A contested divorce in Prince George’s County involves disputes over property, custody, or support under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our contested divorce lawyer Prince George’s County team provides representation at the Circuit Court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues — including property division, alimony, child custody, or child support. The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County has jurisdiction over all contested divorce matters. Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts to one spouse — is generally excluded from division. The grounds for a contested divorce in Prince George’s County include a 6-month separation, adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Mutual consent divorce, which requires no separation period, is available only when both parties agree on all terms — making it distinct from a contested proceeding.
In a contested divorce, the court applies Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8) for mutual consent (no separation) and § 7-103(a)(3) for separation-based grounds. The distinction matters: a contested divorce under the 6-month separation ground requires proof of living separate and apart without cohabitation. The court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 handles all contested filings.
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 requirements, visit the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County official website.
Prince George’s County Circuit Court requires a mandatory parenting seminar for all contested divorce cases involving minor children. The court frequently orders mediation before scheduling a trial. A contested divorce trial representation lawyer Prince George’s County can prepare you for the specific procedural requirements at the Upper Marlboro courthouse.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
- Serve the summons and complaint on your spouse through sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement of custody, support, and property issues.
- If mediation fails, proceed to a contested trial where the judge decides all unresolved issues.
In Prince George’s County, a contested divorce involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential alimony or child support obligations determined by Maryland guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Authority | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Circuit Court | 6-18 months | Attorney fees, experienced valuations | Tax implications, asset transfer costs |
| Alimony | Rehabilitative or indefinite | Circuit Court | Ongoing | Income analysis, duration factors | Modification possible |
| Child Support | Income shares guidelines | Circuit Court | Ongoing | Health insurance, childcare | Enforcement through wage garnishment |
| Custody | Best interests of child | Circuit Court | 2-4 months for evaluation | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Parenting plan 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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our contested divorce lawyer Prince George’s County team brings decades of family law experience to each case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of property division law applicable to Maryland contested divorces.
SRIS actively practices in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our contested divorce trial representation lawyer Prince George’s County team has experience in complex property division, custody disputes, and alimony litigation at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts, accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, Route 4, Route 5, and Route 202. We serve Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Contested divorce lawyer near Prince George’s County — available for consultations.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before a contested divorce?
Yes, for a contested absolute divorce without mutual consent, a 6-month separation is required. Mutual consent divorce with no separation period is available only if both parties agree and have a written resolution of all issues including custody and property.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Prince George’s County?
It depends. 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+. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
How is child support calculated in a contested divorce in Prince George’s County?
Maryland child support uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents under Family Law Art. § 12-202. The formula considers number of children, health insurance, childcare costs, and parenting time. Cases heard at Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
How does custody work in a contested divorce in Prince George’s County?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes. A mandatory parenting seminar is required for cases involving children.
What is the timeline for a contested divorce in Prince George’s County?
A contested divorce typically takes 6-18 months from filing to final decree. Custody evaluations ordered by the court add 2-4 months. Pendente lite (temporary) hearings for support or custody typically occur within 30-60 days of filing a 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 updated guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.