Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

The question is puzzling as to whether this is a grandmother or aunt, but in either case such matters are started by petitioning the court. How involved court proceedings may be depends in large part on the involvement or wishes of the biological parents. The law presumes that the natural parents are usually the appropriate guardian for their children but this can be challenged and/or the parental rights terminated. In some cases temporary guardianship / custody is given to someone besides the parents when it is in the child's best interest. To permanently adopt a relative the court would either need to terminate the parental rights of the biological parents or the biological parents would need to consent.

You may want to consult an attorney in this area of law to discuss the particulars of your situation before starting any legal proceedings.