Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland
Maryland Family Law Statutes
Maryland family law is governed by statutes including Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce), § 8-205 (alimony), § 12-202 (child support guidelines), and § 9-101 (custody: best interests). The state is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors, not necessarily equally. A key feature is the mutual consent divorce, which requires no separation period if both parties agree and have a written settlement.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly Statutes
Official Legal Resources
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 Absolute Divorce, Limited Divorce, or related family matter at the Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the $165 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Arrange for service of process by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office ($40) or a private process server ($50-$100) to deliver the summons and complaint.
- Attend Mandatory Parenting Seminar: If your case involves minor children, complete the court-ordered parenting education program (approximately $50-$100) and file the certificate of completion.
- Participate in Discovery & Mediation: Exchange financial disclosures and other required information. The court may order mediation ($100-$350/hour) for custody or property disputes.
- Attend Hearings & Trial: Appear for scheduled hearings, including pendente lite (temporary) hearings for support, and the final trial if the case is contested.
Family Law Penalties & Procedures in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes: mutual consent divorce is available with no separation period; absolute divorce after 6-month separation; equitable distribution of marital property; and child support calculated by Maryland guidelines.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-Fault | 2-3 months | $165 | No separation required; written agreement needed |
| Absolute Divorce (Separation) | No-Fault | 3-4 months after 6-month separation | $165 | 6-month separation period required |
| Contested Divorce | Litigated | 6-18 months | $165+ | May involve custody evaluation ($3,000-$10,000+) |
| Child Support Establishment | Administrative/Judicial | 30-60 days | Varies | Based on Maryland guidelines income shares worksheet |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Experience
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 every case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law in Montgomery County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative experience relevant to complex property division cases.
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. These results include divorces, custody modifications, child support establishments, and equitable distribution matters handled at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
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.
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850).
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 a Maryland divorce?
Maryland is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally, based on factors like contributions, length of marriage, and economic circumstances. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gift) is excluded.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Maryland family law.
- Prince George’s County Family Law Lawyer – Serving neighboring Prince George’s County.
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Montgomery County.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.