Contested Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County, Maryland
A contested divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which allows for absolute divorce after a 6-month separation or mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Contested Divorce Under Maryland Law
In Maryland, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, or child support. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, the court may grant an absolute divorce on grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion (12 months), or voluntary separation (6 months without cohabitation). Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally. Separate property, such as assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance, is excluded from division. The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Official Maryland Statutes and Court Resources
For the complete statutory framework governing divorce in Maryland, refer to the following official government sources:
Insider Perspective on Prince George’s County Divorce Proceedings
In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division), judges routinely expect parties to have completed financial disclosure and mediation before scheduling a contested hearing. We have observed that cases involving custody disputes often require a mandatory parenting seminar, and failure to attend can delay proceedings.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division).
- Serve the Complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders on support and custody.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and document exchange.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation for custody or property disputes.
- Attend a settlement conference or trial to resolve contested issues.
Legal Standards and Outcomes in Prince George’s County Divorce
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, a contested divorce carries legal standards under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, including mutual consent divorce with no separation period or absolute divorce after 6-month separation.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Court | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No separation period required | 2-3 months from filing | $165 filing fee + attorney fees | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) | Both parties must agree; no minor children or written agreement required |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | 6 months voluntary separation without cohabitation | 3-4 months from filing | $165 filing fee + attorney fees | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) | Must prove separation and no reasonable expectation of reconciliation |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution of marital property | 6-18 months | $165 filing fee + discovery, mediation, trial costs | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) | Includes custody evaluations, property appraisals, and pension analysis |
| Child Support | Maryland guidelines (income shares model) | Varies | Based on combined income | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Considers health insurance, childcare, and parenting time |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Contested Divorce
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has extensive experience handling contested divorce cases in Prince George’s County, including complex issues such as business valuation, stock options, and international assets. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce, demonstrating deep familiarity with family law principles that apply similarly in Maryland.
Your Legal Team
Proven Results in Maryland Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County and across Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Prince George’s County family law matters are not listed here, the firm’s track record demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 25 miles from the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, with access via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4.
Contested divorce lawyer near Prince George’s County.
Serving the communities of Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Prince George’s County
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 Prince George’s County Circuit Court. 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+. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have no minor children or a written agreement.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Uncontested divorce in Maryland involves filing fees at Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) plus attorney fees — typically a flat fee or limited hourly. Contested divorce scales with complexity: custody evaluations, property appraisals, pension analysis, and trial preparation all affect fees. High-asset cases involving business valuation, stock options, or international assets require substantial retainers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. discusses fee structure at initial consultation — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
Costs vary widely; contested divorce can range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on complexity and trial needs.
How is child support calculated in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Child support is calculated using Maryland’s income shares model based on combined parental income and number of children.
How does custody work in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the experienced 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Maryland courts decide custody based on the experienced interests of the child, considering factors like stability, fitness, and the child’s preference.
Related Resources
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-28
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
By appointment only.