Legally Married or not???

[Suz]

So, a couple gets a marriage license in St. Mary's county. They get married within the time frame of the license in a church.

They have 5 days from their wedding day to file the appropriate paperwork with the clerk of the circuit court.

Two and a half years later, they still haven't filed the paperwork.

Are they legally married in the eyes of the law?????

 

[Suz]

This isn't specific, but it looks to me like they have up to 6 months to file once license is issued:

Maryland

MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION

General Information for All Maryland Counties

Legal Age for Marriage is 18 years old. Under 18 needs parental consent.
Residency is not required for bride or groom.
Either bride or groom may apply for the license.
Couple must marry within the county they register.
If previously married you need a certificate of divorce or death.
There is a two day waiting period to receive your license and it remains valid for up to 6 months.
Fees can range from $50 to $75 and only certain counties will accept credit cards and/or checks.

Maryland Wedding Guide - Maryland Marriage Laws

If you don't file how could you be legally married in the eyes of the state?

no no no Kwillia. They did all that. But never turned in the completed and signed by the pastor part of the license itself. So the state has no record of the marriage if you will..... but tks!!!

 

[RPMDAD]

So, a couple gets a marriage license in St. Mary's county. They get married within the time frame of the license in a church.

They have 5 days from their wedding day to file the appropriate paperwork with the clerk of the circuit court.

Two and a half years later, they still haven't filed the paperwork.

Are they legally married in the eyes of the law?????

I got the license, married in the time frame, but i don't remember turning anything in to the court after the wedding. That was 24 years ago, does that mean i have really been single all these years???? Wait till the evil wife unit hears about this

 

[Homer J]

Wirelessly posted

Do they still like each other? Might be an easy way out.

 

[acommondisaster]

I got the license, married in the time frame, but i don't remember turning anything in to the court after the wedding. That was 24 years ago, does that mean i have really been single all these years???? Wait till the evil wife unit hears about this

More than likely it was done for you.

 

[kwillia]

I got the license, married in the time frame, but i don't remember turning anything in to the court after the wedding. That was 24 years ago, does that mean i have really been single all these years???? Wait till the evil wife unit hears about this

More than likely it was done for you.

Now that you mention it... I just remember high-tailing it out there after our reception and heading off for our honeymoon... I don't remember turning anything in either... Oh lordy! 20 years ago.... I think my 6 months has more than expired...

 

[Tilted]

So, a couple gets a marriage license in St. Mary's county. They get married within the time frame of the license in a church.

They have 5 days from their wedding day to file the appropriate paperwork with the clerk of the circuit court.

Two and a half years later, they still haven't filed the paperwork.

Are they legally married in the eyes of the law?????

Yes. An officiant can't un-marry a couple simply by failing to return the marriage certificate to the clerk within the appropriate time frame.

If the certificate isn't returned to the clerk within 6 months, they're actually supposed to try to figure out what happened (i.e. whether the marriage happened). Is the couple sure the officiant never returned the other certificate to the clerk?

 

[pearlie369]

The official that did our wedding turned our paperwork in... I think.

 

[Aerogal]

We got married in a court house - I'm pretty sure we're good.

Why ask a lawyer - call the county clerk's office.

 

[belvak]

It'll be 29 years ago on July 17th, but if I remember correctly, we got a copy of the marriage certificate from the priest after the ceremony, but he mailed/filed the official paperwork with the county for us. If it should turn out that we aren't really married, maybe we will do it officially next year on our 30th anniversary!!

 

[drivingdaisy]

Since I am getting married in August this is a good post, now I have a new question for the priest.

 

[SA475]

Yes, legally married I believe.

 

[FromTexas]

Since I am getting married in August this is a good post, now I have a new question for the priest.

Will he hold off on sending the certificate for 6 months so you can have a trial period?

 

[drivingdaisy]

I don't belive the catholic church believes in trial periods

 

[DaisyDuke]

I don't belive the catholic church believes in trial periods

They should.

 

[drivingdaisy]

They should.

That would just be silly. Anyone cane make themselves have a "trial period" if they want. I've had my "trial period" for 7 years now.

 

[h3mech]

we also got married at the court house so i think it was turned in

 

[SoMDGirl42]

So, a couple gets a marriage license in St. Mary's county. They get married within the time frame of the license in a church.

They have 5 days from their wedding day to file the appropriate paperwork with the clerk of the circuit court.

Two and a half years later, they still haven't filed the paperwork.

Are they legally married in the eyes of the law?????

Did they receive a letter from the clerk of the court inquiring about the status of their marriage license? I got a marriage license and bumped my head on a smart rock and never got married to the loser. I can't remember if it was 6 months or 1 year later I received a letter from the clerk of the court stating I had so many days to file the marriage license for it to become legal. I laughed and thew the letter in the trash. I still have the marriage licence. It's a reminder to stay smart and not waste my money on a license again unless I KNOW for sure it's the right thing to do.