Maryland · Uncontested divorce · Updated Oct 2026

Uncontested divorce in Maryland

What couples who agree need to know in Maryland: who can use the process for agreed cases, the residency rule, the waiting period, the official forms, the filing fee, the fee waiver, e-filing and mediation.

In short

Here is how Maryland handles a divorce when both spouses agree. Mutual consent: if you both sign a settlement agreement resolving alimony, property and all child issues (with a child support worksheet if needed), you can file without any separation period; a short hearing is still required (Fam. Law 7-103(a)(3)).

Who can file (residency)
6 months (with exceptions)
Waiting period
No set waiting period
Filing fee
$165

Who can use the process for agreed cases in Maryland

Mutual consent: if you both sign a settlement agreement resolving alimony, property and all child issues (with a child support worksheet if needed), you can file without any separation period; a short hearing is still required (Fam. Law 7-103(a)(3)).

Before you file in Maryland

Who can file (residency)
You can file if you or your spouse lives in Maryland. If the ground for divorce happened outside Maryland, one of you must have lived in Maryland for at least 6 months before filing.
Waiting period
There is no waiting period after filing. For the 6-month separation ground, you must have lived separate lives for 6 months without interruption before you file (you can do that under the same roof). Mutual consent and irreconcilable differences need no separation.
Law
Md. Code, Fam. Law 7-101 · Md. Code, Fam. Law 7-103

Forms, fees and filing in Maryland

Official forms
Divorce forms (Maryland courts)
Court self-help
Divorce self-help (Maryland courts)
Filing fee
$165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026)
If you can't afford the fee
Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers
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

If you agree on only some issues

If custody is disputed, many circuit courts require mediation of parenting issues unless there's domestic violence (Md. Rule 9-205). More: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/mediationadr

An uncontested divorce in Maryland, step by step

  1. Check that you can file in Maryland

    You can file if you or your spouse lives in Maryland.

  2. See if you qualify for the simpler process

    Mutual consent: if you both sign a settlement agreement resolving alimony, property and all child issues (with a child support worksheet if needed), you can file without any separation period; a short hearing is still required (Fam. Law 7-103(a)(3)).

  3. Fill in the official forms

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

  4. File, and pay the fee or ask for a waiver

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

  5. Have your spouse sign or be served

    Your spouse must be formally served with the complaint and attachments by someone 18+ who is not a party (or the sheriff), or by certified mail, restricted delivery.

  6. Wait out the waiting period

    There is no waiting period after filing.

  7. Get the final decree

    The judge signs the final decree (judgment), which ends the marriage. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about uncontested divorce in Maryland

Is there a simplified divorce for agreed cases in Maryland?

Mutual consent: if you both sign a settlement agreement resolving alimony, property and all child issues (with a child support worksheet if needed), you can file without any separation period; a short hearing is still required (Fam. Law 7-103(a)(3)).

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Maryland?

There is no waiting period after filing. For the 6-month separation ground, you must have lived separate lives for 6 months without interruption before you file (you can do that under the same roof). Mutual consent and irreconcilable differences need no separation.

Who can file for an uncontested divorce in Maryland?

You can file if you or your spouse lives in Maryland. If the ground for divorce happened outside Maryland, one of you must have lived in Maryland for at least 6 months before filing.

Can we file for divorce 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

How much does it cost to file an uncontested divorce in Maryland?

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

Is mediation required in Maryland?

If custody is disputed, many circuit courts require mediation of parenting issues unless there's domestic violence (Md. Rule 9-205). More: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/mediationadr

More about divorce in Maryland

Uncontested divorce in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.