A contested divorce in Prince George’s County, Maryland, involves disputes over property, custody, or support that require litigation at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. Filing fee: $165 under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Call (888) 437-7747 for consultation by appointment.
Contested Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a contested divorce is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, which outlines grounds for absolute divorce including mutual consent (no separation required), 6-month separation, adultery, cruelty, and desertion. When spouses cannot agree on all issues — including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support — the case becomes contested and proceeds to litigation at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division). Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Separate property (acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift) is excluded from distribution. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s divorce statutes, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, judges routinely order mediation for custody disputes before scheduling a trial. We have observed that cases involving minor children almost always require a mandatory parenting seminar, which costs approximately $50-$100.
- File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
- Serve the respondent via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary orders are needed.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and custody evaluations if ordered.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached; contested cases take 6-18 months.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, a contested divorce does not carry criminal penalties but involves significant financial and legal consequences including equitable distribution of marital property, potential alimony awards, and child support obligations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Timeline | Cost Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205 | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County | 6-18 months | Property division, pension analysis, business valuation | Marital property divided fairly; separate property excluded |
| Alimony | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8-205 | Circuit Court for Prince George’s County | 6-18 months | Rehabilitative or indefinite based on statutory factors | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Child Support | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | 30-60 days for temporary orders | Guidelines based on combined adjusted income | Includes health insurance, childcare, parenting time |
| Child Custody | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | 2-4 months for evaluation | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+ | Best interests standard; no presumption for either parent |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 25 miles from the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, with access via I-495 and I-95. If you are searching for a contested divorce lawyer near Prince George’s County, we serve the communities of Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Prince George’s County
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 Prince George’s County Circuit Court. 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+. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends. Uncontested divorce involves filing fees at Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) plus attorney fees — typically a flat fee or limited hourly.
Contested divorce scales with complexity: custody evaluations, property appraisals, pension analysis, and trial preparation all affect fees. High-asset cases involving business valuation, stock options, or international assets require substantial retainers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. discusses fee structure at initial consultation — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
How is child support calculated in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
How does custody work in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Maryland uses the experienced 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What should I do if I am facing a contested divorce in Prince George’s County?
Contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Maryland law require prompt action. Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 governs grounds for divorce. The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division) handles all contested divorce matters.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-28