In Montgomery 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 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A temporary custody lawyer Montgomery County can help you secure immediate parenting time while your case proceeds.
Maryland family law is codified primarily in the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code. Divorce grounds are set forth in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which includes mutual consent (no separation required if no minor children or written agreement exists), 6-month separation, adultery, cruelty, and desertion. Equitable distribution of marital property follows factors under § 8-205. Child support is calculated using the income shares model under § 12-202. Custody determinations use the best interests of the child standard under § 9-101. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly)
For temporary custody matters specifically, Maryland courts apply the same best interests standard under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101. A temporary custody order provides interim parenting arrangements while the court evaluates the full case. The court considers factors including each parent’s fitness, stability, and the child’s emotional ties. Temporary custody orders can be modified as circumstances change before final judgment.
Review the official statutes: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (grounds for divorce) and District Court of MD for Montgomery County official website.
Montgomery County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, and property division matters. Contested custody cases also go to Circuit Court, though initial filings for standalone custody or support may begin in District Court. Maryland uniquely offers mutual consent divorce with no separation period — both parties must agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues including custody and property.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce or Complaint for Custody/Support at Montgomery County Circuit Court, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and arrange service of process on the other party ($40 sheriff service or $50-$100 private process server).
- Complete the mandatory parenting seminar within 30 days if minor children are involved (fee approximately $50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing) for temporary custody, support, and use of marital home.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation for custody disputes before the final merits hearing.
- Receive final judgment of divorce or custody order after all issues are resolved by agreement or trial.
In Montgomery County, family law matters involve financial and custodial consequences determined by statutory guidelines rather than criminal penalties.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Financial Impact | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Mutual Consent) | No separation required | 2-3 months from filing | Filing fee: $165 | Written agreement if minor children |
| Divorce (Absolute) | 6-month separation | 3-4 months from filing | Filing fee: $165 | Prove grounds |
| Child Support | Income shares guidelines | Until child emancipates | Based on combined income | Health insurance, childcare costs |
| Custody | Best interests of child | Until modified or child turns 18 | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Parenting seminar, mediation |
| Alimony | Rehabilitative or indefinite | Duration varies by factors | Based on need and ability to pay | Statutory factors under § 8-205 |
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 across its attorneys. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Advocacy Without Borders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results in Montgomery County across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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).
Family law lawyer near Montgomery County — serving 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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Does Maryland require separation before divorce?
Not always. 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. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
What is a temporary custody order in Montgomery County?
A temporary custody order provides interim parenting arrangements while the full case proceeds. The court applies the same best interests standard. Pendente lite hearings for temporary custody are typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing a motion.
Can I get a temporary custody lawyer near me Montgomery County?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves Montgomery County from our Rockville location. We handle temporary custody hearings and can file emergency custody motions when immediate protection is needed. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
For more information: Maryland Family Law Lawyer | Prince George’s County Family Law Lawyer | Howard County Family Law Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County DUI Lawyer
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.