In Howard 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+ firm-wide case results. A Divorce Lawyer Howard County can explain your options for ending your marriage efficiently.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law provides several grounds for divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. The most common option is mutual consent divorce, which requires no separation period if both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues. Absolute divorce after a 6-month separation is also available. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Howard County can help you determine which ground applies to your situation. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, brings former prosecutor experience to family law cases. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
For the official Maryland family law statutes, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) and District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
Howard County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period required — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Howard County Circuit Court (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Filing fee: $165.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend 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 final hearing or submit agreed order for mutual consent divorce (2-3 months from filing).
In Howard County, divorce outcomes depend on the specific grounds and whether the case is contested or uncontested.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost Range | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 filing + service costs | Written agreement on all issues |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months after separation | $165 filing + service costs | 6-month separation period |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 6-18 months | $5,000-$20,000+ | Court hearings, discovery, trial |
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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Howard 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 Howard County courts. The location is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer Howard County near you? Our firm handles family law cases near Columbia Town Center and the Mall in Columbia.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
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 Howard County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County.
How does custody work in Howard 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.
How do I file for divorce in Howard County?
File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Howard County Circuit Court, 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Filing fee is $165. A how to file for divorce lawyer Howard County can guide you through the process, including service of process and required documentation.
For more information, see our Maryland Divorce & Family Law Lawyer hub page. Also explore Montgomery County Divorce Lawyer and Prince George’s County Divorce Lawyer. For other legal needs in Howard County, see Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Howard County DUI Lawyer.
View our attorney profile: Kristen Fisher. Visit our Maryland office location.
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.