In St. Mary’s County, a limited divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 allows legal separation without ending the marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Limited Divorce Lawyer St Marys County can help you understand your rights and options.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, a limited divorce (also called a legal separation) is a court order that addresses spousal support, child custody, child support, and property use while the marriage remains legally intact. Unlike an absolute divorce, a limited divorce does not terminate the marriage. The grounds for a limited divorce include cruelty, desertion, and voluntary separation. A Limited Divorce Lawyer St Marys County can guide you through this process.
For a limited divorce in St. Mary’s County, the specific statute is Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8). This provision allows for a limited divorce based on mutual consent, with no separation period required, provided both parties agree and have a written settlement agreement. This is a distinct legal remedy from an absolute divorce under § 7-103(a)(3), which requires a 6-month separation.
For more information, review the Maryland Code, Family Law Article § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
- File a Complaint for Limited Divorce at the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff’s office ($40) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- If both parties agree, file a written settlement agreement resolving custody, support, and property use.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee: approximately $50-$100).
- Appear at the final hearing, where the court will issue a Judgment of Limited Divorce.
In St. Mary’s County, a limited divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs and potential spousal support obligations.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Cost | Impact on Marriage | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Divorce (Mutual Consent) | Civil Remedy | Indefinite until absolute divorce | $165 filing fee | Marriage remains intact | May affect tax filing status |
| Limited Divorce (Contested) | Civil Remedy | 6-18 months | $165 filing fee + attorney fees | Marriage remains intact | Court may order spousal support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge that benefits Maryland clients as well.
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. She is admitted to the Maryland and Virginia bars and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to family law matters.
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a Limited Divorce Lawyer St Marys County near you? We are near the St. Mary’s County Courthouse in Leonardtown.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before a limited divorce?
No. Maryland allows a limited divorce by mutual consent with NO separation period. Both parties must agree and have a written settlement agreement. For a contested limited divorce, grounds such as cruelty or desertion must be proven.
How much does a limited divorce cost in St. Mary’s County?
The Circuit Court filing fee is $165. Additional costs include service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100), certified copies ($20 each), and a parenting seminar fee ($50-$100) if minor children are involved.
How is child support calculated during a limited divorce?
Maryland uses the income shares model under Family Law Art. § 12-202. The formula considers both parents’ combined adjusted income, number of children, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and parenting time. Cases are heard at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
How does child custody work during a limited divorce?
Maryland uses the best interests standard, considering factors like fitness, character, stability, and the child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes, and a mandatory parenting seminar is required.
Can a limited divorce be converted to an absolute divorce?
Yes. A limited divorce can be converted to an absolute divorce after the required separation period (6 months for absolute divorce without mutual consent) or immediately if both parties agree to a mutual consent absolute divorce. The same court handles both.
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.
For more information, visit our Maryland Divorce & Family Lawyer hub page. See also our Montgomery County Divorce & Family Lawyer page and Prince George’s County Divorce & Family Lawyer page. For related services, see our St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer page and St. Mary’s County DUI/DWI Lawyer page.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher profile. Visit our Maryland office location page.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.