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, to marry without parental consent, a person must be at least 18 years old. If both parties are 16 or 17 years old, the parties may marry with parental consent or if a physician certifies that a female to be married is pregnant or has given birth to a child. Thus, as you are expecting a baby, and if you or your boyfriend submit a certificate to the county clerk from a licensed physician, or certified nurse practitioner stating the same, then, you may have valid marriage in Mary land, without parental consent. This is provided in Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 2-301. This reads in its pertinent part as follows:“(a) Marriage of individual 16 or 17 years old. -- An individual 16 or 17 years old may not marry unless:
(1) the individual has the consent of a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian swears that the individual is at least 16 years old; or (2) if the individual does not have the consent of a parent or guardian, either party to be married gives the clerk a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner has examined the woman to be married and has found that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
***”
(1) the individual has the consent of a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian swears that the individual is at least 16 years old; or (2) if the individual does not have the consent of a parent or guardian, either party to be married gives the clerk a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner has examined the woman to be married and has found that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
***”
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.
