In Kent County, adultery is a fault-based ground for divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Kent County can explain how adultery affects alimony and property division in your case. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, adultery is a statutory ground for absolute divorce. Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(1) states that a divorce may be granted when either party has committed adultery. Unlike mutual consent divorce, adultery does not require a separation period. However, proving adultery requires clear and convincing evidence, not mere suspicion. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Kent County can help you gather the necessary proof and handle the legal process.
Adultery divorce specifically falls under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(1). This differs from no-fault grounds under § 7-103(a)(8) (mutual consent) or § 7-103(a)(3) (6-month separation). Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. The court considers adultery when determining alimony and property division under equitable distribution principles.
For the official statute text, visit Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, see the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce cases, including those based on adultery. The court requires proof by clear and convincing evidence. Maryland does not recognize criminal conversation or alienation of affection as separate civil claims.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Kent County Circuit Court (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Gather evidence of adultery — this may include financial records, text messages, emails, or witness testimony.
- Attend mandatory case management conference and settlement conference.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached; the court will determine alimony, property division, and custody.
In Kent County, adultery divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects alimony and property division under Maryland’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Alimony | Adultery may bar alimony if the adulterous spouse caused the marital breakdown (Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205). |
| Property Division | Marital assets spent on the affair may be considered dissipation, giving the innocent spouse a larger share. |
| Custody | Adultery alone does not affect custody unless it directly impacts the children’s welfare. |
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Kent County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span family law, criminal defense, traffic, and other practice areas across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Kent County near Chestertown can assist with your case. We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce for adultery?
No. Adultery is a fault-based ground that does not require any separation period. You can file immediately upon discovering the adultery. The case is filed at Kent County Circuit Court.
How much does an adultery divorce cost in Kent County, Maryland?
It depends. Circuit Court divorce filing fee: $165. Service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100). Certified copies: $20 each. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
How is child support calculated in Kent 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 Kent 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 is often ordered for custody disputes.
Can adultery affect alimony in Maryland?
Yes. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205, the court may deny alimony to a spouse who committed adultery if that spouse caused the marital breakdown. The court considers marital misconduct when determining alimony.
For more information, see our Maryland Divorce & Family Lawyer hub page. Also explore Montgomery County divorce lawyer and Prince George’s County divorce lawyer. For related services in Kent County, see Kent County criminal defense lawyer and Kent County DUI lawyer. Visit our Maryland office location page.
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.