Howard County divorce cases under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 allow mutual consent divorce with no separation period. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Limited Divorce Lawyer Howard County can help you handle separation agreements and temporary orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Under Maryland law, a divorce is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. This statute outlines the grounds for divorce, including mutual consent (no separation required), 6-month separation, and fault-based grounds. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Howard County can explain how these grounds apply to your specific situation. The court divides marital property equitably, not equally, under § 8-205. Child support follows guidelines under § 12-202 based on both parents’ incomes.
For more information, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website and the Maryland Family Law statutes.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Howard County Circuit Court, 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and serve the other party.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children.
- Complete mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain your divorce decree.
In Howard County, divorce carries a range of outcomes from mutual consent (2-3 months) to contested divorce (6-18 months).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | N/A | $165 filing fee | N/A | No separation required |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | N/A | $165 filing fee | N/A | 6-month separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Varies | N/A | $165+ filing fee | N/A | 6-18 months to finalize |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with over a decade of experience in family law and criminal defense. She brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. We are 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).
If you need a divorce lawyer near Howard County, contact us for a consultation. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (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.
What is a limited divorce in Maryland?
A limited divorce is a legal separation that does not end the marriage. It addresses support, custody, and property use while the couple lives apart. It can be converted to an absolute divorce after 6 months of separation.