In Anne Arundel County, Maryland offers a unique mutual consent divorce with NO separation period if both parties agree. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, a Separation Lawyer Anne Arundel County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through this process. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law provides several paths for couples seeking to end their marriage. A legal separation agreement lawyer Anne Arundel County can help you understand the difference between a limited divorce (legal separation) and an absolute divorce. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, grounds for divorce include mutual consent (no separation required), 6-month separation, adultery, cruelty, and desertion. A marital separation lawyer Anne Arundel County can explain which option fits your situation.
For official Maryland family law statutes, visit Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) and the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Complete the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children (fee: approximately $50-$100).
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Finalize the divorce with a written agreement or court hearing.
In Anne Arundel County, divorce proceedings involve filing fees, service costs, and potential mediation expenses. The mutual consent option offers the fastest resolution with no separation period.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 | Service: $40-$100 | No separation required |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months after separation | $165 | Service: $40-$100 | 6-month waiting period |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 6-18 months | $165 | Mediation: $100-$350/hour | Court involvement required |
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating deep family law experience.
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. She joined the firm in 2010 and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to family law cases in Anne Arundel County.
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Looking for a separation lawyer near Anne Arundel County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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. Cases filed at Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County.
How does custody work in Anne Arundel 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. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
What is a legal separation agreement in Maryland?
It depends. A legal separation agreement is a written contract between spouses covering custody, support, and property division while living apart. It can be converted into a divorce decree later. A legal separation agreement lawyer Anne Arundel County can draft this document to protect your rights.
How long do I have to be separated before divorce in Maryland?
It depends. For mutual consent divorce, no separation period is required. For absolute divorce without mutual consent, you must live separate and apart for 6 months. A marital separation lawyer Anne Arundel County can help you track this timeline.
For more information, visit our Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page. You may also want to read about Montgomery County family law or Prince George’s County family law. For other legal needs in Anne Arundel County, see our criminal defense page or DUI/DWI page.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel. Visit our Maryland office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.