A contested divorce in Montgomery County, Maryland, involves disputes over property, custody, or support under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County (95% favorable outcome rate). A Contested Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County provides the trial representation needed when spouses cannot agree.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, a contested divorce occurs when one spouse files for divorce and the other spouse disputes the grounds, property division, alimony, child custody, or child support. The primary statute governing divorce grounds is Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally. Contested divorces require formal court proceedings, including discovery, motions, and potentially a trial. The contested divorce process lawyer Montgomery County clients rely on must understand local court procedures at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, located at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
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, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. For Maryland family law, Mr. Sris leads the firm’s approach with strategic insight gained from decades of litigation.
For the official Maryland divorce statute, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce). For Montgomery County Circuit Court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County official website.
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all contested divorce matters, including equitable distribution and custody trials. Maryland’s mutual consent option allows divorce with no separation period if both parties agree — but contested cases require full litigation. The court frequently orders mediation for custody disputes before trial.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Montgomery County Circuit Court (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Respond to any counterclaims and attend the initial scheduling conference.
- Complete mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (approximately $50-$100).
- Participate in discovery — exchange financial documents, custody evaluations, and experienced reports.
- Attend mediation; if unresolved, proceed to trial before a Circuit Court judge.
In Montgomery County, a contested divorce involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential alimony or child support obligations determined by Maryland guidelines.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost Range | Court Involvement | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contested Divorce (Property) | Civil — Circuit Court | 6-18 months | $5,000-$25,000+ | Full discovery, motions, trial | Equitable distribution of marital assets |
| Contested Custody | Civil — Circuit Court | 4-12 months | $3,000-$15,000+ | Custody evaluation, mediation, trial | Parenting time schedule, decision-making authority |
| Contested Support | Civil — Circuit Court | 3-6 months | $2,000-$10,000+ | Financial affidavits, hearing | Child support guidelines (Md. Code § 12-202), alimony |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law authority. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Montgomery County, the firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate). Clients consistently report thorough preparation and strategic negotiation skills.
Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel at the firm, is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. Her prosecutorial background provides unique insight into courtroom dynamics and case strategy for contested divorce trials.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results in Montgomery County across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Looking for a contested divorce lawyer near Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Does Maryland require separation before a contested divorce?
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have no minor children or a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, 6-month separation is required.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Montgomery 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 a contested divorce in Montgomery County?
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 a contested divorce in Montgomery County?
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 the timeline for a contested divorce in Montgomery County?
It depends. Contested divorces typically take 6-18 months from filing to final decree. Custody evaluations add 2-4 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody occur within 30-60 days of motion.
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Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor | Our Maryland Office
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.