Real numbers for Maryland — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
However complicated the details get, nearly every Maryland divorce follows the same underlying sequence:
This outline is meant as general orientation, not a substitute for legal advice — check with a Maryland family law attorney or your courthouse's self-help center for the forms specific to your case.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Maryland Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Maryland ranges from roughly $3,300 for a simple uncontested case to $36,800 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Maryland reformed its divorce law in 2023, cutting the separation requirement from 12 months to 6 months. Couples can also divorce with no waiting period at all via mutual consent, if both spouses sign a complete settlement agreement.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $165 | $990 | $5,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,250 |
| Contested, no trial | $12,650 | $23,000 | $36,800 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $36,800 | $43,700 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $17,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Maryland is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $165 statewide uniform fee
| Montgomery County | $165 |
| Prince George's | $165 |
| Baltimore City | $165 |
| Baltimore County | $165 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Maryland average $300 per hour.
A Bethesda couple with two children and a shared home going through a cooperative divorce would spend $165 in filing fees and $4,000–$8,000 in attorney costs for an uncontested case — total $4,200–$8,200. Contested custody cases in Montgomery or Prince George's County often exceed $35,000 per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Maryland?
An uncontested divorce in Maryland typically costs $5,500–$8,250 including the $165 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $23,000–$36,800 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
Do I need to be separated before filing for divorce in Maryland?
No longer. Maryland eliminated the separation requirement in 2023. Couples can now file for mutual consent divorce or irreconcilable differences immediately.
Is Maryland a no-fault divorce state?
Yes since 2023. Maryland now allows divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences with no separation required, making it a true no-fault state.
How much does a divorce attorney cost in Maryland?
Rates vary significantly by location. DC-suburb attorneys in Montgomery County charge $350–$550+/hr. Attorneys in western Maryland and the Eastern Shore charge $200–$300/hr.
How is property divided in a Maryland divorce?
Maryland follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on contributions, length of marriage, and each spouse's financial circumstances.
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Open Maryland Calculator →Filing fees based on Maryland court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.