In Anne Arundel County, Maryland family law matters including divorce and custody are governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mutual consent divorce is available with no separation period required.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. The state offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have either no minor children or a written agreement on all issues. Absolute divorce requires a 6-month separation. The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis handles all contested family matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
For the complete Maryland family law statutes, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, and equitable distribution matters. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period. Mandatory parenting seminar required for cases involving minor children. Mediation frequently ordered for custody disputes.
- File a Complaint for Absolute or Limited Divorce at Anne Arundel County Circuit Court (filing fee: $165).
- Serve the other party via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved ($50-$100).
- Complete mediation if ordered by the court for custody or property disputes.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support/custody (typically within 30-60 days).
- Final hearing or submission of written agreement for final decree.
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland family law matters involve court fees and potential financial obligations including filing fees, mediation costs, and support payments.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 | Service of process: $40-$100 | No separation period required |
| Absolute Divorce | No-fault/Fault | 3-4 months (after 6-month separation) | $165 | Certified copies: $20 each | 6-month separation required |
| Contested Custody | Best interests standard | 6-18 months | $165 | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Mediation often ordered |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | 30-60 days (temporary) | $165 | Mediation: $100-$350/hour | Income shares worksheet |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. Family law lawyer near Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce?
Not always. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have either no minor children or a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, 6-month separation is required. Filed at Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
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 Anne Arundel County.
How does custody work in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Cases heard at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes.
What is an emergency custody motion in Anne Arundel County?
An emergency custody motion is filed when a child faces immediate risk of harm. The court may issue temporary orders without the other parent present. An emergency custody lawyer Anne Arundel County can help file the motion at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
How long does a temporary emergency custody order last in Maryland?
A temporary emergency custody order typically lasts until a full hearing can be held, usually within 30-60 days. The court reviews the emergency situation and may extend or modify the order. A temporary emergency custody lawyer Anne Arundel County can guide you through this process.