In Charles County, Maryland, a fault based divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 allows you to seek dissolution based on grounds like adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland
Maryland law provides for fault based divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Grounds include adultery, cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct, desertion for 12 months, and voluntary separation for 12 months. Unlike mutual consent divorce, fault based divorce does not require a separation period. The Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division) at 200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646 handles these cases. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division) | Maryland General Assembly
For official statute text, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov).
In the Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division), prosecutors routinely require clear and convincing evidence for fault grounds like adultery. We have observed that judges scrutinize allegations of cruelty closely.
- Identify the specific fault ground under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103.
- Gather evidence such as text messages, financial records, or witness statements.
- File a complaint at the Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend a hearing where the court evaluates the evidence.
- Receive a decree of absolute divorce if grounds are proven.
In Charles County, fault based divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves legal consequences such as equitable distribution of marital property and potential alimony awards.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault Ground | N/A | N/A | N/A | May affect alimony and property division |
| Cruelty | Fault Ground | N/A | N/A | N/A | May affect custody and support |
| Desertion | Fault Ground | N/A | N/A | N/A | May affect property division |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects our commitment to client-centered representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 30 miles from the Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division), with access via Route 301 and Route 228. Serving the communities of La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Charles County Circuit Court. 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+ SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
How much does a divorce cost in Charles County, Maryland?
Uncontested divorce in Maryland involves filing fees at Circuit Court for Charles County (Family Division) plus attorney fees — typically a flat fee or limited hourly. Contested divorce scales with complexity: custody evaluations, property appraisals, pension analysis, and trial preparation all affect fees. High-asset cases involving business valuation, stock options, or international assets require substantial retainers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. discusses fee structure at initial consultation — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
How is child support calculated in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
How does custody work in Charles County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the experienced interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Cases heard at District Court of MD for Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Learn more about our services: Maryland Family Law Hub | Montgomery County | Prince George’s County | Criminal Defense in Charles County | DUI/DWI in Charles County.
Last verified: April 2026