§ 5–2A-02

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-2A-02 (2026)

Title 5. Children

Subtitle 2A. Authorization for a Minor to Marry

On the filing of a petition for authorization to marry, a court shall:

(1)

appoint a lawyer with family law experience to represent the petitioner;

(2)

set an evidentiary hearing on the petition;

(3)

provide the minor with the following:

(i)

information on the rights and responsibilities of:

(1)

a minor granted authorization to marry under this subtitle, including the right to divorce; and

(2)

parties to a marriage;

(ii)

referral information for legal aid agencies;

(iii)

information on State and national hotlines for child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; and

(iv)

information related to impacts and outcomes of child marriage in the United States; and

(4)

notify each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian whom the court is able to locate of their right to support or oppose the petition.