How Much Does Divorce Cost in Maryland?

 Posted on January 28, 2026 in Divorce

Simply stated, getting a divorce is usually expensive. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not being completely forthcoming. But what does that mean – expensive? Expensive to me doesn’t necessarily mean expensive to you, and vice versa.

The actual, and somewhat unfortunate, answer to the question: "How much does divorce cost in Maryland?" is: "It depends." The cost depends on the issues arising out of your separation and divorce and it depends on how much you and your spouse agree (or disagree) about how to fairly resolve those issues.

It is unfortunate because the answer does nothing to provide clarity or ease your anxiety when it comes to planning for the financial ramifications of a divorce. Most people are shocked at how quickly the fees and costs increase during a divorce. Oftentimes, this shock is the result of unrealistic expectations and misinformation. People speak to the wrong advisors, compare their situation to someone else’s situation, ask the wrong questions, and rely too much on the internet for information.

In this post, our Columbia, MD divorce attorney helps demystify the costs you will face in your Maryland divorce.

Divorce Issues in Maryland

Generally speaking, there are several overarching issues that could arise, and need to be settled, in your separation and divorce:

• If you and your spouse have any property or debt, regardless of how the assets or liabilities are titled, then you need to resolve how that property or debt will be divided between the two of you. 

• If alimony and financial support are going to be an issue, then you need to decide the amount and duration of the alimony award. 

• If there are minor children involved, then you need to determine a custody arrangement that is in the minor children’s best interest. 

• There also must be a child support order for the benefit of the minor children. 

There can also be an infinite number of ancillary issues, related to the overarching issues, the number of which is completely dependent on the facts of your specific situation.

It’s no easy task identifying and agreeing on all the potential issues that need to be determined.

Uncontested Divorce

When you and your spouse have an agreement on all issues, meaning there is nothing left for the Court to decide, then you have an uncontested divorce. This doesn’t mean you "think" you have an agreement or that you "may" have an agreement in the future. It means that you have an absolute agreement, usually written down and signed by both of you, that cannot be changed. 

An uncontested divorce in Maryland typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, between filing fees, court costs, and attorney’s fees. Many attorneys will charge a flat fee for an uncontested divorce. Your attorney will draft all the paperwork, do all the Court filing, make sure your spouse receives proper notice, and represent you in any Court appearances.

An uncontested divorce usually takes about 2-3 months from the date of filing to the date of divorce.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce in Maryland, meaning you and your spouse don’t have an agreement on one or more issues, can be significantly more expensive than an uncontested divorce. Fees and costs usually range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, per person. More complex or heavily contested cases will take more time and thus cost more than less complicated or involved cases. 

The majority of these costs will be for attorney fees. Most divorce attorneys in Maryland charge hourly for a contested divorce, with hourly rates ranging from approximately $200 to $600 or more. David Marquardt’s hourly rate is $350.

Other potential charges include expert witness fees, mediation costs, court costs, counseling or coaching, and other miscellaneous items.

Keeping Divorce Costs Down

While the cost of divorce in Maryland can skyrocket, there are also ways to keep your costs down. The way you and your spouse handle your case and work through issues is a major factor in determining the financial impact of your divorce. While you can’t control your spouse’s actions, there are certain things that you can do to mitigate costs.

Set Realistic Expectations

First, you should have realistic expectations. If you have only seen your children sporadically over the last five years, you can’t expect to be awarded sole legal and physical custody. Likewise, if your spouse has been unemployed for your entire marriage and you have been the primary breadwinner, you are most likely going to pay some financial support. Having unrealistic expectations and sticking to them is a surefire way to increase your divorce costs.

Compromise

Second, you should be willing to compromise. You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you’ll get what you need. This isn’t just a famous song lyric. In most cases, you will not get everything that you want, and your spouse will likely not get everything either. If you both leave the marriage with everything that you need, then most divorce experts will agree that is generally a good result. If you are not willing to compromise, then you will create more work for your attorney and you will have more Court hearings, but you will probably end up in the same place of not get everything you want.

Keep it Impersonal

Third, you should let go of any negative emotions toward your spouse. Divorce litigation is not the place to get revenge on your spouse. The Court is not going to punish anyone. If that is your expectation, then you are going to be disappointed. Trying to get revenge through the divorce process will cause you to needlessly spend money for a goal that you cannot achieve. 

Hire a Columbia, MD Divorce Lawyer

Finally, you should hire an experienced attorney and listen to the person you hire. If you want to spend less, hire an excellent Maryland divorce attorney. Your attorney should provide guidance through a complicated divorce process and educate you so you can make informed decisions. Similarly, your attorney should offer the best legal advice, negotiate the best deal, and do a great job in court, if necessary. Call DM Family Law at 443-545-8100.