<section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-101" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Authorized official” means an individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Clerk” means a clerk of the circuit court for a county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“License” means a license to marry issued in this State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-201" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Valid Marriages; Void Marriages"> <level label="a"> <text>This section may not be construed to invalidate any other provision of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Only a marriage between two individuals who are not otherwise prohibited from marrying is valid in this State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-202" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Valid Marriages; Void Marriages"> <level label="a"> <text>Any marriage performed in this State that is prohibited by this section is void.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not marry the individual’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>grandparent;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>parent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>child;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>sibling; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>grandchild.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not marry the individual’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>grandparent’s spouse;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>spouse’s grandparent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>parent’s sibling;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>stepparent;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>spouse’s parent;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>spouse’s child;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>child’s spouse;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>grandchild’s spouse;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>spouse’s grandchild; or</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>sibling’s child.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-301" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Marriage of Certain Minors"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual 17 years old may not marry unless:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>the individual has the consent of each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual under the age of 17 may not marry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-302" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Marriage of Certain Minors"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250.</text> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-401" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may not marry in this State without a license issued by the clerk for the county in which the marriage is performed.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any individual who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $100.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-402" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license may apply to the clerk only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to apply for a license, one of the parties to be married shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>appear before the clerk and give, under oath, the following information, which shall be placed on an application form by the clerk:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the full legal name of each party;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the place of residence of each party;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date of birth of each party;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>whether the parties are related by blood or marriage and, if so, in which degree of relationship;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the marital status of each party; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sign the application form; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide the clerk with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Social Security number of each party who has a Social Security number; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a copy of an official government–issued birth certificate or other official government–issued document or record demonstrating the age of each party.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Social Security numbers of the parties:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be included in the electronic file for the marriage license application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>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 one of the parties to be married.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The affidavit required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>contain the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be sworn to under oath before a clerk or other comparable official in the county, state, province, or country where the party resides.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-403" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A license shall read substantially as follows:</text> <text>“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:</text> <text>………………………………………………</text> <text>(state here name of intended party one)</text> <text>………………………………………………</text> <text>(state here name of intended party two)</text> <text>Given under my hand and seal of the Circuit Court for ………, this ……… day of</text> <text>…………… (state here month and year).”</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A license shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appropriate spaces in which the clerk shall enter:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the relationship of the parties to be married, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>as to each party, the name, age, state or foreign country in which born, residence, and marital status (single, widowed, or divorced); and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a statement that the license is valid only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for 6 months from the effective date and time stated on the license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in the county in which it is issued.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Attached to a license shall be 2 certificate forms that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>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:</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>provide a space for the signature of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Attached to a license, in the case of a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, shall be 2 certificate forms that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>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)”;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>provide spaces for the signatures of the parties and the 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.</text> <text>………………………………………………</text> <text>(state here name of intended party one)</text> <text>………………………………………………</text> <text>(state here name of intended party two)”;</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-404" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The fee for a license is $10.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The clerk shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>retain $5 of the fee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay $5 of the fee into the general fund of the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A party to be married may obtain a replacement for a valid marriage license while the license is valid.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The fee for a replacement license is $10, payable into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any county or group of 2 or more counties may set an additional fee of up to $25 for each license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In Anne Arundel County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Council may set by ordinance an additional fee of up to $45 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the general fund of the county each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the County Council shall distribute the proceeds to promote or fund domestic violence programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In Baltimore City:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Mayor and City Council shall set by resolution an additional fee of up to $75 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Mayor and City Council each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs that have 24–hour intake ability.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In Baltimore County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in addition to the fee authorized under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $15 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>In Calvert County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $55 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Calvert County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>In Cecil County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners shall set an additional fee of $20 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Treasurer each month;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds in addition to designated federal funds and county funds shall be given to the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board to be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board shall prepare and make available to the Board of County Commissioners an annual report on or before December 1 of each year of the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>In Charles County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $35 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs located in Charles County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>In Frederick County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee, in an amount not to exceed $65, for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>In Garrett County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $40 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs in Garrett County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>In Harford County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $40 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>retain 3% of the proceeds from the additional fee for processing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay $5 of the proceeds from each license to the Harford County Sexual Assault/Spousal Abuse Resource Center, Inc.; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pay the remaining proceeds to the Treasurer of Harford County each month;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the county:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall use the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may make in-kind contributions to battered spouse and domestic violence programs; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>In Howard County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $50 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>In Montgomery County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $45 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>In Prince George’s County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $60 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county, who shall distribute the proceeds to the Community Crisis Services, Inc., each month;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if the Community Crisis Services, Inc., changes its name or objectives or ceases to exist, the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>In Washington County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $50 for each license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Washington County.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-404.1" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of any discount shall be determined by the county governing body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A premarital preparation course shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>include instruction regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>conflict management;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>communication skills;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>financial responsibilities; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>children and parenting responsibilities; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>consist of at least 4 hours of instruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A premarital preparation course may be conducted by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a clinical professional counselor or a clinical marriage and family therapist licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3A of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a psychologist licensed under Title 18 of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a social worker licensed under Title 19 of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an official representative of a religious institution if the representative has relevant training; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other qualified provider approved by a county governing body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A premarital preparation course provider shall register with the clerk by filing a written affidavit containing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the provider’s name, address, and telephone number;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a summary of the provider’s qualifications and training; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a statement that the provider shall comply with the course requirements specified in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A premarital preparation course provider shall provide to each couple who completes the course a certificate of completion that specifies:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the names of the couple;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the name of the provider; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date of completion of the course.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any cost for a premarital preparation course shall be paid by the applicant for a marriage license.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The discount authorized by this section may not be applied to any fee used to fund domestic violence programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-405" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A license may be issued only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The clerk’s record required under this title shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="A"> <text>the consent required by § 2–301 of this title, if written; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>the fact that consent was given, if given and made in person; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a photocopy of the certified copy of the order granting authorization for a minor to marry required under § 2–301 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The licensed physician’s certificate required by § 2–301 of this title may not be made a part of the clerk’s record.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a resident of this State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a service member.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A license may be delivered personally or by mail to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>either of the parties to be married; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any person authorized in writing by either of the parties to accept delivery.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health shall provide to each clerk:</text> <level label="i"> <text>birth control information; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a list of the family planning clinics located in the county where the license is issued.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the clerk issues a license, the clerk shall make the information and list available to each applicant for a license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>A clerk may not predate an application for a license.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A clerk who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a first offense, to a fine not exceeding $100; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for each subsequent offense, to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-406" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “judge” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a judge of the District Court, a circuit court, the Appellate Court of Maryland, or the Supreme Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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 Appellate Court of Maryland, or the Supreme Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a judge of a United States District Court, a United States Court of Appeals, or the United States Tax Court; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a judge of a state court if the judge is active or retired but eligible for recall.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A marriage ceremony may be performed in this State by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any clerk;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any deputy clerk designated by the clerk of the circuit court for the county; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a judge.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 6 months after a license becomes effective, any authorized official may perform the marriage ceremony of the individuals named in the license.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony unless the individual is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not knowingly perform a marriage ceremony between individuals who are prohibited from marrying under § 2-202 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony without a license that is effective under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county shall designate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>when and where the clerk or deputy clerk may perform a marriage ceremony; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the form of the marriage ceremony to be recited by the clerk or deputy clerk and the parties being married.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-407" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of perjury.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-408" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-409" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <text>Each marriage certificate shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name, signature, and title of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hand 1 marriage certificate to the individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, they:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may keep 1 marriage certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-410" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Licensing and Performance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in this subsection, a judge, clerk, or deputy clerk may not receive any fee, remuneration, or gift for performing a marriage ceremony.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>A Maryland judge’s fee for performing a marriage ceremony is a nonrefundable fee, payable to the clerk before a marriage license is issued, in the amount of $30 in Cecil County and $25 in any other county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The clerk’s or deputy clerk’s fee for performing a marriage ceremony is $30 in Cecil County and $25 in any other county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (10) of this subsection, each month the clerk shall pay $10 of each fee collected under this section into the general fund of the county.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the clerk shall retain the remainder of each fee and deposit and disburse it in the same manner as other fees collected by the clerk.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In Allegany County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay, quarterly, $2 of each fee to the Allegany County Historical Society.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>In Anne Arundel County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $4 of each fee to the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc. shall report annually to the Anne Arundel County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds transferred from the Anne Arundel County Committee of the Historical Trust.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Anne Arundel County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>In Baltimore County, the clerk shall pay the entire $25 fee to the Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc. shall report annually to the Baltimore County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds collected before July 1, 1987.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Baltimore County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In Cecil County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>of the funds remaining after the payment into the general fund of the county under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the clerk shall pay:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$5 of each fee to the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$5 of each fee to the Historical Society of Cecil County;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Historical Society of Cecil County shall report annually to the Cecil County Commissioners on the use of the funds received under this section;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated shall report annually to the Cecil County Commissioners and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds transferred from the Cecil County Committee of the Maryland Historical Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Cecil County Commissioners or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>In Garrett County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $5 of each fee to the Garrett County Historical Society.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>In Montgomery County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2 of each fee to the Montgomery County Historical Society, Incorporated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$3 of each fee into the fund for the enhancement and beautification of the Montgomery County Courthouse and facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>In Prince George’s County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $3 of each fee to Prince George’s Heritage, Inc.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prince George’s Heritage, Inc. shall report annually to the Prince George’s County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds collected before July 1, 1987.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Prince George’s County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of Prince George’s Heritage, Inc.</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>In Harford County, from the $25 fee for performing a marriage ceremony, the clerk shall pay $20 of each fee to the Historical Society of Harford County, Inc.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <level label="i"> <text>In Washington County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $10 of each fee to the Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated, shall report annually to the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <level label="i"> <text>In Frederick County, the clerk shall pay the remaining $15 to Heritage Frederick.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Heritage Frederick shall report annually to the Frederick County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Frederick County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of Heritage Frederick.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A clerk or deputy clerk may not violate any provision of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A clerk or deputy clerk who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of neglect of duty and on conviction is subject to removal from office.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-501" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Records"> <text>Each clerk shall keep in the clerk’s office a marriage license book or electronic record, which shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a complete record of each license issued;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a complete record of all matters the clerk is required to ascertain that relate to the rights of an individual to obtain a license;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>in regular order, the items testified to by the applicants for a license as required under this title;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>properly indexed, the name of each individual who intends to be married; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the date each certificate was filed and the name of the authorized official who performed the ceremony.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-502" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Records"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “foreign marriage” means a marriage ceremony:</text> <level label="1"> <text>performed outside this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in which 1 or both of the parties were or are citizens of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a certificate of marriage signed by the individual who performed the marriage ceremony; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an official certified copy of a marriage record.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-503" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Records"> <level label="a"> <text>At the intervals that the Secretary of Health sets, each clerk shall send to the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a copy of the record of each marriage that the clerk licenses and records;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a report of each divorce that the court grants;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a report of each annulment of a marriage that the court:</text> <level label="i"> <text>grants; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>effects by entering a conviction of bigamy or of marrying within any prohibited degree; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Health may make photostatic, photographic, or microphotographic copies of the original marriage records of a clerk.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Health may not remove any original marriage record from the custody of the clerk.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Health shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>make the copies in a manner that does not interfere with the orderly transaction of business by the clerk; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>bear the cost of making the copies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="2-504" title_number="2" title_name="Marriage" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Records"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A new marriage record issued under this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A new marriage record issued under subsection (a) of this section may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be marked “amended”; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>show on its face that a change has been made to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a name of a party; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if applicable, a gender designation.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If a new marriage record is issued, the clerk shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>substitute the new electronic marriage record for the existing marriage record then on file; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>report and transmit a copy of the new marriage record to the Secretary of Health in accordance with § 2–503 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> </section>