In Prince George’s County, desertion is a fault-based ground for absolute divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County can help you prove willful abandonment and seek a fair resolution.
What Is Desertion as a Ground for Divorce in Maryland?
Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, desertion is a fault-based ground for absolute divorce. You must prove your spouse willfully abandoned you without consent for at least 12 continuous months before filing. This differs from constructive desertion, where one spouse’s conduct forces the other to leave. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County can gather evidence of abandonment, such as proof of separate residences and lack of financial support, to establish this ground in court.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Maryland Divorce Law
- Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Grounds for Divorce) — Official Maryland General Assembly statute defining desertion and other grounds.
- District Court of MD for Prince George’s County — Official court website for Prince George’s County family matters.
Insider Procedural Edge: Proving Desertion in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County Circuit Court, proving desertion requires clear evidence of willful abandonment. The court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 handles these cases. You must show your spouse left without your consent and had no intention of returning.
- Step 1: Gather evidence of separation — lease agreements, utility bills, or mail showing separate residences for at least 12 months.
- Step 2: Document any lack of financial support or communication from your spouse during the separation period.
- Step 3: File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, citing desertion under § 7-103.
- Step 4: Serve your spouse with the complaint via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 5: Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee: approximately $50-$100).
- Step 6: Present your evidence at the final hearing to obtain the divorce decree.
In Prince George’s County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalties but affects property division and alimony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault-Based Ground) | Civil Matter | None | None | None | May affect equitable distribution of marital property; may impact alimony award |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Desertion Divorce Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. Our team understands the nuances of proving desertion in Prince George’s County courts.
Case Results in Prince George’s County Family Law Matters
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific desertion divorce results vary, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving strong outcomes for clients facing family law challenges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Desertion Divorce Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, Route 4, Route 5, and Route 202. We serve Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desertion Divorce in Prince George’s County
Does Maryland require separation before divorce based on desertion?
Yes. For desertion-based divorce, you must prove your spouse willfully abandoned you for at least 12 continuous months. Mutual consent divorce has no separation period, but desertion requires proof of abandonment without consent. Filed at Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
How much does a desertion divorce cost in Prince George’s County?
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 a desertion divorce case?
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 Prince George’s County.
How does custody work when desertion is the ground for divorce?
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. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
Can I get alimony if my spouse deserted me?
It depends. Maryland courts consider statutory factors including the length of marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and the circumstances of the desertion. Alimony may be rehabilitative or indefinite. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County can evaluate your case.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Montgomery County Divorce Lawyer
- Howard County Divorce Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince George’s County
- DUI/DWI Lawyer Prince George’s County
- Kristen Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.