A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County handles cases under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Your case at Wicomico County Circuit Court requires clear evidence of fault grounds.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Wicomico County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law under § 7-103 defines specific fault grounds for divorce. These include adultery, cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct, desertion for 12 months, and voluntary separation for 12 months. Unlike no-fault divorce, a fault-based divorce requires you to prove your spouse’s misconduct caused the marriage breakdown. The court evaluates evidence at Wicomico County Circuit Court, 201 Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Review the official statute: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Wicomico County website.
Wicomico County Circuit Court requires specific evidence for each fault ground. Adultery demands proof beyond circumstantial suspicion. Cruelty requires documented physical or mental abuse. Desertion needs a full 12-month uninterrupted absence.
- Identify which fault ground applies to your situation.
- Gather documentary evidence: texts, emails, financial records, photos.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at Wicomico County Circuit Court.
- Serve your spouse with the complaint and supporting affidavits.
- Attend the merits hearing to present your evidence.
- Obtain the final divorce decree with fault-based findings.
In Wicomico County, fault-based divorce carries no criminal penalties but affects property division and alimony awards under Maryland equitable distribution rules.
| Ground | Classification | Separation Required | Evidence Standard | Impact on Alimony | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Clear and convincing | May bar alimony | Costs may be awarded |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Preponderance | May increase award | Protective orders possible |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 12 months | Preponderance | May affect division | Abandonment findings |
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. Firm-wide, SRIS has 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 authority.
SRIS actively practices in Wicomico County family law matters. 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, accessible via Route 50, Route 13, and Route 349. We serve Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar, Mardela Springs, Sharptown, and Pittsville. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Wicomico County is available near you.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Does Maryland require separation before a fault-based divorce?
No. Adultery and cruelty grounds do not require any separation period. Desertion requires 12 months of uninterrupted absence. Mutual consent divorce requires no separation if both parties agree.
How much does a fault-based 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. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and evidence gathering.
How is child support calculated in a fault-based divorce?
Maryland uses guidelines based on combined adjusted income (Family Law Art. § 12-202). The formula considers number of children, health insurance, childcare costs, and parenting time. Fault does not directly affect child support calculations.
How does custody work in a fault-based divorce?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. Fault grounds like cruelty may affect custody determinations if they demonstrate parental unfitness. Mediation is often ordered.
Can adultery affect alimony in Maryland?
Yes. Under Md. Code § 8-205, adultery may bar alimony entirely if the adultery caused the divorce. The court considers fault as one factor in alimony determinations. Other fault grounds may increase alimony awards.
Internal links: Maryland Divorce & Family Law Lawyer | Montgomery County Divorce Lawyer | Criminal Defense Lawyer Wicomico County
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.