In Montgomery County, Maryland family law covers divorce, custody, and support under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. A third party custody lawyer Rockville can help you protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery 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 uses equitable distribution for marital property. Maryland offers a mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree and have a written resolution for all issues, including custody and property. A third party custody lawyer Rockville understands these statutes and how they apply to your situation.
For non-parent custody cases, Maryland law allows grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other third parties to petition for custody under certain circumstances. A non-parent custody petition lawyer Rockville can guide you through this process. Understanding third party custodian rights lawyer Rockville is essential for anyone seeking custody of a child who is not their biological offspring.
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (divorce grounds) and Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (custody best interests). Court information is available at the Maryland Judiciary website.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce or Custody at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Pay the $165 filing fee and serve the other party via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar (approximately $50-$100) if minor children are involved.
- Participate in mediation, which the court frequently orders for custody and support disputes.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (temporary orders) typically within 30-60 days of your motion.
- Proceed to final hearing or settlement conference for the divorce decree or custody order.
In Montgomery County, family law cases involve financial and custody outcomes, not criminal penalties. The table below outlines the legal standards and potential outcomes.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Mutual Consent) | No separation required if both agree | Final decree | 2-3 months | $165 filing fee | Must have written agreement on all issues |
| Divorce (Absolute) | 6-month separation | Final decree | 3-4 months from filing | $165 filing fee | Can be contested |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Joint or sole custody | 3-18 months | $3,000-$10,000+ for evaluation | Mediation often ordered |
| Child Support | Income shares guidelines | Monthly payment order | 30-60 days for temporary | Based on income | Includes health insurance and childcare |
| Alimony | Statutory factors | Rehabilitative or indefinite | Varies | Based on need and ability | Tax implications |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Division of marital property | Part of divorce | Varies | Separate property excluded |
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris works alongside Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Ms. Fisher joined the firm in 2010 and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to family law cases, particularly in contested custody and support matters.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% 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, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Montgomery County? 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.
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.
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
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+. Maryland’s mutual consent option is one of the fastest and most affordable paths to divorce in the region.
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850).
Can a grandparent seek custody in Montgomery County?
Yes. Maryland law allows grandparents and other third parties to petition for custody under certain circumstances. The court applies the best interests standard. A third party custody lawyer Rockville can explain the specific requirements for filing a non-parent custody petition in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Return to the Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page for statewide information.
Explore family law services in nearby areas: Prince George’s County family law lawyer and Howard County family law lawyer.
Other legal services in Montgomery County: criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County and DUI/DWI lawyer Montgomery County.
View our attorney profile and visit our 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.