In Howard County, Maryland, mutual consent divorce requires no separation period under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. A Divorce Lawyer Howard County can explain your options for filing.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law defines divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. The statute provides multiple grounds for divorce, including mutual consent (no separation required), 6-month separation, adultery, and cruelty. Howard County Circuit Court at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles all divorce, alimony, and equitable distribution matters. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Howard County family law cases.
For the official Maryland family law statutes, visit Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For Howard County Circuit Court information, see the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Howard County Circuit Court (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043).
- Pay the $165 filing fee and serve the other party via 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.
- Finalize the divorce decree — mutual consent cases typically resolve in 2-3 months from filing.
In Howard County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs: $165 filing fee, service fees, and potential mediation costs of $100-$350/hour.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 filing fee | Written agreement on all issues |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months | $165 filing fee | 6-month separation period |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 6-18 months | $165 + litigation costs | Court hearings, discovery |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer Howard County near you? We are near the Columbia Town Center and Mall in Columbia.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Howard 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 Howard 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.
How does custody work in Howard 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.
How do I file for divorce in Howard County?
File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Howard County Circuit Court (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Pay the $165 filing fee. Serve the other party. Complete parenting seminar if children are involved.
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.