In Anne Arundel County, Maryland offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County can explain your options for absolute divorce after six months separation or mutual consent divorce with no waiting period.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Divorce Law and Your Options
Maryland law provides two primary paths to divorce. Mutual consent divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8) requires no separation period if both parties agree and have either no minor children or a written agreement resolving all issues. Absolute divorce after a six-month separation is available when both parties do not agree. A Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County can help you determine which path fits your situation. Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift — is excluded from distribution.
External Citation Links
Review the official Maryland statutes governing divorce and family law: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (official Maryland Courts website).
Insider Procedural Edge for Anne Arundel County Divorce Cases
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Contested custody cases also go through Circuit Court, though initial filings for standalone custody or support may start in District Court. Maryland’s mutual consent divorce option is one of the fastest in the region — no separation wait, typically 2-3 months from filing to final decree. The court requires a mandatory parenting seminar for all cases involving minor children. Mediation is frequently ordered for custody disputes.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. Filing fee: $165.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee: approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Attend the final hearing or submit a consent order if both parties agree on all terms.
- Receive the final divorce decree. Mutual consent cases typically resolve in 2-3 months; contested cases may take 6-18 months.
In Anne Arundel County, divorce cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody under the best interests standard, and child support calculated by Maryland guidelines.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 | Service: $40-$100; copies: $20 | No separation period required |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months after separation | $165 | Service: $40-$100; copies: $20 | 6-month separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 6-18 months | $165 | Mediation: $100-$350/hour; custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Court may order mediation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Anne Arundel County Divorce
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 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. We serve clients throughout Anne Arundel County from our Rockville, MD location by appointment.
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Bar admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). He brings a former prosecutor’s insight to family law cases, understanding how courts evaluate evidence and arguments.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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 the communities of Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. If you need a Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County near Annapolis or Glen Burnie, contact us for a consultation by appointment.
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.
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 dissolution of marriage lawyer Anne Arundel County?
A dissolution of marriage lawyer Anne Arundel County handles the legal process of ending a marriage, including divorce, legal separation, and annulment. They guide clients through Maryland’s family law procedures, from filing to final decree.
How to file for divorce lawyer Anne Arundel County?
To file for divorce, contact a divorce lawyer Anne Arundel County who will prepare the Complaint for Absolute Divorce, file it at the Circuit Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401, and arrange service of process on your spouse.
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.