A contested divorce in Howard County involves unresolved issues of property, custody, or support filed at the Howard County Circuit Court under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Howard County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides trial representation. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues: grounds for divorce, equitable distribution of marital property, alimony, child custody, or child support. The case proceeds to litigation at the Howard County Circuit Court, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have a written settlement. When agreement fails, the court decides all disputed matters after a trial. The statutory framework under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 defines the grounds, while § 8-205 governs alimony and § 12-202 sets child support guidelines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled contested divorce cases in Howard County for over two decades.
For official Maryland family law statutes, visit Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) and the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Howard County Circuit Court, paying the $165 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory scheduling conference to set discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits, interrogatories, and document production.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached; the judge decides all contested issues.
In Howard County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custody stakes determined by the court.
| Issue | Classification | Court Decision | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Civil | Judge divides marital property | Varies by assets | 6-18 months | May include business valuation |
| Alimony | Civil | Rehabilitative or indefinite | Based on need and ability | Ongoing | Modifiable upon change |
| Child Custody | Civil | Best interests standard | No direct cost | 6-12 months | Mandatory parenting seminar |
| Child Support | Civil | Guidelines formula | Income shares model | Ongoing | Enforcement via wage garnishment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris leads the firm’s family law practice in Howard County. He is supported by Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who joined the firm in 2010 and brings deep courtroom experience to contested divorce trials.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
Contested divorce lawyer near Howard County — serving Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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Does Maryland require separation before a contested divorce?
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with NO separation period if both parties agree and have a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, a 6-month separation is required. Cases are filed at Howard County Circuit Court.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Howard County?
Circuit Court divorce filing fee: $165. Service of process: $40 (sheriff) or $50-$100 (private process server). Certified copies: $20 each. Parenting seminar: $50-$100. Mediation: $100-$350/hour. Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+. Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
How is child support calculated in a contested Howard County divorce?
Maryland uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents under Family Law Art. § 12-202. The formula considers number of children, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and parenting time. The court calculates the amount at the Howard County Circuit Court.
How does custody work in a contested Howard County divorce?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes. A mandatory parenting seminar is required for cases involving children.
What is the timeline for a contested divorce in Howard County?
Mutual consent divorce: 2-3 months from filing. Absolute divorce after 6-month separation: 3-4 months from filing. Contested divorce: 6-18 months. Custody evaluations add 2-4 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody typically occur within 30-60 days of motion filing.
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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.