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In Charles County, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has secured over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Charles County can help you prove abandonment and seek equitable distribution, alimony, and custody.
Desertion as a Ground for Divorce in Charles County
Under Maryland law, desertion occurs when one spouse voluntarily leaves the marital home with the intent to end the marriage, without the other’s consent, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. This is a fault-based ground under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Charles County can help you prove the elements of abandonment and seek a divorce decree that addresses property division, alimony, and child custody.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Desertion divorce specifically requires proof of actual abandonment with the intent to permanently separate. This differs from constructive desertion, where one spouse’s conduct forces the other to leave. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Charles County will gather evidence of the date of separation, lack of consent, and the abandoning spouse’s intent.
For the official statute, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Charles County website.
Charles County Circuit Court handles all desertion divorce cases. The court requires proof of the 12-month separation period and the abandoning spouse’s intent. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Charles County can help you document the date of desertion and file for divorce.
- Step 1: Gather evidence of the date of desertion and lack of consent.
- Step 2: File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in Charles County Circuit Court.
- Step 3: Serve the complaint on the abandoning spouse.
- Step 4: Attend a case management conference.
- Step 5: Negotiate or litigate issues of property, alimony, and custody.
- Step 6: Obtain a final decree of divorce.
In Charles County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and alimony. The court considers fault in equitable distribution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Divorce) | Civil Ground for Divorce | None | None | None | May affect alimony and property division |
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. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Charles County can provide case-specific guidance.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts. We are accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, Route 5. Serving La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, Hughesville.
Desertion divorce lawyer near Charles County. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747. Meetings by appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce for desertion?
Yes. For desertion, you must prove a continuous 12-month separation with intent to abandon. Mutual consent divorce has no separation period.
How much does a desertion divorce cost in Charles County?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee is $165, plus service of process ($40-$100), and potential mediation costs ($100-$350/hour). Total can range from $500 to $5,000+.
How is child support calculated in a desertion divorce?
It depends. Maryland uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income (Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202). The court considers parenting time and childcare costs.
How does custody work in a desertion divorce?
It depends. Maryland uses the best interests standard. The court considers fitness, stability, and the child’s preference. Mediation is often ordered.
Can I get alimony in a desertion divorce?
It depends. Alimony is based on factors including the length of marriage, financial resources, and fault. Desertion can be a factor in awarding alimony.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.