Cost of a Divorce in Maryland

The average cost of divorce in Maryland is $11,000. Coming in a tad lower than the national average of 15,000-20,000.

This calculation considers the following legal fees associated with divorce:

• Court Filing Fees ($165 in Maryland)
• Attorney Hourly Rate(~$280 in Maryland)
• Extra Legal Fees: Ex. Experts in other fields, financial analysts, child custody evaluators, etc.

Additionally, these figures may differ depending on the quality of the chosen attorney and the difficulty of said case. 

It is important to remember that hiring a high-quality attorney can make night and day differences in the outcome of your divorce. Skimping on a few thousand dollars can lead to much larger losses in the form of custody or property ownership. 

How Much Does It Cost for an Uncontested Divorce in Maryland?

An uncontested divorce means that both parties agree on all the details and don’t require court intervention.

When settling in an uncontested divorce, it’s vital to ensure you put everything in writing. Make sure to document your terms and that your spouse agrees with them. This includes the following:

• Alimony
• Child support terms
• Guardianship and visitation terms
• Splitting up debts and asset terms

As attorneys charge by the hour, an uncontested divorce is usually much cheaper than a regular divorce. Since all parties agree on the terms brought about, there is no reason for a lengthy court battle or any additional costs that may arise from traditional divorce proceedings.

Unfortunately, uncontested divorces are relatively rare as married couples usually pool funds and have joint ownership over property. 

How Much Does It Cost To File for Divorce in Maryland?

On most occasions, divorce doesn’t always go undisputed, and a contested divorce is often costly. Here’s a list of expenses you can expect from a regular, contested divorce in Maryland:

• Filing fees: On average, you can expect to pay around $165 for filing your divorce paperwork. The filing fee is based on the county where you’re filing for divorce, which is the most expected expense.

• Divorce trials: If both parties cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, then a trial is needed. This could cost you around $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the agreements made by either party. This is also where your lawyer’s fee might shoot up, adding another number to your expenses.

• At-fault divorce: If your divorce is fault-based, you might need to pay additional fees. A fault-based divorce means the marriage dissolved due to third-party involvement (i.e., cheating, abuse, etc.) Your partner might demand more money in alimony if this is the case.

• Child support and custody: If you have children with your partner, child support and custody will also be discussed in court. The cost of this can vary depending on the situation of the carer, the child, and the other parent.

How To Lower Your Cost of Divorce in Maryland

One of the best ways to minimize financial loss during a divorce in Maryland is to hire an experienced divorce attorney. A talented and seasoned divorce lawyer can help you navigate the process, provide legal advice, and negotiate the best agreement for both parties.

Here are some other ways to help you lower your cost and end your marriage without breaking the bank:

• Argue that your marriage was only a year or less;
• Try to convince your spouse to go for an uncontested divorce;
• You and your spouse don’t have marital properties and assets;
• You don’t have a minor child with your spouse.

Unfortunately, an uncontested divorce is rare for many couples. If you can’t agree with your spouse, it’s best to hire a divorce attorney to help you figure out the best solution.

Your lawyer can help you find ways to efficiently lessen the cost of a contested divorce, such as negotiating for more favorable terms and conditions.

Hiring a High-Quality Lawyer Helps You Save

Filing for a divorce in Maryland can get expensive quickly. But, with the proper preparation and legal advice, it is possible to keep your divorce costs down. Knowing the factors influencing the expenses can help you plan and minimize any unexpected financial losses.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Maryland, contact Albers & Associates to get the professional guidance needed throughout this challenging process. We can help you understand the state laws and deliver the best outcome for your case.