Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support, are governed by Maryland statutes like Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. Our firm provides full representation for mutual consent divorces with no separation period, contested custody hearings, and complex equitable distribution cases. By appointment only.
Maryland Family Law Statutes
Maryland family law is primarily codified in the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code. Key statutes include Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 for divorce grounds, § 8-205 for alimony, § 12-202 for child support guidelines, and § 9-101 for custody based on the child’s best interests. Maryland is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
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, procedures, and local rules, 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 clerk’s office.
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure proper service of process is completed, either by sheriff or private process server, as required by Maryland rules.
- Attend Mandatory Parenting Seminar: If your case involves minor children, complete the court-ordered parenting education program.
- Participate in Mediation: For custody disputes, attend court-ordered mediation to attempt to reach an agreement.
- Prepare for Hearings: Gather all financial documents and evidence for pendente lite (temporary) and final hearings.
- Final Decree: Attend the final hearing and obtain the judge’s signed decree, which resolves all issues.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Montgomery County, family law cases can result in mutual consent divorce with no separation period, equitable distribution of marital assets, alimony based on statutory factors, and child support calculated via the Maryland guidelines worksheet.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Mutual Consent or 6-Month Separation | Dissolution of Marriage | Filing Fees: $165+ | Parenting seminar required if children involved. |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Division of Marital Assets & Debts | Varies by estate value | Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance) is excluded. |
| Alimony | Rehabilitative or Indefinite | Monthly Support Payments | Based on need & ability to pay | Factors include duration of marriage, standard of living. |
| Child Support | Maryland Guidelines | Monthly Payment Amount | Based on combined income | Considers health insurance, childcare costs, parenting time. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & Physical Custody Arrangement | Mediation/Custody Eval: $100-$10,000+ | No presumption for either parent; child’s preference considered. |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are potential legal resolutions based on Maryland law and are not a aim for of any specific result in your case.
Our Firm’s Background in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results, our team handles the details of Maryland family law. Our founding attorney has a background in accounting and information systems, which provides an advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation and asset division.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate for our clients in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Montgomery County
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We are a family law lawyer near Montgomery County and the Rockville Town Square area.
We serve clients in 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.
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 divorce?
Maryland is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property (assets and debts acquired during the marriage) is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, by the court. Separate property, such as assets owned before marriage or received by inheritance or gift, is typically excluded from division.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also assist clients in nearby areas including Prince George’s County and Howard County.
If you are facing other legal issues in Montgomery County, our firm handles criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Learn more about our Maryland attorneys.
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.