Is it true common law marriage doesn't exist in MD?

[isis297]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MD

My aunt's boyfriend of 40 years or so is in the hospital on life support. His brother is refusing to let my aunt and cousin see him. I had hoped common law marriage would come into play and affect things, but it appears from my research it isn't recognized in MD. Is that true? Do they have any recourse at all? According to other family of his, they are mortified he is doing this, but I guess have no say.

Thanks.

 

[TheGeekess]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MD

My aunt's boyfriend of 40 years or so is in the hospital on life support. His brother is refusing to let my aunt and cousin see him. I had hoped common law marriage would come into play and affect things, but it appears from my research it isn't recognized in MD. Is that true? Do they have any recourse at all? According to other family of his, they are mortified he is doing this, but I guess have no say.

Thanks.

No, you cannot create a common law marriage in Maryland.

 

[Zigner]

http://bfy.tw/4HFG

 

[cbg]

There are far more states that do not recognize common law marriages than that do, and even of the ones that do, many of them have restrictions. There is no such thing as a common law marriage in Maryland - that is true.

 

[ecmst12]

If your cousin is the boyfriend's child, then he is the legal next of kin, NOT the brother.

 

[isis297]

She isn't. He's been like her dad since she was 5...about 40 years.

Are there any other avenues my aunt can take? He's most likely going to die and my aunt and cousin aren't being given the chance to say good-bye to him, much less make any decisions as to his care.