Full question:
I am 17 years old and I live in Maryland. I wish to marry my boyfriend. We are expecting our child soon. My parents are against our marriage. Is there any other alternative in Maryland law, so that we have a valid marriage?
- Category: Marriage
- Subcategory: Minor
- Date:
- State: Maryland
Answer:
In Maryland, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. However, if both parties are 16 or 17 years old, they can marry with parental consent, or if a physician certifies that the female is pregnant or has given birth. Since you are expecting a baby, you can obtain a certificate from a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner stating this. You can then present this certificate to the county clerk to marry without parental consent, as outlined in Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 2-301.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.