Tshiani v. Tshiani

In 2010, Wife filed an amended complaint for divorce, alleging that she and Husband were married in 1993 in a civil ceremony in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At a merits trial, Husband contested the divorce on the premise that he and Wife were never legally married. The circuit court found that a valid marriage between the parties took place even though Husband was not physically present at the wedding ceremony because he participated in the ceremony by telephone. The court then entered a judgment of absolute divorce in Wife's favor. The court of special appeals affirmed the circuit court's judgment that the marriage between the parties was valid. The Court of Appeals affirmed, holding that, under the principles of comity, Maryland recognizes wedding ceremonies where the groom participated only by telephone. View "Tshiani v. Tshiani" on Justia Law