Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County, Maryland
Maryland law provides several grounds for a fault based divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. These include adultery, cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct, desertion (12 months), and voluntary separation (6 months with consent). Unlike mutual consent divorce, a fault based divorce does not require a separation period if you can prove the fault ground. The court considers the evidence presented and may grant a divorce based on the proven fault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to help you handle these complex proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) | Maryland General Assembly
For official Maryland family law statutes, visit: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov).
In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, judges frequently scrutinize fault-based divorce claims for corroborating evidence. We have observed that courts require more than just testimony to prove adultery or cruelty.
- Identify the specific fault ground that applies to your situation.
- Gather corroborating evidence such as emails, photos, or witness statements.
- File a complaint at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division).
- Serve the respondent with the divorce papers.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary orders.
- Proceed to trial or settlement on the fault ground.
In Prince George’s County, a fault based divorce carries no criminal penalties but affects property division, alimony, and custody outcomes.
| Fault Ground | Classification | Separation Required | Impact on Property | Impact on Alimony | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault Ground | None | May affect equitable distribution | May bar alimony | Requires corroboration |
| Cruelty | Fault Ground | None | May affect equitable distribution | May affect alimony | Requires evidence of physical or mental abuse |
| Desertion | Fault Ground | 12 months | May affect equitable distribution | May affect alimony | Must prove willful abandonment |
Results may vary.
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%. Our team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), who dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. We provide strategic guidance for fault based divorce cases in Prince George’s County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience handling fault based divorce cases in Prince George’s County, with firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, with access via I-495 and I-95. We serve 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Based 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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the fault grounds for divorce in Maryland?
Maryland recognizes several fault grounds for divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, including adultery, cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct, and desertion (12 months). A fault grounds for divorce lawyer Prince George’s County can help you prove these grounds in court. An at-fault divorce lawyer Prince George’s County can also assist with defending against fault claims.
Learn more about our services: Divorce Lawyer Maryland (state hub). Explore related pages: Divorce Lawyer Howard County and Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County.
Page last updated: 2026-04-29