A Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland can help you file for a legal separation in Montgomery County. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, a limited divorce does not end the marriage but addresses support and custody. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Montgomery County.
Limited Divorce Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A limited divorce in Maryland, also called a legal separation, is a court order that allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, grounds for a limited divorce include cruelty, excessively vicious conduct, desertion, or voluntary separation. Unlike an absolute divorce, a limited divorce does not dissolve the marriage bond. It can address spousal support, child custody, and child support. This option is often used when parties do not meet the 6-month separation requirement for an absolute divorce or when religious beliefs prevent a full dissolution. The court retains jurisdiction to modify orders during the limited divorce period.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
For the official statute, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Maryland Circuit Court website.
In Montgomery County Circuit Court, a limited divorce petition is filed at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. The court requires a mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving minor children.
- File a Complaint for Limited Divorce at the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if you have minor children.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation for custody and support.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders.
- Receive a Judgment of Limited Divorce from the court.
In Montgomery County, a limited divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs and potential support obligations.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Divorce | Civil Proceeding | None | $165 filing fee | None | Spousal support, child custody, child support orders |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm 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.”
Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor), also handles family law matters in Maryland. She joined the firm in 2010 and brings former MD Assistant State’s Attorney experience to every case.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location is near the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, accessible via I-495 and Route 355. For a Limited Divorce Lawyer Maryland near you, 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.
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.
Does Maryland require separation before a limited divorce?
No. A limited divorce does not require a separation period. Grounds include cruelty, excessively vicious conduct, desertion, or voluntary separation. Filed at Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How much does a limited divorce cost in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. The Circuit Court divorce filing fee is $165. Service of process costs $40 (sheriff) or $50-$100 (private process server). Additional costs include parenting seminar ($50-$100) and mediation ($100-$350/hour).
How is child support calculated during a limited divorce in Montgomery County?
Maryland 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court.
How does custody work during a limited divorce in Montgomery County?
Maryland uses the best interests standard with factors including fitness, character, stability, and child’s preference. There is no presumption for either parent. Mediation is often ordered for custody disputes. A mandatory parenting seminar is required.
Can a limited divorce be converted to an absolute divorce in Maryland?
Yes. A limited divorce can be converted to an absolute divorce after the parties have lived separate and apart for 6 months without cohabitation. The court will then issue a Judgment of Absolute Divorce dissolving the marriage.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.