In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, divorce is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have a written agreement. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Anne Arundel County.
Service Member Divorce Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Maryland divorce law, codified in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, provides several grounds for divorce. For service members and their spouses, the key distinction is between mutual consent divorce (available with no separation period if both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property) and absolute divorce after a 6-month separation. The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division) at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 has jurisdiction over all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters in the county. 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 Anne Arundel County (Family Division) | Maryland General Assembly
For the official text of Maryland’s divorce statutes, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For child support guidelines, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division), we have observed that judges frequently order mediation for custody disputes before scheduling a trial. This can add 2-4 months to the timeline but often leads to more amicable resolutions.
- Determine if you qualify for mutual consent divorce (no separation required) or absolute divorce after 6-month separation.
- Prepare and file a Complaint for Divorce at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division), located at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Complete the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children.
- Attend any required hearings and obtain the final decree of divorce.
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, divorce is a civil matter with no criminal penalties, but the financial and custodial consequences can be significant. The following table outlines the key aspects of divorce proceedings.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact on Service Member | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 filing fee + attorney fees | No separation required | Must have written agreement on all issues |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months from filing | $165 filing fee + attorney fees | 6-month separation required | Equitable distribution of marital property |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 6-18 months | $165 filing fee + attorney fees + potential experienced fees | May involve custody evaluations, property appraisals | Mediation often ordered |
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%. The firm’s commitment to “Advocacy Without Borders” means we provide dedicated representation to service members and their families in Anne Arundel County. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by military families, including deployments, frequent moves, and the details of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 35 miles from the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division) in Annapolis, with access via I-97 and I-695. We serve as a Service Member Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County and dissolution of marriage lawyer Anne Arundel County. Serving the communities of Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland, 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel 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.
No, Maryland does not always require separation before divorce. Mutual consent divorce is available with no separation period.
How much does a divorce cost in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It depends. Uncontested divorce in Maryland involves filing fees at Circuit Court for Anne Arundel 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.
The cost of divorce varies. Uncontested divorce involves filing fees plus attorney fees; contested divorce can be significantly more expensive.
How is child support calculated in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It is calculated using guidelines. 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 (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Maryland child support is calculated using guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents.
How does custody work in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the experienced interests standard. 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 Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). 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 uses the experienced interests standard for custody decisions, with no presumption for either parent.
How does a lawyer defend against service member divorce charges?
It depends on the specific facts. Defense strategies for service member divorce in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with the other party, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) to build the strongest possible case.
What should I do if I am facing service member divorce charges in Maryland?
Contact a family law attorney immediately. If facing service member divorce charges in Maryland, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Maryland law require prompt action.
For more information about divorce in Maryland, visit our Divorce Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our pages for Divorce Lawyer Howard County and Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-29.