Desertion Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County — What Are Your Legal Options?
If your spouse has abandoned you in Wicomico County, a Desertion Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce. With 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we provide direct representation. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Wicomico County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce. Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(2) allows a divorce when one spouse voluntarily abandons the other with the intent to end the marriage, and the abandonment continues for at least 12 months without interruption. This differs from mutual consent divorce, which requires no separation period. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County can help you prove the elements of desertion to the court.
For the full text of the desertion statute, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Wicomico County website.
- Gather evidence of abandonment: text messages, emails, witness statements showing your spouse left without consent.
- Document the date of separation. The 12-month period begins when your spouse actually left the marital home.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Wicomico County Circuit Court, 201 Baptist Street, Suite 100, Salisbury, MD 21801.
- Serve your spouse with the complaint via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children together.
- Present your evidence at the final hearing. The court will issue a Judgment of Absolute Divorce if desertion is proven.
In Wicomico County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and alimony. The court considers fault when dividing marital property under equitable distribution.
| Issue | Classification | Impact on Divorce | Financial Consequences | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Fault-based divorce ground | May affect alimony award | Court may award more marital property to innocent spouse | No criminal penalty; civil remedy only |
| Mutual Consent (No-Fault) | No-fault divorce ground | No separation period required | Standard equitable distribution | Both parties must agree in writing |
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating deep family law experience that benefits clients in Maryland as well.
Secondary attorney: Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010.
SRIS actively practices in Wicomico County. 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/MD location serves clients at Wicomico County courts, approximately 100 miles from Salisbury. Accessible via Route 50, Route 13, and Route 349.
Looking for a Desertion Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County near Salisbury University or the Wicomico County Courthouse? We serve Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar, Mardela Springs, Sharptown, and Pittsville.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce for desertion?
Yes. For desertion divorce, you must prove your spouse abandoned you for at least 12 continuous months. Mutual consent divorce requires no separation period if both parties agree in writing.
How much does a desertion divorce cost in Wicomico County?
Circuit Court divorce filing fee: $165. Service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100). Certified copies: $20 each. Total costs vary based on complexity.
How is child support calculated in a desertion divorce?
Maryland uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income of both parents under Family Law Art. § 12-202. The formula considers number of children, health insurance, childcare, and parenting time.
How does custody work in a desertion divorce case?
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.
Can I get alimony if my spouse deserted me?
It depends. Maryland courts consider fault when awarding alimony under § 8-205. Desertion may support a claim for rehabilitative or indefinite alimony depending on the marriage length and financial circumstances.
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Attorney Profile: Kristen Fisher | Location: 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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.