Maryland Divorce Cost
How much does divorce cost in Maryland? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.
Maryland Divorce Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Divorce.ai | $299 + $165 filing fee |
| DIY (Pro Se) | $165 filing fee only |
| Mediation | $3,000-$8,000(~$250/session) |
| Uncontested + Attorney | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Contested + Attorney | $10,000-$30,000+ |
Maryland Divorce Fee Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $165 |
| Process Server | $75 |
| Certified Copy | $6 |
| Parenting Course | $25 |
| Minimum Total (DIY) | $246 |
County Fee Variations
Save thousands on your Maryland divorce
Divorce.ai prepares your complete filing package for a flat fee. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Attorney Costs in Maryland
Divorce attorneys in Maryland typically charge between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.
Simple Uncontested
$1,500-$3,000
5-15 hours
Moderate Complexity
$5,000-$15,000
20-60 hours
Highly Contested
$10,000+
60+ hours
Hidden Costs to Watch For
QDRO (Retirement Division)
If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.
Real Estate Appraisals
Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.
Business Valuations
If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.
Custody Evaluations
Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.
Fee Waiver Information
Maryland offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.
File form CC-DC-089 (Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs) with your initial papers. The court uses MLSC (Maryland Legal Services Corporation) Client Income Eligibility Guidelines to evaluate the request. If denied, you have 10 days to pay the filing fee.
Income threshold: At or below MLSC Client Income Eligibility Guidelines (generally 125% of federal poverty level)
Required form: CC-DC-089
Divorce doesn't have to break the bank
With Divorce.ai, you get lawyer-quality Maryland divorce documents at a fraction of the cost. Start for free.