1. (a)

   1. (1) In a case under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent who:

      1. (i) has a disability that makes the parent incapable of effectively participating in the case; or
      2. (ii) when the parent must decide whether to consent under this subtitle, is still a minor.
   2. (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.

2. (b)

   1. (1) In an adoption proceeding under this subtitle, a court shall appoint an attorney to represent a prospective adoptee who:

      1. (i) is at least 10 years old; and

      2. (ii) 1. is a minor; or

         1. 2. has a disability that makes the prospective adoptee incapable of effectively participating in the proceeding.
   2. (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.

3. (c) An attorney or firm:

   1. (1) may represent more than one party in a case under this subtitle only if the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct allow; and
   2. (2) may not represent a prospective adoptive parent and parent in the same case.
4. (d) Counsel appointed under this section may be compensated for reasonable fees, as approved by the court.

Added by Acts 2005, c. 464, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2006. Amended by Acts 2006, c. 365, § 2, eff. June 1, 2006.