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Md. Code, Family Law § 10-219

This is the official text of Md. Code, Family Law § 10-219, part of Maryland’s Code, Family Law — governs marriage, divorce, child custody and support, and adoption.

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§10–219.

Official statutory text

(a) An individual who has care, custody, or control of a minor child may not desert the child:

(1) with the intent that the child become a public charge; or

(2) without providing for the child’s support for at least 3 years by a responsible individual or a licensed child care facility.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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