Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland
In Montgomery County, divorce and family law matters are governed by Maryland statutes including Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support. You can pursue a mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree. Our Maryland location serves clients by appointment only.
Maryland’s mutual consent divorce option is one of the fastest paths to dissolution, requiring no waiting period when both spouses agree on all terms.
Maryland Family Law Statutes
Maryland family law is codified in the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code. Key statutes include Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 for grounds for divorce, § 8-205 for alimony, and § 12-202 for child support guidelines. The state follows equitable distribution principles for dividing marital property.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s family law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court forms and procedures specific to Montgomery County, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County website (courts.state.md.us).
Montgomery County Family Court Process
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. The court also handles contested custody, though initial filings may be in District Court for standalone custody or support cases.
- Initial Filing: File your complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The filing fee is $165.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the other party served with the complaint, either by sheriff ($40) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend Parenting Seminar: If your case involves minor children, complete the mandatory parenting seminar (approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in Mediation: For custody disputes, the court will likely order mediation ($100-$350/hour) before a hearing.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial documents and negotiate a settlement on property division, alimony, and support.
- Final Hearing or Settlement: Attend a final hearing before a judge or submit a written settlement agreement for the court’s approval.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Montgomery County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: mutual consent divorce is available with no separation period if both parties agree; absolute divorce requires a 6-month separation; and equitable distribution governs marital property division.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Mutual Consent or 6-Month Separation | Dissolution of Marriage | Filing Fee: $165 |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair Division of Marital Assets | Separate Property Excluded |
| Alimony | Rehabilitative or Indefinite | Financial Support Based on Need/Ability | Statutory Factors Apply |
| Child Support | Maryland Guidelines | Income Shares Worksheet | Considers Health Insurance, Childcare |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & Physical Custody Orders | No Presumption for Either Parent |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases in Montgomery County. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Maryland’s equitable distribution and child support laws.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful negotiations for mutual consent divorces, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Rockville, Maryland location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). As a family law lawyer near Montgomery County, we serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require separation before divorce?
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with NO separation period — both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, 6-month separation is required. Filed at Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Circuit Court divorce filing fee: $165; service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100); certified copies: $20 each; parenting seminar fee: approximately $50-$100; mediation: $100-$350/hour; custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ Maryland’s mutual consent option is one of the fastest and most affordable paths to divorce in the region — no separation wait, 2-3 months from filing.
How is child support calculated in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Maryland child support uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents (Family Law Art. § 12-202). The formula considers number of children, health insurance, childcare, and parenting time. Cases heard at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
How does custody work in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Cases heard at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
What is equitable distribution in Maryland?
Maryland is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly, considering factors like each spouse’s contribution, length of marriage, and economic circumstances. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gift) is excluded.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Montgomery County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our team on the attorney profile page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.