Terms Used In Maryland Code, FAMILY LAW 5-2A-01

  • County: means a county of the State or Baltimore City. See
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • including: means includes or including by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. See
  • minor: means an individual under the age of 18 years. See
(a) A minor who is 17 years old may file a petition in the minor’s own name for authorization to marry in the circuit court for the county in which the minor resides.

(b) A petition for authorization to marry shall contain the following:

(1) the petitioner’s full name, gender, date of birth, and address, including the length of time the petitioner has resided at the address;

(2) the intended spouse’s full name, gender, date of birth, and address, including the length of time the intended spouse has resided at the address;

(3) a statement explaining how the parties met and how long they have known each other;

(4) a copy of any criminal records concerning either party and a copy of any peace order or protective order issued against either party;

(5) evidence that the minor is mature and capable of self-sufficiency and self-support independent of the minor’s parents, guardian, legal custodian, or intended spouse; and

(6) the name and last known address of each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the petitioner.