In Montgomery County, Maryland offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Rockville. A Separation Lawyer Rockville can explain your options for legal separation or divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines legal separation as a formal arrangement where spouses live apart while remaining married. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, grounds for divorce include a 6-month separation period for absolute divorce without mutual consent. However, Maryland uniquely offers a mutual consent divorce option that requires no separation period at all — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues. A legal separation agreement lawyer Rockville can help draft the necessary documents to formalize your separation terms, including property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep family law experience that benefits Maryland clients as well.
For official Maryland family law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — Family Law Article § 7-103. For court information, see the Montgomery County Circuit Court website.
- File a Complaint for Divorce: Submit your complaint at Montgomery County Circuit Court, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Filing fee: $165.
- Serve Your Spouse: Arrange service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend Mandatory Parenting Seminar: Required for all cases involving minor children. Fee: approximately $50-$100.
- Complete Mediation (if ordered): Mediation costs $100-$350/hour and is frequently ordered for custody disputes.
- Final Decree: For mutual consent divorce, final decree typically issues 2-3 months after filing.
In Montgomery County, family law matters including divorce, separation, and custody carry no criminal penalties but involve court costs, filing fees, and potential financial obligations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No separation required | $165 | 2-3 months | Service: $40-$100 | Both parties must agree |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | 6-month separation required | $165 | 3-4 months after filing | Service: $40-$100 | No consent needed |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | $165 | 6-18 months | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Mediation often ordered |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating deep family law knowledge that translates to Maryland practice. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Secondary attorney: Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined firm in 2010. Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia. 75% litigation focus.
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, 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 Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). A marital separation lawyer Rockville near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center can assist with your case.
We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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, United States
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 a legal separation agreement in Maryland?
A legal separation agreement is a written contract between spouses living apart that addresses property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. It can be used as the basis for a mutual consent divorce with no separation period required.
For more information, visit our Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Prince George’s County Family Law Lawyer and Howard County Family Law Lawyer pages. For related services in Montgomery County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County and DUI/DWI Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
View our attorney profile: Kristen Fisher. Visit our Maryland office location page.
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.