10                                 LAWS OF MARYLAND                          [CH. 3

Part 2—Determining Relationship.
1 -201. Application of rules.

In the absence of express language to the contrary, the rules of
construction contained in this Part shall be applied in construing
all provisions of this Article and the terms of a will.

1-202. Spouse—termination of relationship.

(a)    Generally. A person who is validly divorced a vinculo
matrimonii from the decedent or whose marriage to the decedent
has been validly annulled is not a surviving spouse.

(b)    Termination as to one party. A surviving spouse does not
include:

(1)    a person who has voluntarily appeared in a proceeding in
which an a vinculo matrimonii divorce as between the decedent and
the survivor, or an annulment of their marriage, was obtained even
though not recognized as valid in this State, unless they have sub-
sequently married each other;

(2)    a person who, by participating in a marriage ceremony with
a third person, has acknowledged as valid a decree or judgment of
divorce or annulment obtained by the decedent;

(S) a person who has been convicted of bigamy while married
to the decedent.

1-203. Degree of relationship—generally.

Degrees of relationship shall be reckoned according to the method
of the civil law, namely, by beginning with either of the persons in
question, ascending to the common ancestor, and then descending
to the other person, counting one degree for each step both ascending
and descending.

1-204. Degree of relationship—relative of half blood.

A relative of the half blood shall be deemed to be, and shall have
the same status as a relative of the whole blood of the same degree.

1-205. Child—generally.

A child includes a legitimate child, an adopted child, and an
illegitimate child to the extent provided in the following sections.
Child does not include a stepchild, a foster child, or a grandchild or
more remote descendant.

1-206. Child—legitimate.

(a)    Born during marriage. Except as provided in Section 1-207,
a child born at any time after his parents have participated in a
marriage ceremony with each other and are living together, even if
the marriage is invalid, shall be treated as the child of both parents.
A child born or conceived during a marriage is presumed to be the
legitimate child of both spouses.

(b)    Artificial insemination. Any child conceived by artificial
insemination of a married woman with the consent of her husband
shall be treated as the child of both of them for all purposes. Consent
of the husband is presumed.