equitable distribution lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD

If you are facing a divorce in St. Mary’s County and you and your spouse own a home, retirement accounts, a business, or other significant assets, the division of those assets under Maryland’s equitable distribution laws is likely one of your most pressing concerns. You might wonder how the court decides what is fair, whether your separate property remains yours, or whether you will receive or pay a monetary award to balance the property split. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court and throughout Maryland in matters of property classification, valuation, and division. We understand the local court procedures and the statutory framework that governs equitable distribution, and we work to protect your interests through negotiation or litigation. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Equitable Distribution Means in St. Mary’s County

Maryland is an equitable distribution state. This means that in a divorce, the court does not automatically split marital property 50/50; instead, it divides property according to what it considers fair after considering a set of statutory factors. The Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown, handles all divorce, alimony, and property division cases for the county. The court first classifies assets as marital, separate, or hybrid, then values each one and determines an equitable division. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. Separate property—such as assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts from a third party—generally remains with the owning spouse, though commingling and contributions can affect that classification. The court may award a monetary payment if the division of physical property is not equal, under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205.

The statutory factors the court weighs include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the contributions each spouse made to the acquisition of property (including nonmonetary contributions like homemaking), the circumstances that contributed to the dissolution of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party. Because St. Mary’s County includes military families associated with Patuxent River Naval Air Station, property division often involves pensions, survivor benefits, and assets accumulated during deployments—all of which must be carefully identified and valued. Working with a knowledgeable attorney helps you present the facts that matter most to the court’s decision.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Equitable Distribution Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a thorough approach to equitable distribution matters. Early in the process, we help you identify all assets and liabilities—real property, bank and investment accounts, retirement funds, business interests, vehicles, and personal property—and determine whether each is marital or separate under Maryland law. We work with financial professionals when necessary to value complex assets such as professional practices, stock options, or real estate holdings. In many cases, the parties reach a negotiated settlement through mediation or informal discussions; when that is not possible, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare the case for trial in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County.

We also address related issues such as alimony and attorney’s fees, which can be affected by the outcome of the property division. Because the court has broad discretion in awarding a monetary adjustment to make the overall division equitable, we present evidence that supports your position on the statutory factors. Throughout the proceeding, we keep you informed of the likely timeline and potential next steps. The process varies depending on the complexity of the assets and whether the parties can agree, but you can expect direct communication and steady advocacy. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss how we can help with your equitable distribution matter.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He concentrates his practice on family law, criminal defense, and related litigation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience in family law, trial advocacy, and complex financial cases. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to each matter. Results may vary.

The firm’s Rockville, Maryland location—at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100—serves clients across the state, including St. Mary’s County. Consultations are by appointment only. To reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “equitable distribution” mean in a Maryland divorce?

Equitable distribution in Maryland means the court divides marital property according to what it believes is fair, not necessarily a 50/50 split. The judge first classifies assets as marital or separate, after which marital property is distributed based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the parties’ economic circumstances. The goal is a fair outcome, not an automatic equal division. A monetary award may be ordered if physical assets cannot be divided evenly.

How does the court decide what is fair in St. Mary’s County?

The court uses the factors listed in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205 to assess fairness. Those factors include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, how and when the property was acquired, the contributions each party made to the family’s well‑being, and any circumstances that contributed to the divorce. The judge has broad discretion; presenting a compelling case with the help of an experienced attorney can influence how those factors are weighed in your favor.

Can my spouse and I agree on property division ourselves?

Yes, spouses can reach their own agreement about property division and present it to the court for approval. A negotiated settlement often saves time and expense. If the agreement is fair and reasonable, the judge will generally incorporate it into the divorce decree. An attorney can help you evaluate whether the proposed division protects your rights before you sign.

Do I need a lawyer for equitable distribution in St. Mary’s County?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but equitable distribution involves complex asset classification and valuation rules that can affect your financial future. Mistakes in identifying separate property, undervaluing assets, or failing to account for tax consequences can have lasting effects. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can help you navigate the process and present a strong position in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What happens if my spouse is hiding assets?

If you suspect your spouse is concealing assets, your attorney can use discovery tools such as interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions to uncover them. The court can impose consequences for dishonesty, and the value of hidden assets can be considered in the equitable distribution. Acting promptly is important, so you should speak with an attorney as soon as you have concerns.

Official Resources:
Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205 (Equitable Distribution) |
Maryland Courts – St. Mary’s County |
Maryland Family Court Information

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