In Maryland, a contested divorce requires a trial when spouses disagree on property, custody, or support under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Maryland from our firm provides the trial representation you need.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines a contested divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 as a divorce where the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, including equitable distribution of marital property, alimony under § 8-205, child custody under § 9-101, or child support under § 12-202. Unlike an uncontested divorce, a contested divorce requires a trial before the Circuit Court. The court decides all disputed issues after hearing evidence and testimony. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. prepares your case for trial and advocates for your position in court.
For the official statute governing contested divorce grounds, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Maryland Circuit Court website (official Maryland Judiciary).
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all contested divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period required — but contested divorces require a trial. The court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 handles Montgomery County family matters.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support or custody orders.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached; court issues final judgment.
In Montgomery County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs and attorney fees. The Circuit Court divorce filing fee is $165.
| Issue | Classification | Court Decision | Cost Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contested Divorce | Civil Matter | Circuit Court Judge | Filing fee: $165; Attorney fees vary | 6-18 months | Mediation ordered; custody evaluation possible |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. For a Contested Divorce Lawyer Maryland, our firm provides the trial representation you need.
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, 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 Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave).
Looking for a Contested Divorce Lawyer Maryland near Montgomery County? Our firm serves 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before a contested 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How much does a contested 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 a contested divorce in 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 Montgomery County.
How does custody work in a contested divorce 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. Cases heard at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes.
What is the timeline for a contested divorce in Maryland?
Contested divorce: 6-18 months from filing to final decree. Custody evaluations ordered by court add 2-4 months. Pendente lite (temporary) hearing for support/custody: typically within 30-60 days of motion.
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.