In St. Mary’s County, temporary custody orders are decided under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 using the best interests standard. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A temporary custody lawyer St Marys County can file a pendente lite motion for emergency custody within 30-60 days of filing.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland family law defines temporary custody under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 as a short-term custody arrangement pending final resolution of a divorce or custody case. The court applies the best interests standard, considering factors including each parent’s fitness, stability, and the child’s emotional ties. A temporary custody lawyer St Marys County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands that these orders are decided at pendente lite hearings, typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing a motion. The court may also order a custody evaluation or mediation before issuing a temporary order. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these fast-moving proceedings.
For the complete statutory framework governing temporary custody in Maryland, review Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County official website.
St. Mary’s County Circuit Court handles all temporary custody motions. The court frequently orders mediation before pendente lite hearings. A mandatory parenting seminar is required for cases involving minor children. The court considers the child’s preference if the child is of sufficient age and maturity.
- File a complaint for custody or divorce at St. Mary’s County Circuit Court (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary custody with supporting affidavit detailing the child’s current living situation and why temporary custody is needed.
- Attend mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved — fee approximately $50-$100.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt resolution before the pendente lite hearing.
- Appear at the pendente lite hearing where the judge issues a temporary custody order based on the best interests standard.
- Comply with any custody evaluation ordered by the court, which may take 2-4 months to complete.
In St. Mary’s County, temporary custody orders carry serious consequences — violation can result in contempt of court with fines and potential incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of temporary custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Court may modify custody in favor of the other parent; attorney fees may be awarded |
| Interference with custody | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; potential loss of custody rights |
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 Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. 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 experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Secondary attorney Kristen Fisher (Of Counsel, Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney) also handles family law matters in St. Mary’s County. She joined the firm in 2010 and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to family law cases involving domestic violence or child protection issues.
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. If you need a temporary custody lawyer near me St. Mary’s County, we serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
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.
Does Maryland require separation before filing for temporary custody?
No. Maryland does not require separation before filing for temporary custody. You can file a pendente lite motion for temporary custody at any time, even while living in the same home. The court decides based on the best interests standard under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101.
How much does a temporary custody case cost in St. Mary’s County?
Circuit Court filing fee: $165. Service of process by sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100). Parenting seminar fee: approximately $50-$100. Mediation: $100-$350/hour. Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+. An affordable temporary custody lawyer St. Mary’s County can help manage these costs.
How is temporary custody decided in St. Mary’s County?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including each parent’s fitness, character, stability, and the child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Cases heard at St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes.
How long does a temporary custody order last in St. Mary’s County?
A temporary custody order lasts until the final divorce or custody hearing, which can take 6-18 months for contested cases. Pendente lite hearings typically occur within 30-60 days of filing. The court can modify the temporary order if circumstances change.
Can I get emergency custody in St. Mary’s County without the other parent’s notice?
It depends. Maryland allows ex parte emergency custody orders only when there is immediate danger to the child’s health or safety. You must file a detailed affidavit explaining the emergency. A hearing with both parties is typically scheduled within 10-14 days of the ex parte order.
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Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Maryland Office Location
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.