Maryland · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

Maryland divorce forms and filing fees

The paperwork side of a divorce in Maryland: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver, which court to file in and e-filing.

In short

What it costs to file in Maryland: $165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026) Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers.

Filing fee
$165
Court
Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live

Official divorce forms for Maryland

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in Maryland.

Filing fee in Maryland

$165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026)

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in Maryland

Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers

Where and how to file

Court
Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live
E-filing
Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) e-filing is available in all circuit courts; self-represented people may e-file: https://www.mdcourts.gov/mdec/efiling

Filing your divorce papers in Maryland, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Maryland courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026)

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers.

  5. File online or in person

    Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) e-filing is available in all circuit courts; self-represented people may e-file: https://www.mdcourts.gov/mdec/efiling.

  6. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in Maryland

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Maryland?

$165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026)

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in Maryland?

Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers

Where can I get official divorce forms for Maryland?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Maryland courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (Maryland courts).

Can I file divorce papers online in Maryland?

Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) e-filing is available in all circuit courts; self-represented people may e-file: https://www.mdcourts.gov/mdec/efiling

Which court handles divorce in Maryland?

Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live

More about divorce in Maryland

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.