An International Assets Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County helps you protect property held across borders. Maryland law under Family Law Art. § 7-103 governs divorce grounds, while equitable distribution under § 8-205 applies to assets worldwide. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Law on International Asset Division in Divorce
Maryland is an equitable distribution state under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205. This means the court divides marital property fairly — not necessarily equally — regardless of where the assets are located. For clients with overseas property, a foreign asset division lawyer Montgomery County must identify, value, and trace assets held in foreign jurisdictions. Maryland courts have authority to divide foreign real estate, offshore accounts, international business interests, and foreign retirement accounts as part of the marital estate. The court considers the same statutory factors for foreign assets as for domestic ones: duration of marriage, economic circumstances, and contributions to the marital property.
External Citation Links
Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205 (equitable distribution) — official Maryland General Assembly
District Court of MD for Montgomery County — official court website
- Identify All Assets: List every asset you or your spouse owns, including foreign real estate, offshore bank accounts, foreign retirement plans, and international business interests.
- Gather Documentation: Collect deeds, account statements, tax returns, and business records for all international assets. Hire a forensic accountant if needed.
- File for Divorce: File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in Montgomery County Circuit Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Filing fee: $165.
- Serve Discovery Requests: Your attorney serves interrogatories and requests for production of documents targeting foreign assets. The court can compel production under Maryland law.
- Attend Settlement Conference: Montgomery County requires a settlement conference before trial. Mediation is available for property division disputes.
- Present Evidence at Trial: If no settlement is reached, present experienced testimony on foreign asset valuation and tracing. The court enters a final equitable distribution order.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, international asset division in divorce carries equitable distribution of all marital property, including foreign assets, under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Disclose Foreign Assets | Contempt of Court | Up to 30 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Adverse inference at trial; potential criminal referral for perjury |
| Hiding Marital Assets (Fraudulent Transfer) | Civil Fraud | None (civil remedy) | Treble damages possible | None | Court may award entire asset to other spouse; attorney fees shifted |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Montgomery County Family Law
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. These results include complex divorce cases involving international assets, business valuations, and high-net-worth property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. Accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require separation before divorce?
No. Maryland allows mutual consent divorce with no separation period — both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement. For absolute divorce without consent, 6-month separation is required. Filed at Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How much does a 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County.
How does custody work in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes.
Can a Maryland court divide foreign real estate in a divorce?
Yes. Maryland courts have authority to divide foreign real estate as part of equitable distribution under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205. The court considers the same factors as for domestic property. Enforcement of the order may require action in the foreign jurisdiction.
What happens if my spouse hides assets overseas?
The court can impose sanctions including adverse inferences, award the hidden asset entirely to the other spouse, shift attorney fees, and refer the matter for criminal prosecution for perjury or fraud. Forensic accounting is often ordered.
How long does a contested divorce with international assets take in Montgomery County?
Contested divorce with international assets typically takes 12-24 months from filing to final decree. Discovery of foreign assets, forensic accounting, and valuation disputes extend the timeline. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support occur within 30-60 days.
Do I need a lawyer for an international assets divorce in Maryland?
It depends. If you have significant foreign assets, a lawyer is strongly recommended. International asset division involves complex tracing, valuation, and enforcement issues. An International Assets Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County can protect your global property rights.