Maryland family law does not contain a standalone “holiday visitation” statute. Instead, holiday parenting time is addressed through custody and visitation orders under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (custody: experienced interests) and § 12-202 (child support guidelines). Courts in Anne Arundel County consider the child’s experienced interests when allocating holiday time, including alternating major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s), school breaks (spring break, summer vacation), and special occasions (birthdays, religious holidays). The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division) at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 hears these matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s custody and visitation laws, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, judges frequently order mediation for holiday visitation disputes before scheduling a contested hearing. We have observed that parents who propose a detailed, written holiday schedule at mediation often secure more favorable terms.
- Review your existing custody order for holiday-specific language.
- Document past holiday schedules and any disputes.
- Propose a written holiday parenting plan at mediation.
- File a motion to modify custody if mediation fails.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar.
- Present evidence at the hearing showing the proposed schedule serves the child’s experienced interests.
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, violation of a holiday visitation order can result in contempt of court proceedings with potential penalties including fines, modification of custody, or in extreme cases, incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of Custody/Visitation Order | Civil Contempt | Up to 6 months (coercive) | Up to $1,000 | None | Modification of custody; attorney fees; mandatory mediation |
| Interference with Custody (Criminal) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential loss of custody |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” 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 family law practice handles holiday visitation, parenting time schedules, and child visitation rights matters throughout Anne Arundel County.
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 District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, with access via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. Serving the communities of Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 Holiday Visitation 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
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.
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 (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.
How does custody work in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
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.
How does a parenting time schedule lawyer Anne Arundel County help with holiday visitation?
A parenting time schedule lawyer Anne Arundel County assists in drafting detailed holiday parenting plans that comply with Maryland law. The lawyer negotiates with the other parent, represents you in mediation, and litigates before the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division) if necessary. The goal is to create a schedule that serves the child’s experienced interests under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101.
What should I do if my ex violates the holiday visitation order?
If your ex violates a holiday visitation order, contact a child visitation rights lawyer Anne Arundel County immediately. Document the violation with dates, times, and communications. Your lawyer can file a motion for contempt at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County or the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County (Family Division), depending on the original order. The court may impose sanctions including fines, makeup visitation, or modification of custody.
For more information about family law in Maryland, visit our Divorce Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Divorce Lawyer Howard County, Divorce Lawyer Calvert County, and Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: May 2026
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.