Is a Maryland Uncontested Divorce Less Expensive than Going to Court?

 Posted on March 31, 2026 in Divorce

As with many things in the media, divorce proceedings get misrepresented a lot. Divorce doesn’t have to be a long, courtroom-heavy affair, and many divorces only see a courtroom for a judge to confirm the final settlement. 

There are actually several options that couples can choose from if they’re looking for an uncontested divorce that can be quicker and reduce costs compared to litigation. Our Parkville divorce lawyer can help you figure out which approach makes the most sense.

What Drives Up Maryland Divorce Costs the Fastest?

Divorce gets expensive when spouses can’t or won’t reach agreements. The average divorce costs around $7,000, for divorces involving lawyers. The more contested the issues of property, debt, custody, or support, the more time attorneys spend negotiating or litigating. This is the surest way to an expensive divorce.

In Maryland, filing fees typically run a few hundred dollars, but attorney fees and other costs can push a contested divorce well into the tens of thousands. An uncontested divorce, by contrast, can be completed for a fraction of that.

What Do I Need for an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on every issue before filing, and so prevent issues in the case from needing a judge to rule on them. If you’re hoping to have an uncontested divorce, you need to be prepared by knowing what terms you would accept regarding the issues the divorce settlement will address. To pursue an uncontested divorce in Maryland, you and your spouse need to make decisions about:

• Division of marital property and debt

• Whether you will have spousal support, and if so, how much

• Child custody and a parenting plan, if you have minor children

• Child support, calculated under Maryland guidelines

If any of these remain unresolved, the court may get involved in decision-making, and the divorce becomes contested.

Mutual Consent Divorce, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce

There are several options within the category of uncontested divorce that couples can choose from.  

Mutual Consent Divorce

Maryland Family Law § 7-103 allows for a "mutual consent" divorce. Mutual consent divorce works when couples are clearly aligned on all the issues mentioned above and don’t need much help working out the terms of their agreement. This requires a signed marital settlement agreement resolving all issues. Couples often have their agreements made before they even file. This is often the fastest and least expensive route.

Mediation

Mediation is one of the most effective tools for keeping divorce costs manageable if you and your spouse have some disagreements but are willing to negotiate. A neutral mediator helps both parties work through the issues and reach a settlement without needing to go to trial. This can be a very good fit for business owners or couples with large assets who are mainly concerned about issues like fair property division. It can also be good for parents working out a parenting plan.

Mediation typically costs far less than litigation, and agreements reached through the process tend to hold up better over time because both parties had a hand in shaping them.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is similar to mediation, but you work with your attorneys and a team of advisors rather than just a mediator. Couples getting a collaborative divorce often meet with financial, child-developmental, or other professionals who help them with the divorce agreement. The couple signs a contract saying that if they can't reach an agreement during collaboration, their attorneys will exit the proceedings, and they’ll have to find new ones before proceeding to litigation. This incentivizes the couple to work hard to compromise without going to court.

You still need an attorney to make sure all agreements are legally sound and that nothing is left out. A poorly written agreement can cause problems for years and negate the up-front savings.

When Is Litigation Necessary During Divorce?

Sometimes, avoiding court is not possible. The options above aren’t right for every situation: spouses may be stubborn, or you may be dealing with something like abuse, where working closely with your spouse is a bad idea. If your attorney believes that an uncontested divorce is a dead end, listening to them can save you time and energy in the long run. More important than saving money short-term is making sure you get a fair settlement long-term.

Call a Cambridge, MD Divorce Lawyer Today

Our Parkville divorce attorney at Zide Law Group, LLC brings over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case, with a close-knit team that has worked together for more than a decade. We handle the full range of family law matters and are strong advocates in and out of the courtroom. We’ll help you decide which approach is the best fit for your 2026 divorce. Call Zide Law Group, LLC at 410-760-9433 to talk through your options today.