What is the legal age at which a person can consent to adoption in Maryland?

In Maryland, the legal age for a person to consent to their own adoption is 18 years old. This age reflects the state's legal recognition of adulthood and the associated ability to make independent decisions, including those regarding the adoption process. At 18, an individual is considered capable of understanding the implications and consequences of adoption, and is thus empowered to provide informed consent.

Younger individuals, such as those who are 16 years old, do not have the legal authority to consent to their own adoption without the involvement of their parents or guardians, which is why that choice would not be correct. The option that allows consent at any age with parental involvement also misinterprets the legal framework, as specific age requirements are established to ensure that individuals are mature enough to fully grasp the implications of adoption decisions. Similarly, while the age of 21 is often recognized as the age of majority for certain legal decisions, it is not the applicable age for consent to adoption in Maryland.