Full question:
I am a 17-year-old girl in Maryland. I am in a live-in relationship with my boyfriend. My physician certified that I am pregnant. Can I marry my boyfriend without my parent’s consent?
- Category: Marriage
- Subcategory: Minor
- Date:
- State: Maryland
Answer:
In Maryland, individuals must be at least eighteen years old to marry without parental consent. However, a 17-year-old can marry without parental consent if a licensed physician certifies that she is pregnant. This is outlined in Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 2-301, which states:
“(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.”
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.