How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Maryland?

The hard costs of filing for divorce in Maryland start at roughly $205 if you handle everything yourself. But the total can balloon to $15,000+ depending on whether you hire an attorney, how contested the case becomes, and which county you file in.

Here's a realistic breakdown.

Court Filing Fees

The baseline filing fee for a divorce complaint in Maryland Circuit Court is approximately $165 without an attorney, or $185 if filed through an attorney. This varies slightly by county — Montgomery County charges $165 regardless, while Harford and some other counties apply a small surcharge for attorney-filed cases.

This fee is non-refundable. If your complaint is rejected for missing forms, you don't get it back.

Service of Process Costs

You must have your spouse formally served with the divorce papers. Options:

The sheriff is the cheapest reliable option. Certified mail is cheaper but riskier — if the recipient doesn't sign, you've wasted time and money.

Additional Court Costs

• Certified copy of final decree: $5 + $0.50 per page (some counties charge $20 flat)
• Post-decree modification filing: $31
• Motion filing fee: varies by county

Parenting Education Seminar

If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a court-mandated 6-hour education seminar (Maryland Rule 9-204). Approved online providers charge $25-$100 per parent. In-person options vary by county.

Can You Get the Filing Fee Waived?

Yes. If you can't afford the filing fee, submit a Request for Waiver of Costs (Form CC-DC-089) along with Notice Regarding Restricted Information (Form MDJ-008) to protect your financial details from public view.

If the judge grants the waiver, the clerk opens your case without payment. If denied, you have exactly 10 days to pay the full fee — miss this deadline and your case is considered withdrawn.

A prepayment waiver only defers the fee. At case close, the court assigns final costs. File a Request for Final Waiver of Open Costs (Form CC-DC-090) to ask the judge to waive those permanently.

Attorney Costs (For Comparison)

Total Cost Scenarios

Uncontested, pro se, no children:

• Filing fee: $165
• Sheriff service: $40
• Certified decree copy: $10
• Total: ~$215

Uncontested, pro se, with children:

• Filing fee: $165
• Sheriff service: $40
• Parenting seminar (×2 parents): $50-$200
• Certified decree copy: $10
• Total: ~$265-$415

Contested with attorneys:

• Filing fee: $185
• Attorney retainer: $5,000-$15,000
• Discovery costs, depositions, expert witnesses
• Trial preparation and appearance
• Total: $10,000-$50,000+

How to Keep Costs Low

1. File on mutual consent — eliminates the need for expensive litigation
2. Draft your own settlement agreement — attorney hourly rates for negotiation add up fast
3. Use the sheriff for service — cheapest reliable method at $40
4. Prepare your own forms — the Maryland Guide and File portal generates them free
5. Apply for a fee waiver if income-eligible — the $165 filing fee isn't trivial for everyone

Get Through the Process Without Attorney Fees

The Maryland Divorce Filing Process Guide helps you file confidently without paying hourly attorney rates — with a complete form checklist, county fee reference, service tracking log, and step-by-step instructions from complaint to decree.

See more Maryland guides →