How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Baltimore, MD (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Baltimore—especially if your divorce is uncontested. Maryland allows couples to represent themselves (pro se), and Baltimore City’s Circuit Court processes thousands of no-attorney divorces each year.

This guide explains exactly how to divorce without a lawyer in Baltimore, including required forms, steps, timelines, and costs.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Maryland?

Yes. Many Baltimore couples complete uncontested divorces without attorneys.

A no-lawyer divorce works best when spouses agree on:

• Property and asset division

• Debt allocation

• Child custody & parenting schedules

• Child support

• Alimony

• Health insurance & tax matters

If you disagree on any major issue, mediation is a faster and less expensive alternative to litigation.

Choosing the Right Maryland Divorce Path Without a Lawyer

Maryland offers two major no-lawyer divorce options:

✔ Absolute Divorce (Uncontested)

Most common DIY path

• Spouses agree on all terms

• No trial required

• Works well for cooperative couples

✔ Mutual Consent Divorce

Fastest option

• No waiting period

• No separation required

• Must have a complete settlement agreement

Most Baltimore couples filing without a lawyer use one of these two options.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Baltimore: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm You Meet Maryland’s Residency Requirements

You must meet one of the following:

• At least one spouse has lived in Maryland for 6 months, OR

• The grounds for divorce happened in Maryland

Grounds for divorce are typically “mutual consent” or “irreconcilable differences.”

2. Complete Maryland’s Divorce Forms

Forms differ depending on whether children are involved.

Divorce Forms (No Children):

• Complaint for Absolute Divorce

• Civil Domestic Case Information Report

• Settlement Agreement

• Financial Statement (Short Form)

• Proposed Judgment of Absolute Divorce

Divorce Forms (With Children):

• Parenting Plan

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Financial Statement (Long Form)

• Parenting Class Certificate (if required)

Divorce.com™ automatically generates all Maryland + Baltimore City compliant forms.

3. File Your Divorce With the Baltimore City Circuit Court

Baltimore divorces are filed at:

Baltimore City Circuit Court – Family Division
111 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Via Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC), if eligible

Filing Fee (2025):

• ~$165–$185, depending on case type

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Filing for Mutual Consent)

If both spouses sign a Mutual Consent Agreement, service is not required.

For standard uncontested divorces:

Options for service:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Certified mail (restricted delivery)

Your spouse will have 30 days (in Maryland) to respond.

5. Exchange Financial Information

Maryland requires both spouses to provide:

• Income documents

• Tax returns

• Bank and financial account statements

• Retirement statements

• Property valuations

• List of debts & expenses

These disclosures support fair settlement terms.

6. Create Your Marital Settlement Agreement

Your agreement must include:

• Property division

• Debt allocation

• Parenting plan (if children)

• Child support

• Health & medical insurance

• Alimony terms

• Tax and retirement decisions

Both spouses sign and file the agreement.

7. Attend the Final Divorce Hearing

Most uncontested Baltimore divorces require a short hearing.

You’ll need to:

• Bring photo identification

• Confirm that the marriage is irretrievably broken

• Affirm your settlement agreement

• Provide testimony if required (brief)

Once the judge signs your decree, your divorce is final.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Baltimore?

• Mutual Consent Divorce: 45–90 days

• Uncontested Absolute Divorce: 60–120 days

• Contested Divorce: 12–24+ months

Maryland does not require a long separation for mutual consent divorces.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Baltimore?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $165–$185

• Service: $40–$90

• Parenting class (if children): $25–$50

• Notary fees: $5–$10

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999

Attorney-Led Divorce

• $300–$500/hour

• Uncontested: $4,000–$8,000+

• Contested: $12,000–$30,000+

DIY offers the highest cost savings.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Baltimore

✔ Saves thousands in legal fees

✔ Faster than contested litigation

✔ Works well for mutual consent cases

✔ Clear steps through Baltimore City courts

✔ Online platforms simplify the process

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Baltimore

Avoid:

• Using the wrong Maryland court forms

• Incomplete financial verification

• Incorrect service of process

• Missing signatures on the settlement agreement

• Forgetting parenting paperwork (if children)

• Not preparing for the brief final hearing

Divorce.com™ ensures your documents are complete and court-ready.

Get Help Filing Your Baltimore Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Baltimore couples complete uncontested divorces quickly and affordably.

Why Baltimore residents choose Divorce.com™:

• Maryland + Baltimore City–approved forms

• Step-by-step guided process

• Optional attorney review

• Electronic filing instructions

• Clear, flat-fee pricing

Start your Baltimore divorce today and avoid expensive legal fees.