In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, mutual consent divorce requires no separation period under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County can help protect your financial future. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law governs divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, and property division. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, grounds for divorce include mutual consent (no separation required), 6-month separation, adultery, and cruelty. Maryland is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. A Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County understands how business assets are classified and valued in divorce proceedings.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep knowledge of family law statutes.
For official 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 Anne Arundel County official website.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period required — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property. A business appraisal divorce lawyer Anne Arundel County can help ensure business valuations are accurate and fair.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and serve the other party by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Complete the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee approximately $50-$100).
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (temporary support/custody) typically within 30-60 days of motion filing.
- Final hearing or submission of agreement for final decree — mutual consent cases resolve in 2-3 months; contested cases take 6-18 months.
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, family law matters involve financial and custodial determinations rather than criminal penalties. Equitable distribution of marital property applies.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Key Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No separation required | 2-3 months | $165 filing fee + service costs | Both parties agree; no minor children or written agreement | Fastest and most affordable option |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | 6-month separation required | 3-4 months from filing | $165 filing fee + service costs | Living separate and apart for 6 months | No-fault option |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 6-18 months | $5,000-$50,000+ | Disputed property, custody, or support | May require custody evaluation ($3,000-$10,000+) |
| Child Support | Maryland guidelines (income shares) | 30-60 days for temporary order | Varies by income | Combined adjusted income, parenting time, health insurance, childcare | Modification available upon substantial change |
| Alimony | Rehabilitative or indefinite | 30-60 days for temporary order | Varies by income and duration | Length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity, contributions | Indefinite alimony rare; rehabilitative preferred |
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 firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating deep knowledge of family law that benefits Maryland clients as well. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the opposing side builds cases.
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. She joined the firm in 2010 and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to family law cases, providing insight into how the court evaluates evidence and arguments.
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our family law results include successful mutual consent divorces, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable distribution of complex marital assets including business valuations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. Our location is approximately 30 miles from the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Searching for a company value in divorce lawyer Anne Arundel County? We help clients understand how business interests are valued and divided in Maryland divorce proceedings.
We serve the communities of Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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 Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Anne Arundel 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+. Mutual consent divorce is the most affordable option.
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.
How does custody work in Anne Arundel 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.
How is a business valued in a Maryland divorce?
It depends. Maryland courts use fair market value for business valuation in divorce. A certified business appraiser typically performs the valuation considering assets, income, goodwill, and market conditions. The value is then subject to equitable distribution. A Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Anne Arundel County can help ensure accurate valuation.
What is the difference between marital and separate property in Maryland?
Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. Separate property includes assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts to one spouse. Maryland courts divide marital property equitably but exclude separate property from division.
For more information about family law in Maryland, visit our Maryland Divorce & Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. For other legal needs in Anne Arundel County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher, Former MD Prosecutor. Visit our Maryland office location page for directions.
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.