How Much Does Divorce Cost in Baltimore, MD (2025 Guide)

The cost of divorce in Baltimore depends on your level of agreement and case complexity. Couples who resolve issues up front often finish for under $2,000, while high-conflict cases with property or custody disputes can exceed $30,000. This guide explains the Baltimore divorce filing fee, typical attorney and mediation costs, and how asset division and custody affect the total—plus how Divorce.com helps Maryland couples file quickly with flat, transparent pricing.

Average Baltimore Divorce Costs

Ranges vary with attorney hours, number of disputes, and whether experts (evaluators, appraisers, forensic accountants) are needed.

Baltimore Divorce Filing Fee

Filing a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in the Circuit Court (Baltimore City or Baltimore County) typically costs about $165–$195 as of 2025.
Additional court-related costs may include:

• Service of process: ~$40–$80 (sheriff or private process server)

• Parenting seminar (if minor children): ~$50–$75 per parent

• Certified copies: ~$5–$20 each

If you have limited income, you can request a fee waiver from the clerk’s office.

Baltimore Divorce Attorney Cost

Family-law pricing in the Baltimore metro is mid-range for the Mid-Atlantic:

• Hourly rate: $250–$450/hour (experience + firm size matter)

• Retainers (contested cases): $3,000–$8,000+

• Flat fees (uncontested): often $900–$2,000

How to lower legal spend

• Settle terms (property, parenting, support) before retaining counsel.

• Use limited-scope representation for document review or a single hearing.

• Keep financials organized to reduce billable back-and-forth.

Baltimore Uncontested Divorce Cost

If you and your spouse agree on all terms, an uncontested divorce is the fastest, least expensive path.

• Typical total: $500–$2,000 including filing + service

• Timeline: Often 1–3 months, subject to the court’s calendar

Divorce.com advantage:
Maryland-specific questionnaires generate the right forms, reduce errors, and include optional attorney review—flat price, no hourly surprises.

Baltimore Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation helps couples resolve disagreements privately with a neutral professional.

• Private mediator: $200–$350/hour

• Half-day: $800–$1,200 total

• Full-day: $1,500–$2,500 total

Most couples settle in 2–3 sessions (about $2,000–$6,000)—far less than litigating.

Baltimore Contested Divorce Cost

When spouses can’t agree on assets, alimony, or parenting, costs rise quickly.

• Typical total: $12,000–$30,000+

• Main drivers: discovery and depositions, temporary-order hearings, expert witnesses (business valuation, vocational, custody evaluators), and trial prep

These matters often require multiple court dates and can last 6–18 months.

Baltimore Asset Division Cost

Maryland follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly (not always 50/50).

Common asset-related expenses:

• Real-estate appraisal: $400–$1,000 each

• Business valuation: $5,000–$12,000+

• QDRO (retirement division): $300–$600 per plan

• Forensic accountant: $175–$350/hour

Agreeing on values or using one neutral expert can save thousands.

Baltimore Custody Dispute Cost

Parenting disputes are often the most expensive part of a divorce.

Potential add-ons:

• Best-interest/custody evaluation or GAL: $2,000–$6,000+

• Parenting coordinator: $1,000–$3,000+

• Therapy/co-parent counseling: varies by provider

• Extra mediation sessions: $500–$1,000 each

Courts typically require a parenting seminar and strongly encourage mediation before trial.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Baltimore

Typical Baltimore Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in Baltimore without a lawyer?
Yes. Maryland allows self-representation. Divorce.com provides guided Maryland forms and filing support.

How long does a divorce take in Maryland?
Uncontested cases can complete in a few months depending on the court’s docket and whether a brief hearing is required.

Do we have to do mediation?
Courts frequently order mediation before scheduling a trial, particularly in custody or parenting disputes.

What’s the cheapest way to get divorced in Baltimore?
An uncontested online divorce through Divorce.com—plus court fees—often totals under $1,000.

Where do I file?
At the Circuit Court for your jurisdiction (Baltimore City or Baltimore County); many filings and payments can be handled electronically.

The Bottom Line

The average cost of divorce in Baltimore is driven by conflict and complexity. Collaborative couples who use online filing typically finish for under $2,000, while litigated cases with multiple disputes can exceed $30,000.

With Divorce.com, Baltimore residents get flat fees, Maryland-ready forms, and a guided workflow from start to finish—so you spend less and finalize faster.

👉 Start your Baltimore divorce online at Divorce.com and move forward with clarity and confidence.