In Maryland, a limited divorce is a legal separation under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, allowing you to live apart without ending the marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland can help you file at the Circuit Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law provides for a limited divorce, also called a legal separation, under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. This is a court order that allows you to live separately from your spouse while remaining legally married. A limited divorce addresses issues like spousal support, child custody, and use of the marital home, but does not end the marriage. Unlike an absolute divorce, a limited divorce does not require a 6-month separation period. You can file for a limited divorce on grounds including cruelty, desertion, or voluntarily living apart. A Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain how this option fits your situation.
For a limited divorce, the primary statute is Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which covers grounds for divorce including limited divorce. Unlike an absolute divorce, a limited divorce does not require a 6-month separation period. The court can order spousal support, child custody, and use of the marital home during the limited divorce period. A Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland can help you understand the specific grounds that apply to your case.
For official information on Maryland divorce laws, visit the Maryland Code, Family Law Article § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the Maryland Judiciary website.
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all limited divorce filings. The court requires a mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving minor children. Mediation is frequently ordered for custody disputes. Marital property is subject to equitable distribution, while separate property is excluded.
- File a Complaint for Limited Divorce at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and serve your spouse by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property issues.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Receive the court’s judgment of limited divorce, which addresses support, custody, and property use.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, a limited divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs and potential support obligations.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Divorce | Civil Proceeding | Indefinite until absolute divorce | $165 filing fee | Legal separation, not divorce | Spousal support, child custody orders |
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, demonstrating deep family law experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 355.
Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland near Rockville Town Center.
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Yes, Maryland allows a limited divorce without a separation period.
A limited divorce does not require a 6-month separation period. You can file immediately on grounds like cruelty or desertion. The court will address support, custody, and property use during the limited divorce.
No, a limited divorce does not end your marriage.
A limited divorce is a legal separation. You remain legally married. To end the marriage, you must later file for an absolute divorce after the required separation period or by mutual consent.
It depends on the complexity of your case.
A limited divorce typically takes 2-3 months from filing if uncontested. Contested cases involving custody or property disputes can take 6-12 months. The court schedules pendente lite hearings within 30-60 days.
Yes, you can convert a limited divorce to an absolute divorce.
After a limited divorce, you can file for an absolute divorce after 6 months of separation. If both parties agree and have a written settlement, you can convert immediately with no additional separation period.
Yes, the court can order spousal support during a limited divorce.
Maryland law allows the court to award alimony during a limited divorce. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and financial needs. Support can be temporary or indefinite.
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.
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