In Howard County, adultery is a fault-based ground for divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Howard County can explain how adultery impacts alimony and property division.
Under Maryland law, adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. It is a fault-based ground for absolute divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(3). Unlike mutual consent divorce, which requires no separation period, an adultery-based divorce requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The innocent spouse may receive a more favorable alimony award under § 8-205. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Howard County can help gather admissible evidence and handle the procedural requirements at the Howard County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
For the official statute governing adultery as a ground for divorce, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County Circuit Court requires clear and convincing proof of adultery for a fault-based divorce. Direct evidence is rare; circumstantial evidence such as opportunity and inclination is often used. The court considers adultery when determining alimony and property division under equitable distribution.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Howard County Circuit Court, 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in discovery, including interrogatories and depositions, to gather evidence of adultery.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Proceed to trial or final hearing to obtain a judgment of absolute divorce.
In Howard County, adultery as a ground for divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects alimony, property division, and custody determinations.
| Issue | Classification | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery (Ground for Divorce) | Fault-Based Ground | May bar alimony for adulterous spouse; may increase alimony for innocent spouse | May affect equitable distribution of marital property; may influence custody decisions if children were exposed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes attorneys with former prosecutor backgrounds who understand how adultery claims are evaluated in Howard County courts.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
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. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel. An infidelity divorce grounds lawyer Howard County can help you understand your options. 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce if adultery is involved?
No. Adultery is a fault-based ground for absolute divorce with no separation period required. You can file immediately after discovering the adultery. Proof must be presented to the Howard County Circuit Court.
How much does an adultery divorce cost in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee is $165. Service of process costs $40-$100. If contested, costs can include depositions ($500-$2,000), experienced witnesses ($2,000-$10,000), and attorney fees. A cheating spouse divorce lawyer Howard County can provide a case-specific estimate.
How is child support calculated in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents (Family Law Art. § 12-202). The formula considers number of children, health insurance, childcare costs, and parenting time. Adultery does not directly affect child support calculations.
How does custody work in Howard County, Maryland when adultery is involved?
It depends. Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. Adultery alone rarely determines custody unless the child was exposed to the affair or it affected parenting ability. Cases are heard at Howard County Circuit Court.
Can adultery affect alimony in Howard County?
Yes. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205, the court may consider marital misconduct, including adultery, when determining alimony. The innocent spouse may receive a more favorable award, while the adulterous spouse may be barred from receiving alimony in some cases.
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.