Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Howard County, Maryland
Howard County divorce is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103, offering mutual consent divorce with no separation period if both parties agree. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Howard County Circuit Court, handling custody, support, and equitable distribution matters. Our Maryland office serves Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.
Maryland Family Law Statutes
Maryland family law provides multiple paths for divorce, including mutual consent with no separation requirement under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8). The state follows equitable distribution principles for property division, not community property.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly statutes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s experience includes complex financial cases and family law matters across multiple states.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Maryland family law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). Court-specific procedures and forms for Howard County are available at the District Court of Maryland website (courts.state.md.us).
Howard County Family Court Procedures
Howard County Circuit Court handles all divorce, alimony, and property division matters at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. Maryland’s mutual consent divorce option is unique—no separation period is required if both parties agree and either have no minor children or have a written agreement resolving all issues.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your Maryland family law options.
- File the appropriate petition at Howard County Circuit Court with the $165 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with filed documents via sheriff or private process server.
- Complete the mandatory parenting seminar if your case involves minor children.
- Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders and final resolution.
Howard County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Howard County, divorce carries various costs including a $165 Circuit Court filing fee, with mutual consent divorce available with no separation period under Maryland law.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | No-fault | 2-3 months | $165 | Service: $40-$100; Parenting seminar: $50-$100 |
| Absolute Divorce (6-month separation) | No-fault | 3-4 months | $165 | Same as above; possible mediation: $100-$350/hour |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 6-18 months | $165 | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+; Attorney fees vary |
Results may vary. The costs and timelines above are estimates based on typical Howard County cases.
Our Experience in Maryland Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic advantage in complex financial divorce cases.
Case Results in Howard County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Howard County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 1. We provide family law lawyer services near Columbia, Ellicott City, and throughout Howard County.
We serve clients in Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area
By appointment only
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Howard County Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Howard 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 — no separation wait, 2-3 months from filing.
How is child support calculated in Howard 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 Howard County.
How does custody work in Howard 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 Howard County. Mediation often ordered for custody disputes. Mandatory parenting seminar for cases involving children.
What is equitable distribution in Maryland?
Maryland is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on factors like contributions, duration, and economic circumstances. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance) is excluded. The process occurs in Howard County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Maryland family law, visit our Maryland Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby counties: Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer and Prince George’s County Family Law Lawyer.
In Howard County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Learn more about our attorney: Kristen Fisher profile.
Visit our Maryland office location page for directions and contact information.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.