Md. Code, Family Law § 5–3B–12

Except for a child being placed for adoption with a relative of the child, by blood or marriage within 4 degrees of affinity or consanguinity under the civil law rule, a parent or grandparent may place a child for adoption only if:

(1) a petition for adoption is filed in court; and

(2) the court, by order, sanctions the placement pending final action on the petition.