In Prince George’s County, Maryland, a limited divorce (legal separation) is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, allowing spouses to live apart while addressing support, custody, and property issues without terminating the marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County.
Limited Divorce Lawyer Prince Georges County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a limited divorce (legal separation) is a court order that allows spouses to live separately while remaining legally married. This is distinct from an absolute divorce, which terminates the marriage. The grounds for limited divorce are set forth in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 and include cruelty of treatment, excessively vicious conduct, desertion, and voluntary separation. A limited divorce may address spousal support, child custody, child support, and use of marital property, but it does not divide marital assets or terminate the marriage. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ 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). For child support guidelines, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12-202 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (Family Division), judges routinely require parties to attend mediation before scheduling contested custody or support hearings. We have observed that failure to complete the mandatory parenting seminar can delay finalization by weeks.
- Determine eligibility: at least one spouse must have resided in Maryland for 6 months prior to filing.
- Prepare and file a Complaint for Limited Divorce at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Filing fee: $165.
- Serve the other spouse via sheriff ($40) or private process server ($50-$100). The respondent has 30 days to answer.
- Attend the mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved (fee: approximately $50-$100).
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court for custody or support disputes.
- Finalize the limited divorce through a consent order or contested hearing. Timeline: 2-3 months for mutual consent; 6-18 months for contested cases.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, a limited divorce does not carry criminal penalties but involves legal consequences including spousal support, child custody arrangements, and property use orders.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Divorce (Legal Separation) | Civil matter under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 | Indefinite until absolute divorce or reconciliation | Spousal support (rehabilitative or indefinite); child support per guidelines | Court orders on custody, visitation, and use of marital property |
| Failure to Comply with Court Orders | Contempt of court (civil) | Until compliance | Fines, attorney fees, potential incarceration | Loss of custody or visitation rights |
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, MD is approximately 20 miles from the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772), with access via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. We serve as a limited divorce lawyer near Prince George’s County. Serving 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 Limited 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 in Maryland 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.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-28