Bridges v. Nicely

MURPHY, Chief Judge.

Maryland Code (1984), §§ 5-307(a) and 5-309(a) of the Family Law Article provide, respectively, that “[a]ny individual, whether a minor or an adult, may be adopted” and “[a]ny adult may petition a court to decree an adoption.” 1 The sole question presented in this case is whether Maryland law permits adoption by the natural father of a child born out of wedlock.

I

On October 3, 1980, a son was born to Beverly Ann Nicely who was then unmarried. The child was named Jerry Wayne Bridges, Jr.; the birth certificate stated that Jerry Wayne Bridges, Sr. was the child’s father. On…