In Montgomery County, a contested divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 requires litigation when spouses disagree on property, custody, or support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County (95% favorable outcome rate). A Contested Divorce Lawyer Rockville provides trial representation.
What Is a Contested Divorce Under Maryland Law?
A contested divorce occurs when one spouse files for divorce and the other spouse does not agree to the terms. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, Maryland allows absolute divorce after a 6-month separation, or mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree in writing. When spouses cannot agree on issues like property division, alimony, child custody, or child support, the case becomes contested. The court must then decide these issues after a trial. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Rockville represents your interests through this process. A divorce trial representation lawyer Rockville handles the litigation from filing through final judgment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- Montgomery County Circuit Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: How Contested Divorce Works in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all contested divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. The court also handles contested custody. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period required — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property. Mandatory parenting seminar required for all cases involving minor children. Mediation available and frequently ordered for custody disputes. Marital property subject to equitable distribution while separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gift) is excluded. The Circuit Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 handles Montgomery County family matters.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in Montgomery County Circuit Court, stating the grounds and requested relief.
- Serve the Spouse: The other spouse must be formally served with the complaint and summons, either by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Respond and Exchange Discovery: The spouse files an answer. Both sides exchange financial documents, tax returns, and other discovery materials.
- Attend Mediation: The court orders mediation to attempt settlement. Most contested cases resolve at this stage.
- Prepare for Trial: If mediation fails, your attorney prepares for trial — gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, and filing pre-trial motions.
- Trial and Judgment: The court hears evidence and issues a final judgment on all contested issues, including property division, alimony, custody, and support.
In Montgomery County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and legal consequences including property division, alimony, and legal fees.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contested Divorce | Civil Matter | None | Filing fee: $165 | None | Equitable distribution of marital property; alimony; child support; custody determination; legal fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Contested Divorce?
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. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. 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.”
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville Location — Serving Montgomery County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, located at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
Near-Me: Contested divorce lawyer near Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Germantown.
Neighborhoods Served: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
Availability: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Montgomery County
How long does a contested divorce take in Montgomery County?
Yes, a contested divorce typically takes 6-18 months from filing to final decree in Montgomery County Circuit Court. The timeline depends on case complexity, court scheduling, and whether mediation resolves the issues.
Does Maryland require separation before a contested divorce?
No, Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, a 6-month separation is required.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Montgomery County?
It depends. Circuit Court divorce filing fee is $165. Service of process costs $40 (sheriff) to $100 (private). Mediation costs $100-$350 per hour. Custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000+. Total costs vary widely based on case complexity.
What happens at a contested divorce trial in Montgomery County?
At trial, both sides present evidence and testimony on contested issues. The judge decides property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. The court applies Maryland’s equitable distribution standard and best interests of the child standard.
Can I get a contested divorce without a lawyer in Montgomery County?
Yes, you can represent yourself (pro se). However, contested divorces involve complex legal issues including property division, alimony calculations, and custody determinations. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Rockville provides the legal knowledge needed to protect your rights.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce in Maryland?
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all terms. A contested divorce means the spouses disagree on one or more issues. Contested divorces require court intervention, take longer, and cost more than uncontested divorces.
How is property divided in a contested divorce in Montgomery County?
Maryland uses equitable distribution, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on statutory factors. Separate property (acquired before marriage, inherited, or gifted) is excluded from division.
What factors does the court consider for child custody in a contested divorce?
The court applies the best interests of the child standard, considering factors including each parent’s fitness, stability, character, and the child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes.
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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.