An uncontested divorce in Maryland is available under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8) as a mutual consent divorce with no separation period required. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and handles uncontested divorces across Maryland. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Maryland
Maryland law provides for an uncontested divorce under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8), known as mutual consent divorce. This ground requires both spouses to sign a written marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. No separation period is required. Alternatively, a no-fault absolute divorce is available under § 7-103(a)(6) after a 6-month separation. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to uncontested divorce cases in Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026 | Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide) | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s divorce statutes, see: Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and Maryland Courts — Divorce Information (mdcourts.gov).
In the Circuit Courts of Maryland, prosecutors and family court magistrates routinely review uncontested divorce filings for completeness. In our experience defending family law cases in Maryland, the most common reason for delay is incomplete or inconsistent marital settlement agreements.
- Confirm you meet Maryland’s residency requirement — at least one spouse must have lived in Maryland for 6 months before filing.
- Draft a full marital settlement agreement covering all issues under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103.
- File the Complaint for Absolute Divorce with the Circuit Court in your county, paying the $165 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using sheriff service ($40) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- File a joint waiver of hearing or attend the uncontested hearing before a magistrate.
- Receive the final decree of divorce, typically within 2-3 months from filing.
In Maryland, an uncontested divorce carries no criminal penalties, but the financial and legal consequences of improper filing can include delayed finalization, additional court fees, and unfavorable property division rulings.
| Issue | Classification | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs | Consequences of Error |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce (Mutual Consent) | No-fault — Md. Code, Fam. Law § 7-103(a)(8) | $165 Circuit Court filing fee | 2-3 months from filing | Service of process: $40-$100; certified copies: $20 each | Delayed finalization; additional court appearances |
| Uncontested Divorce (6-Month Separation) | No-fault — Md. Code, Fam. Law § 7-103(a)(6) | $165 Circuit Court filing fee | 3-4 months from filing (after 6-month separation) | Service of process: $40-$100; parenting seminar: $50-$100 | Court may require mediation if agreement is incomplete |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault — Md. Code, Fam. Law § 7-103 | $165 Circuit Court filing fee | 6-18 months | Custody evaluation: $3,000-$10,000+; mediation: $100-$350/hour | Unpredictable court rulings on property and custody |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. In Maryland family law matters, the firm has achieved numerous favorable outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, and negotiated settlements. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (Family Division), with access via I-270 and I-495. As an uncontested divorce lawyer near Maryland, we serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, and all Maryland counties. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uncontested Divorce in Maryland
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Maryland?
Yes. An uncontested divorce in Maryland involves a Circuit Court filing fee of $165 plus attorney fees, which are typically a flat fee or limited hourly.
The mutual consent ground under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8) requires no separation period. Contested divorce scales with complexity: custody evaluations, property appraisals, pension analysis, and trial preparation all affect fees. High-asset cases involving business valuation, stock options, or international assets require substantial retainers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. discusses fee structure at initial consultation — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
What is a no-fault divorce in Maryland?
Yes. A no-fault divorce in Maryland is available under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103(a)(8) as mutual consent divorce with no separation required.
Alternatively, absolute divorce after a 6-month separation is available under § 7-103(a)(6). No-fault means neither spouse must prove wrongdoing by the other. A no-fault divorce lawyer Maryland can help you choose the experienced ground for your situation.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Maryland?
It depends. A mutual consent uncontested divorce in Maryland typically takes 2 to 3 months from filing to final decree in the Circuit Court for your county.
Contested divorces can take 6 to 18 months. The timeline depends on court dockets, agreement completeness, and whether custody evaluations are needed. An uncontested divorce lawyer Maryland can help expedite the process.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple divorce filing in Maryland?
It depends. While Maryland does not require an attorney for an uncontested divorce, a simple divorce filing lawyer Maryland can ensure your paperwork is correct and avoid delays.
An attorney can protect your rights regarding property division, alimony, and child support under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers flat-fee uncontested divorce representation.
What are the grounds for divorce in Maryland?
Maryland recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7-103. No-fault grounds include mutual consent (no separation required) and 6-month separation.
Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and conviction of a felony. An uncontested divorce lawyer Maryland can advise on the experienced ground for your case in the Circuit Court for your county.
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Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-28.