In Montgomery County, Maryland offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8); Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County can explain your options for dissolution of marriage.
Maryland family law governs divorce through the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code. The primary statute for grounds is Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which lists fault-based grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion) and no-fault grounds (mutual consent with no separation, or 6-month separation for absolute divorce). Equitable distribution of marital property follows § 8-205, and child support uses the income shares model under § 12-202. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Montgomery County can help you understand how these statutes apply to your specific situation. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland’s divorce statutes, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period required — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Montgomery County Circuit Court (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850) with the $165 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons — sheriff service costs $40, private process server $50-$100.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in mediation for custody or property disputes if ordered by the court.
- Complete financial disclosure and attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support/custody if needed.
- Finalize the divorce through mutual consent (2-3 months) or after 6-month separation (3-4 months from filing).
In Montgomery County, divorce outcomes depend on grounds, agreement between parties, and court determinations on property, support, and custody.
| Issue | Standard | Timeline | Court | Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No separation required | 2-3 months | Circuit Court | $165 filing fee | Written agreement on all issues |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | 6-month separation | 3-4 months from filing | Circuit Court | $165 filing fee | Proof of separation |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 6-18 months | Circuit Court | $165 + discovery costs | Mediation often ordered |
| Child Support | Income shares guidelines | 30-60 days for temporary | Circuit/District Court | Varies | Health insurance, childcare costs |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave).
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County near you? We serve clients near Rockville Town Square, Bethesda Row, NIH, Walter Reed, and the Montgomery County Government Center.
We serve the communities of 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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce?
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, 6-month separation is required.
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+.
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.
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. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes.
What is the difference between mutual consent divorce and absolute divorce in Maryland?
Mutual consent divorce requires no separation period if both parties agree on all issues. Absolute divorce requires 6-month separation. Mutual consent is faster (2-3 months) while absolute divorce takes 3-4 months from filing after separation.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.