reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-103

(a)    An adult may utilize supported decision making to:
(1)    Increase the adult’s self–determination;
(2)    Prevent the need for the appointment of a substitute decision maker; or
(3)    Limit or terminate the use of a substitute decision maker.
(b)    All adults are presumed capable of making a supported decision–making agreement.
(c)    The manner in which an adult communicates with others is not grounds for determining that the adult is incapable of making, changing, or revoking a supported decision–making agreement.
(d)    Execution of a supported decision–making agreement by an adult may not:
(1)    Be used as evidence of incapacity; or
(2)    Preclude the ability of the adult to:
(i)    Act independently of a supported decision–making agreement; or
(ii)    Access the adult’s personal information without a supporter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-104

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an adult may voluntarily, without undue influence or coercion, enter into a supported decision–making agreement with a supporter or supporters.
(b)    (1)    (i)    If a person under guardianship enters into a supported decision–making agreement under this title, the agreement does not supplant the authority of a guardian of the adult, unless the court authorizes the limitation or removal of guardianship due to the existence of a supported decision–making agreement.
(ii)    A guardian may not prevent an adult from entering into a valid supported decision–making agreement that does not supplant the authority of the guardian without good cause.
(2)    A supported decision–making agreement or any provision of the agreement does not:
(i)    Supplant the authority of an agent under a power of attorney executed in accordance with Title 17 of this article or an advance directive executed in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the Health – General Article; or
(ii)    Supplant or grant authority or agency powers contemplated by a power of attorney or an advance directive.
(c)    If an adult voluntarily enters into a supported decision–making agreement with one or more supporters, the adult may authorize a supporter to provide support to the adult in making decisions in areas of the adult’s choosing, including:
(1)    Gathering information;
(2)    Understanding and interpreting information;
(3)    Weighing options and alternatives to a decision;
(4)    Understanding the consequences of making or not making a decision;
(5)    Participating in conversations with third parties with the adult’s explicit authorization; and
(6)    Providing the adult with support and advocacy in implementing a decision.
(d)    Nothing in this title or the existence of a supported decision–making agreement may preclude the adult from acting independently of a supported decision–making agreement.
(e)    The availability of a supported decision–making agreement is not intended to limit the informal use of supported decision making or to preclude judicial consideration of informal supported decision–making arrangements as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship.
(f)    Execution of a supported decision–making agreement may not be a condition of participating in any activity, service, or program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-105

(a)    A supporter shall:
(1)    Support the will and preference of the adult and not the supporter’s opinion of the reasonableness of the adult’s wishes, preferences, or choices;
(2)    Act honestly, diligently, and in good faith;
(3)    Act within the authority given in the supported decision–making agreement;
(4)    Avoid conflicts of interest;
(5)    Maintain records, which the supporter shall make available to the adult on request, concerning:
(i)    The supporter’s actions under the supported decision–making agreement; and
(ii)    How the adult communicates and expresses opinions to the supporter;
(6)    Keep any records and information obtained under a supported decision–making agreement:
(i)    Subject to the limitations under Title 9, Subtitle 1 of the Courts Article, confidential and privileged; and
(ii)    Secure from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; and
(7)    (i)    Deliver a copy of the supported decision–making agreement to any duly appointed guardian of the person or property of the adult; and
(ii)    1.    Make a good faith effort to determine if the adult has a fully executed power of attorney, advance directive, or revocable trust agreement; and
2.    Unless the adult expressly objects, deliver a copy of the supported decision–making agreement to any agent designated under a power of attorney or an advance directive or any trustee under a revocable trust agreement.
(b)    The relationship between the adult and the supporter shall be one of trust and confidence that preserves the decision–making authority of the adult.
(c)    A supporter may not:
(1)    Make decisions on behalf of the adult;
(2)    Exert undue influence on the adult;
(3)    Coerce the adult;
(4)    Obtain information about the adult without the adult’s consent;
(5)    Enforce decisions made by the adult; or
(6)    Act outside of the authority granted in the supported decision–making agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-106

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a supporter may be any person chosen by the adult.
(b)    The following individuals are disqualified from acting as a supporter:
(1)    A minor;
(2)    An individual against whom the adult has obtained a peace order or a protective order;
(3)    An individual who has been convicted of financial exploitation under Title 13, Subtitle 6 of this article; and
(4)    An individual who is the subject of a civil or criminal order prohibiting contact with the adult.
(c)    A supporter may resign as a supporter by written or oral notice to the adult, any remaining supporters of the adult named in the agreement, and any third parties who have the agreement on file.
(d)    If a supporter resigns, dies, becomes incapable, or becomes for any other reason unable to act as a supporter and there is no alternate supporter, the authority given to the supporter is suspended.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-107

(a)    A supported decision–making agreement may be in any form consistent with the requirements under this section.
(b)    A supported decision–making agreement shall:
(1)    Be documented in writing;
(2)    Be dated;
(3)    Name at least one supporter;
(4)    Describe the decision–making assistance that each supporter may provide the adult;
(5)    Describe how the supporters may work together if there is more than one supporter;
(6)    Describe how any perceived or actual conflict of interest between the supporter or supporters and the adult shall be mitigated;
(7)    Document how the adult selected the supporter or supporters;
(8)    Be approved by the court if the adult has been appointed a guardian of the person or property and the supported decision–making agreement affects the authority of the guardian;
(9)    State that:
(i)    The supporter or supporters may not make decisions or effectuate transactions for the adult; and
(ii)    The supported decision–making agreement or any provision of the agreement does not:
1.    Authorize the supporter or supporters to act on behalf of the adult;
2.    Supplant the authority of an agent under a power of attorney executed in accordance with Title 17 of this article or an advance directive executed in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the Health – General Article; or
3.    Supplant or grant authority or agency powers contemplated by a power of attorney or an advance directive;
(10)    Contain an attestation that the supporter or supporters agree to honor the right of the adult to make decisions and that the supporter or supporters will not make decisions for the adult;
(11)    Be signed by the adult and the supporter or supporters, with each signature witnessed by two adults who are not:
(i)    A supporter for the adult; or
(ii)    An employee or agent of a supporter named in the supported decision–making agreement; and
(12)    If the adult has a fully executed power of attorney, advance directive, or revocable trust agreement and the adult does not expressly object, deliver a copy of the supported decision–making agreement to the agent designated under the power of attorney or advance directive or any trustee under the revocable trust agreement.
(c)    A supported decision–making agreement may:
(1)    Appoint more than one supporter; and
(2)    Appoint an alternate to act in the place of a supporter in circumstances specified in the agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-108

An adult utilizing a supported decision–making agreement may:
(1)    Revoke the supported decision–making agreement at any time orally, in writing, or otherwise by expressing the adult’s specific intent to revoke the agreement; and
(2)    Receive any support needed from an individual of the adult’s choosing to revoke the agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Estates and Trusts › Title 18 - Supported Decision Making › Section 18-109

(a)    A third party is not subject to civil or criminal liability or discipline for unprofessional conduct for:
(1)    If the third party acted in good faith reliance on a decision made by an adult utilizing a supported decision–making agreement, complying with an adult’s decision in accordance with a supported decision–making agreement or otherwise complying with a supported decision–making agreement based on a good faith assumption that the supported decision–making agreement was valid when made and not revoked or abrogated; or
(2)    Declining to honor a decision made by an adult utilizing a supported decision–making agreement or failing to comply with a supported decision–making agreement based on a reasonable good faith belief that:
(i)    The agreement was invalid, revoked, or abrogated; or
(ii)    A supporter was coercing or unduly influencing the adult or otherwise acting outside the scope of the agreement.
(b)    This section may not be construed to provide immunity from actions alleging that a third party has:
(1)    Caused personal injury as a result of a negligent, reckless, or intentional act;
(2)    Failed to give effect to an adult’s decision made in accordance with a valid decision–making agreement;
(3)    Failed to provide information either to the adult or a supporter of the adult that would be necessary for informed consent; or
(4)    Otherwise acted inconsistently with applicable law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 1-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Child in need of assistance” means an individual adjudicated as a child in need of assistance under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Courts Article.
(c)    “CINA” means a child in need of assistance.
(d)    “CINA case” means a case under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Courts Article.
(e)    “County” means a county of this State and, unless expressly provided otherwise, Baltimore City.
(f)    “Includes” or “including” means includes or including by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.
(g)    “Juvenile court” means the circuit court for a county sitting as a juvenile court.
(h)    “Local department” means:
(1)    a local department of social services; or
(2)    in Montgomery County, the county department of health and human services.
(i)    “Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, or representative of any kind and any partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(j)    “State” means, except in Title 10, Subtitle 3 of this article:
(1)    a state, commonwealth, possession, or territory of the United States; or
(2)    the District of Columbia.
(k)    “Summons” includes a subpoena.
(l)    “Support” includes maintenance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Section 1-201 - Jurisdiction of Equity Court

(a)    For the purposes of subsection (b)(10) of this section, “child” means an unmarried individual under the age of 21 years.
(b)    An equity court has jurisdiction over:
(1)    adoption of a child, except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;
(2)    alimony;
(3)    annulment of a marriage;
(4)    divorce;
(5)    custody or guardianship of a child except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;
(6)    visitation of a child;
(7)    legitimation of a child;
(8)    paternity;
(9)    support of a child;
(10)    custody or guardianship of an immigrant child pursuant to a motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile factual findings requesting a determination that the child was abused, neglected, or abandoned before the age of 18 years for purposes of § 101(a)(27)(J) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act; and
(11)    a petition for  authorization for a minor to marry.
(c)    In exercising its jurisdiction over the custody, guardianship, visitation, or support of a child, an equity court may:
(1)    direct who shall have the custody or guardianship of a child, pendente lite or permanently;
(2)    determine who shall have visitation rights to a child;
(3)    decide who shall be charged with the support of the child, pendente lite or permanently;
(4)    from time to time, set aside or modify its decree or order concerning the child; or
(5)    issue an injunction to protect a party to the action from physical harm or harassment.
(d)    This section does not take away or impair the jurisdiction of a juvenile court or a criminal court with respect to the custody, guardianship, visitation, and support of a child.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Section 1-202 - Appointment of Counsel for Minor

(a)    In an action in which custody, visitation rights, or the amount of support of a minor child is contested, the court may:
(1)    (i)    appoint a lawyer who shall serve as a child advocate attorney to represent the minor child and who may not represent any party to the action; or
(ii)    appoint a lawyer who shall serve as a best interest attorney to represent the minor child and who may not represent any party to the action; and
(2)    impose counsel fees against one or more parties to the action.
(b)    A lawyer appointed under this section shall exercise ordinary care and diligence in the representation of a minor child.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Section 1-203 - Special Provisions of Alimony, Annulment, and Divorce

(a)    In an action for alimony, annulment, or divorce, an equity court:
(1)    has all the powers of a court of equity; and
(2)    may issue an injunction to protect any party to the action from physical harm or harassment.
(b)    Unless the court expressly provides otherwise, the filing of an action for an annulment, a limited divorce, or an absolute divorce does not constitute lis pendens with respect to any property of a party.
(c)    In an action for alimony, annulment, or divorce, a final decree may not be entered except on oral testimony by the plaintiff in a hearing before an examiner or a magistrate or in open court.
(d)    An equity court shall hear and determine a case for alimony in as full and ample a manner as a case for alimony could be heard and determined by the Ecclesiastical Courts of England.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 2-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Authorized official” means an individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony.
(c)    “Clerk” means a clerk of the circuit court for a county.
(d)    “License” means a license to marry issued in this State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 2 - Valid Marriages; Void Marriages › Section 2-202 - Marriages Within Certain Degrees of Relationship Void; Penalties

(a)    Any marriage performed in this State that is prohibited by this section is void.
(b)    (1)    An individual may not marry the individual’s:
(i)    grandparent;
(ii)    parent;
(iii)    child;
(iv)    sibling; or
(v)    grandchild.
(2)    An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $1,500.
(c)    (1)    An individual may not marry the individual’s:
(i)    grandparent’s spouse;
(ii)    spouse’s grandparent;
(iii)    parent’s sibling;
(iv)    stepparent;
(v)    spouse’s parent;
(vi)    spouse’s child;
(vii)    child’s spouse;
(viii)    grandchild’s spouse;
(ix)    spouse’s grandchild; or
(x)    sibling’s child.
(2)    An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 3 - Marriage of Certain Minors › Section 2-301 - Marriage of Individual 16 or 17 Years Old; Marriage of Individual Under the Age of 16 Years

(a)    An individual 17 years old may not marry unless:
(1)    (i)    the individual has the consent of each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the individual; or
(ii)    if the individual does not have the consent required under item (i) of this item, 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; and
(2)    the individual presents a certified copy of an order granting authorization to marry in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 2A of this article to the clerk of the circuit court not earlier than 15 days after the order was issued.
(b)    An individual under the age of 17 may not marry.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-401 - License Required; Penalty

(a)    An individual may not marry in this State without a license issued by the clerk for the county in which the marriage is performed.
(b)    Any individual who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $100.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-402 - Application for License

(a)    An applicant for a license may apply to the clerk only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to apply for a license, 1 of the parties to be married shall:
(1)    appear before the clerk and give, under oath, the following information, which shall be placed on an application form by the clerk:
(i)    the full name of each party;
(ii)    the place of residence of each party;
(iii)    the age of each party;
(iv)    whether the parties are related by blood or marriage and, if so, in which degree of relationship;
(v)    the marital status of each party; and
(vi)    whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage;
(2)    sign the application form; and
(3)    provide the clerk with:
(i)    the Social Security number of each party who has a Social Security number; and
(ii)    a copy of an official government–issued birth certificate or other official government–issued document or record demonstrating the age of each party.
(c)    The Social Security numbers of the parties:
(1)    shall be included in the electronic file for the marriage license application; and
(2)    except as provided in § 4–334 of the General Provisions Article, may not be disclosed as part of the public record of the marriage license application.
(d)    If the parties to be married are not residents of the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed, the clerk shall accept, instead of the application specified in subsection (b) of this section, an affidavit from 1 of the parties to be married. The affidavit shall:
(1)    contain the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and
(2)    be sworn to under oath before a clerk or other comparable official in the county, state, province, or country where the party resides.
(e)    Until a license becomes effective, a clerk may not disclose the fact that an application for a license has been made except to the parent or guardian of a party to be married.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-403 - Forms of License and Certificates

(a)    (1)    A license shall read substantially as follows:
“State of Maryland and County of ........... To any individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony. You are hereby authorized to join together in matrimony according to the rules and ceremonies of your church, society or religious sect and the laws of this State, or according to the laws of this State, the following individuals:
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party one)
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party two)
Given under my hand and seal of the Circuit Court for ………, this ……… day of
…………… (state here month and year).”
(2)    A license shall contain:
(i)    appropriate spaces in which the clerk shall enter:
1.    the relationship of the parties to be married, if any; and
2.    as to each party, the name, age, state or foreign country in which born, residence, and marital status (single, widowed, or divorced); and
(ii)    a statement that the license is valid only:
1.    for 6 months from the effective date and time stated on the license; and
2.    in the county in which it is issued.
(b)    (1)    Attached to a license shall be 2 certificate forms that:
(i)    read, “I hereby certify that on this ............ day of ............. (state here month and year), ........ (state here time), at .............. (state here location), in accordance with the license issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for ................. (state here jurisdiction), I united in marriage the following individuals:
(ii)    restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and
(iii)    provide a space for the signature of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony.
(2)    Attached to a license, in the case of a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, shall be 2 certificate forms that:
(i)    read, “We hereby certify that on this .......... day of ........... (state here month and year), ........ (state here time), at ........... (state here location), we, ............... (state here name of party one) and ............... (state here name of party two) were united in marriage in accordance with the ceremony of the Society of Friends and in accordance with the license issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for ........ (state here jurisdiction)”;
(ii)    restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and
(iii)    provide spaces for the signatures of the parties and the 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party one)
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party two)”;
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-404.1 - Premarital Preparation Course

(a)    (1)    A county may discount a marriage license fee under § 2-404(a) of this subtitle if the couple to be married has completed, within 1 year before the date of the application for the license, a premarital preparation course that meets the requirements specified in this section.
(2)    The amount of any discount shall be determined by the county governing body.
(b)    A premarital preparation course shall:
(1)    include instruction regarding:
(i)    conflict management;
(ii)    communication skills;
(iii)    financial responsibilities; and
(iv)    children and parenting responsibilities; and
(2)    consist of at least 4 hours of instruction.
(c)    A premarital preparation course may be conducted by:
(1)    a clinical professional counselor or a clinical marriage and family therapist licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3A of the Health Occupations Article;
(2)    a psychologist licensed under Title 18 of the Health Occupations Article;
(3)    a social worker licensed under Title 19 of the Health Occupations Article;
(4)    an official representative of a religious institution if the representative has relevant training; or
(5)    any other qualified provider approved by a county governing body.
(d)    (1)    A premarital preparation course provider shall register with the clerk by filing a written affidavit containing:
(i)    the provider’s name, address, and telephone number;
(ii)    a summary of the provider’s qualifications and training; and
(iii)    a statement that the provider shall comply with the course requirements specified in this section.
(2)    The clerk may establish a roster of area premarital preparation course providers, including those who offer the course on a sliding fee scale or for free.
(e)    (1)    A premarital preparation course provider shall provide to each couple who completes the course a certificate of completion that specifies:
(i)    the names of the couple;
(ii)    the name of the provider; and
(iii)    the date of completion of the course.
(2)    To receive a discounted marriage license fee under this section, an applicant for a license shall verify completion of a premarital preparation course by filing with the clerk a valid certificate of course completion issued in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(f)    Any cost for a premarital preparation course shall be paid by the applicant for a marriage license.
(g)    The discount authorized by this section may not be applied to any fee used to fund domestic violence programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-405 - Issuance of License

(a)    The clerk for the county in which a marriage ceremony is to be performed may issue and deliver a license at the time the application is made.
(b)    A license may be issued only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(c)    (1)    If either party to be married is known to be 17 years old, before issuing the license, the clerk shall obtain the required consent or the licensed physician’s certificate and the certified copy of an order granting authorization for a minor to marry before issuing the license.
(2)    (i)    The clerk’s record required under this title shall include:
1.    A.    the consent required by § 2–301 of this title, if written; or
B.    the fact that consent was given, if given and made in person; and
2.    a photocopy of the certified copy of the order granting authorization for a minor to marry required under § 2–301 of this title.
(ii)    The licensed physician’s certificate required by § 2–301 of this title may not be made a part of the clerk’s record.
(3)    After an individual has been issued a license in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, the clerk who issued the license shall seal the licensed physician’s certificate. Except on order of the court, the licensed physician’s certificate shall remain sealed.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a license is not effective until 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after the license is issued.
(2)    For good cause shown, a judge of the circuit court for the county in which the application is made may sign an authorization for a license to become effective at a time before the waiting period expires, as stated in the authorization, if 1 of the parties to be married is:
(i)    a resident of this State; or
(ii)    a member of the United States armed forces.
(e)    If, during the questioning of an applicant for a license, the clerk finds that there is a legal reason why the applicants should not be married, the clerk shall withhold the license unless ordered by the court to issue the license.
(f)    A license may be delivered personally or by mail to:
(1)    either of the parties to be married; or
(2)    any person authorized in writing by either of the parties to accept delivery.
(g)    (1)    The Maryland Department of Health shall provide to each clerk:
(i)    birth control information; and
(ii)    a list of the family planning clinics located in the county where the license is issued.
(2)    When the clerk issues a license, the clerk shall make the information and list available to each applicant for a license.
(h)    (1)    A clerk may not predate an application for a license.
(2)    A clerk who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject:
(i)    for a first offense, to a fine not exceeding $100; and
(ii)    for each subsequent offense, to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-406 - Performance of Ceremony

(a)    (1)    In this subsection, “judge” means:
(i)    a judge of the District Court, a circuit court, the Court of Special Appeals, or the Court of Appeals;
(ii)    a judge approved under Article IV, § 3A of the Maryland Constitution and § 1–302 of the Courts Article for recall and assignment to the District Court, a circuit court, the Court of Special Appeals, or the Court of Appeals;
(iii)    a judge of a United States District Court, a United States Court of Appeals, or the United States Tax Court; or
(iv)    a judge of a state court if the judge is active or retired but eligible for recall.
(2)    A marriage ceremony may be performed in this State by:
(i)    any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony;
(ii)    any clerk;
(iii)    any deputy clerk designated by the county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county; or
(iv)    a judge.
(b)    Within 6 months after a license becomes effective, any authorized official may perform the marriage ceremony of the individuals named in the license.
(c)    (1)    An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony unless the individual is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    An individual who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
(d)    (1)    An individual may not knowingly perform a marriage ceremony between individuals who are prohibited from marrying under § 2-202 of this title.
(2)    An individual who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
(e)    (1)    An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony without a license that is effective under this subtitle.
(2)    An individual who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
(f)    The county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county shall designate:
(1)    when and where the clerk or deputy clerk may perform a marriage ceremony; and
(2)    the form of the marriage ceremony to be recited by the clerk or deputy clerk and the parties being married.
(g)    This section does not affect the right of any religious denomination to perform a marriage ceremony in accordance with the rules and customs of the denomination.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-407 - False Statements

(a)    An individual may not knowingly make any material false statement to obtain or to help another individual to obtain a license or marriage ceremony in violation of this title or of any order of court under § 2-405 of this subtitle.
(b)    An individual who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of perjury.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-408 - Solicitation of Individuals Contemplating Marriage; Advertising in Solicitation of Marriages

(a)    An authorized official may not give or offer to give any reward to any person as an inducement to direct to the authorized official any individual who is contemplating marriage.
(b)    An authorized official who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for each offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance › Section 2-409 - Signing and Disposition of Marriage Certificates

(a)    Each marriage certificate shall contain:
(1)    the name, signature, and title of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony; or
(2)    if the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, the signatures of the individuals and the attestation of the certificate by 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
(b)    (1)    The authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony shall:
(i)    hand 1 marriage certificate to the individuals; and
(ii)    return, within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached, but if the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony dies or resigns, some other individual shall return the certificate.
(2)    If the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, they:
(i)    may keep 1 marriage certificate; and
(ii)    within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, shall return the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached.
(c)    If the marriage certificate is not returned within 6 months after the date on which the license becomes effective, the clerk who issued the license shall attempt to determine whether the marriage ceremony was performed and, if so, the name of the authorized official who performed the marriage ceremony.
(d)    (1)    An individual who performs a marriage ceremony or who is married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony may not violate the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) of this section.
(2)    An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine in an amount that the court considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 5 - Records › Section 2-501 - Marriage License Book

Each clerk shall keep in the clerk’s office a marriage license book or electronic record, which shall contain:
(1)    a complete record of each license issued;
(2)    a complete record of all matters the clerk is required to ascertain that relate to the rights of an individual to obtain a license;
(3)    in regular order, the items testified to by the applicants for a license as required under this title;
(4)    properly indexed, the name of each individual who intends to be married; and
(5)    the date each certificate was filed and the name of the authorized official who performed the ceremony.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 5 - Records › Section 2-502 - Foreign Marriage Record Book; Certificate of Records

(a)    In this section, “foreign marriage” means a marriage ceremony:
(1)    performed outside this State; and
(2)    in which 1 or both of the parties were or are citizens of this State.
(b)    Each clerk shall keep a foreign marriage record book in the clerk’s office. The clerk shall record a foreign marriage when presented with either:
(1)    a certificate of marriage signed by the individual who performed the marriage ceremony; or
(2)    an official certified copy of a marriage record.
(c)    On request, the clerk shall provide, under the seal of the court, certification of a foreign marriage in the same manner as the clerk issues certification of a marriage ceremony performed in this State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 5 - Records › Section 2-503 - Reports to Secretary of Health; Duplication of Records

(a)    At the intervals that the Secretary of Health sets, each clerk shall send to the Secretary:
(1)    a copy of the record of each marriage that the clerk licenses and records;
(2)    a report of each divorce that the court grants;
(3)    a report of each annulment of a marriage that the court:
(i)    grants; or
(ii)    effects by entering a conviction of bigamy or of marrying within any prohibited degree; and
(4)    a report of any change in a marriage, divorce, or annulment record, in which the clerk shall certify that the change is correct and conforms to the corresponding record of the clerk.
(b)    The report of a divorce or annulment or of a change in a marriage, divorce, or annulment record shall be made on the form that the Secretary of Health provides.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary of Health may make photostatic, photographic, or microphotographic copies of the original marriage records of a clerk.
(2)    The Secretary of Health may not remove any original marriage record from the custody of the clerk.
(3)    The Secretary of Health shall:
(i)    make the copies in a manner that does not interfere with the orderly transaction of business by the clerk; and
(ii)    bear the cost of making the copies.
(d)    The clerk may not receive any extra compensation for sending a report or record to the Secretary or for making records available to the Secretary.
(e)    A clerk who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $10 for each offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 2 - Marriage › Subtitle 5 - Records › Section 2-504 - Change of Name in Marriage Records -- New Record Requirements

(a)    (1)    On written request, made under penalty of perjury, of both parties to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall issue a new marriage record in accordance with this section if the clerk received satisfactory proof that a court of competent jurisdiction, regardless of location, has issued an order for a change of name for a party to the marriage.
(2)    On the presentation of a death certificate for a party to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection from the other party to the marriage.
(3)    On the presentation of an order of the court instructing a marriage record to be changed, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection without a written request of both parties.
(b)    (1)    A new marriage record issued under this section shall:
(i)    if the original marriage record designates the gender of the parties, including by using the terms “bride”, “groom”, “wife”, or “husband”, designate the parties using gender–neutral language; and
(ii)    if the name of a party to the marriage has been changed at any time, reflect the name that was most recently established and for which a certified order of change of name or other appropriate evidence has been submitted to the clerk.
(2)    A new marriage record issued under subsection (a) of this section may not:
(i)    be marked “amended”; or
(ii)    show on its face that a change has been made to:
1.    a name of a party; or
2.    if applicable, a gender designation.
(c)    (1)    If a new marriage record is issued, the clerk shall:
(i)    substitute the new electronic marriage record for the existing marriage record then on file; and
(ii)    report and transmit a copy of the new marriage record to the Secretary of Health in accordance with § 2–503 of this title.
(2)    After a marriage record is changed under this section, any certified copy of the marriage record that is issued shall be a copy of the new marriage record, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders the issuance of a copy of the original marriage record.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 3 - Breach of Promise to Marry and Alienation of Affections › Section 3-102 - Action for Breach of Promise to Marry

(a)    Unless the individual is pregnant, an individual:
(1)    has no cause of action for breach of promise to marry; and
(2)    may not bring an action for breach of promise to marry regardless of where the cause of action arose.
(b)    In an action for damages for breach of promise to marry, a judgment for the plaintiff may not be entered on the uncorroborated testimony of the plaintiff.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 3 - Breach of Promise to Marry and Alienation of Affections › Section 3-104 - Contracts Void; Exception

(a)    A contract for payment or settlement of a claim abolished or prohibited by this title is void and unenforceable.
(b)    A holder in due course may enforce a negotiable instrument for payment or settlement of a claim prohibited by this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-201 - Domicile

(a)    A spouse may have a domicile that is different from the domicile of the other spouse.
(b)    The domicile of each spouse shall be determined by the same factors used to determine the domicile of any individual who is capable of having an independent domicile.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-202 - Rights of Surviving Spouse

A surviving spouse who brings a personal action to recover in right of the deceased spouse shall allege:
(1)    specifically how the debt or right accrued to the deceased spouse; and
(2)    stating further that, by marriage, the debt or right devolved on the surviving spouse.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-203 - Right of Married Woman to Hold, Use, and Dispose of Property

(a)    A married woman, as if she were unmarried:
(1)    holds her property for her separate use; and
(2)    may dispose of her property independently.
(b)    (1)    A married woman may appoint by deed or may petition an equity court to appoint a trustee to hold, use, or dispose of the property on behalf of the married woman.
(2)    The court shall state in the appointment the powers of the trustee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-204 - Married Woman's Right to Deal as if Unmarried

A married woman may do any of the following, as if she were unmarried:
(1)    engage in a business;
(2)    make a contract with any person, including her husband, whether or not she is engaged in business;
(3)    bind herself and her assigns by a covenant running with or related to real property or chattels real deeded to her on or after March 19, 1867;
(4)    form a partnership with any person, including her husband;
(5)    sue on any contract, including a contract made with her husband;
(6)    sue for the recovery, security, or protection of her property;
(7)    sue for any tort committed against her; and
(8)    appoint counsel to represent her in an action brought under § 4–205(b) or (c) of this subtitle or § 4–301(b) of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-205 - Right to Deal With Married Woman as if Unmarried

(a)    A husband may sue his wife on a contract made with her, as if she were unmarried.
(b)    (1)    A third person may take any of the following actions with or against a married woman, as if the married woman were unmarried:
(i)    make a contract;
(ii)    sue on the contract, whether the contract was made before or during the woman’s marriage;
(iii)    sue for a tort, whether the woman committed the tort before or during her marriage; and
(iv)    execute on a judgment.
(2)    A third person may maintain an action at law or in equity against a married woman in her married name.
(c)    If the rent is in arrears under a lease entered into with a married woman for a definite term or a term of years renewable forever, then, as if the woman were unmarried, the landlord may levy on goods under distress.
(d)    (1)    A depositary that returns to a married woman money she deposited before or during her marriage is validly discharged from any obligation concerning the money by a receipt from the woman.
(2)    If the deposit was made in fraud of the husband’s creditors, a creditor of the husband may attach or, by injunction, restrain the payment of the money.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 2 - Spouses' and Third Persons' Rights › Section 4-206 - Effect on Third Person of Property Transfer From Husband to Wife

(a)    Whenever any interest or estate of any kind in any property, real, personal, or mixed, within this State, has been or is sold, conveyed, assigned, mortgaged, leased, transferred, or delivered by a husband, directly or indirectly, to his wife, and has been or subsequently is sold, conveyed, assigned, mortgaged, leased, transferred, or delivered by the wife and husband during their marriage, or by the wife after the marriage ends, or has been or subsequently is devised or bequeathed by the wife during the marriage or after the marriage ends, the fact of the previous sale, conveyance, assignment, mortgage, lease, or delivery by the husband, directly or indirectly to his wife, shall not be considered or taken at law or in equity to have given, preserved, or reserved, nor to give, preserve, or reserve to any present creditor of the husband, because of any debt, obligation, claim, or demand whatsoever, any other or greater right, lien, or cause of action against the interest or estate, or against any third person or the person’s heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, than the creditors would have had in case the interest or estate had been sold, conveyed, assigned, mortgaged, leased, transferred, delivered, devised, or bequeathed by the husband directly or indirectly to the third person.
(b)    The fact of the previous sale, conveyance, assignment, mortgage, lease, or delivery by the husband, directly or indirectly, to his wife, or the recital of it, in any instrument of writing, shall not be considered or taken at law or in equity to give or impart, nor to have given or imparted, notice to any third person or the person’s heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, of the existence or of the possibility or probability of the existence of any present creditor of the husband.