In Montgomery County, Maryland, a limited divorce lawyer Montgomery County can help you handle legal separation without ending the marriage. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, limited divorce is available when spouses live apart or when circumstances like cruelty or desertion exist. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Limited Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
A limited divorce in Maryland, also known as a legal separation, does not end the marriage. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, grounds include cruelty, excessively vicious conduct, desertion, or living separate and apart without cohabitation. Unlike an absolute divorce, a limited divorce allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. This option can address issues like alimony, child support, and custody without finalizing the dissolution of marriage. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Montgomery County can explain how limited divorce differs from absolute divorce and which option fits your situation.
For official information on Maryland family law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — Family Law Article § 7-103. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
- File a Complaint for Limited Divorce: Your attorney files a complaint at Montgomery County Circuit Court, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Filing fee: $165.
- Serve the Complaint: The other spouse must be served with the complaint and summons. Service by sheriff costs $40; private process server costs $50-$100.
- Respond to the Complaint: The responding spouse has 30 days to file an answer or counter-complaint.
- Attend Temporary Hearing (if needed): If immediate issues like custody or support require court intervention, a pendente lite hearing is scheduled within 30-60 days.
- Mediation or Settlement: The court may order mediation for custody or property disputes. Mediation costs $100-$350 per hour.
- Final Decree of Limited Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a decree. Timeline: 2-4 months for uncontested cases.
In Montgomery County, limited divorce carries no criminal penalties but establishes legal separation terms including alimony, child support, and custody arrangements.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Court Fees | Additional Costs | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Divorce | Civil — Family Law | Indefinite until absolute divorce or reconciliation | $165 filing fee | Service of process: $40-$100; mediation: $100-$350/hour | Legal separation; no remarriage allowed |
| Absolute Divorce | Civil — Family Law | Final — ends marriage | $165 filing fee | Service of process: $40-$100; parenting seminar: $50-$100 | Allows remarriage; final property division |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris leads the family law practice at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. with over 25 years of experience. His background as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into courtroom strategy. The firm’s 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY demonstrate a track record of strong advocacy. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, a rare achievement that underscores his depth of family law knowledge.
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, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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 Montgomery County courts. The office is accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). We serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. For a limited divorce lawyer Montgomery County near you, call (888) 437-7747 — 24/7 phone consultations, meetings 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How much does a 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County.
How does custody work 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. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
What is the difference between limited divorce and absolute divorce in Maryland?
A limited divorce (legal separation) does not end the marriage — you cannot remarry. An absolute divorce ends the marriage and allows remarriage. Limited divorce requires grounds like cruelty or desertion; absolute divorce requires 6-month separation or mutual consent with no separation period.
How long does a limited divorce take in Montgomery County?
It depends. Uncontested limited divorce cases typically resolve in 2-4 months from filing. Contested cases involving custody or property disputes can take 6-12 months. Temporary hearings for support or custody are usually scheduled within 30-60 days of filing a motion.
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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.