Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

I own a house in Berlin, Maryland. For the last 10 years, I have allowed my ex-girlfriend, her daughter and grandson to live in my home rent free. All of the utilities are in my name. Now I want her to vacate the premises and she refuses, saying she has "rights". We were not married and I have let her and her family live in my house out of the goodness of my heart. Does Maryland recognize common law marriage? Does she have a right to be there? I think it's cause for a wrongful detainer. What can I do to get her out of my house and off of my property?


Asked on 7/15/15, 2:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

There is no common law marriage in MD, and thus your girlfriend has no legal right to stay in your house. File a wrongful detainer action and you should be able to get an eviction order. If she's smart and wants to avoid having her belongings put on the street with no place to go, she'll start looking for a place to move to.

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Answered on 7/15/15, 2:37 pm


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