ (parent) to

Adoption of __________

1. I am the attorney representing __________, a parent of __________, the child who is the subject of the consent.

2. The parent, at the time of the signing of the consent, was ___ years old. The parent's date of birth is ....................................

3. (Check one of the following)

[ ] The parent is not disabled or is disabled but the disability does not affect the parent's ability to understand the meaning of the consent to adoption.

[ ] The parent is a minor or has a disability that could affect the parent's ability to understand the meaning of the consent to adoption. The disability is __________. Despite the parent's age or disability, I believe that the parent understood the meaning of consenting to adoption. The following additional steps were taken to ensure that the parent understood the meaning of the consent form prior to signing it: __________.

4. The parent understands English, or the consent form that the parent signed was translated into __________, a language that the parent understands.

5. Based on my interview with the parent, the parent is not a member of an Indian tribe, is not eligible for membership in an Indian tribe, and has no immediate family member who is a member of an Indian tribe.

6. I have explained to the parent that __________ (name by which parent knows adoptive parent) has filed or plans to file a case to ask the court to permit that person to adopt the parent's child.

7. I reviewed the consent form thoroughly with the parent, and I believe that the parent desires to consent to the adoption and has signed the consent form knowingly and voluntarily and not due to duress or coercion.

I solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury that the contents of this affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

(Date)           (Signature)

(Printed Name)

(Address)

(City, State, Zip Code)

(Telephone Number)

End

Amendment History

Maryland publishes each rule’s adoption and amendment record as a bracketed “Credits” note beneath the rule, giving the date of each Rules Order and the date it took effect. It is reproduced verbatim below.

[Former Form 9-102.9 adopted June 4, 2007, eff. July 1, 2007. Renumbered Nov. 9, 2021, eff. Jan. 1, 2022; April 5, 2024, eff. July 1, 2024.]

Plain-English Summary

The adoption counterpart to Form 9-102.7. Where that form is used when a parent consents to a private agency guardianship, this one is used when a parent consents to an adoption itself.

The attorney affirms, under penalties of perjury, that they represent the parent; the parent's age and date of birth at signing; whether any disability could affect the parent's understanding of what consenting means; that the parent understands English or had the form translated; what the interview showed about membership or eligibility for membership in an Indian tribe; that the attorney explained who is asking to adopt and what the consent does; and that the attorney reviewed the form thoroughly with the parent and believes the parent wants to consent.

Rule 9-102 decides which affidavit form applies, and Rule 9-106 decides when one is required at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Form 9-102.8 used rather than Form 9-102.7?

This form accompanies a parent's consent to an adoption. Form 9-102.7 accompanies a parent's consent to a private agency guardianship with the right to consent to adoption.

Is the affidavit sworn?

Yes. The attorney affirms under the penalties of perjury that its contents are true to the best of their knowledge, information and belief.

Does the affidavit address the Indian Child Welfare Act?

Yes. The attorney states what their interview with the parent showed about membership, or eligibility for membership, in an Indian tribe.

Source & verification. The form text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Maryland Rules, Title 9 — Family Law Actions (Md. Rule, Form 9-102.8). Adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: attorney affidavit adoption consent MarylandForm 9-102.8 affidavitcounsel affidavit adoptionparent consent affidavit adoption