The length of time a divorce takes in Maryland varies based on a number of factors: the first being whether you’re filing a divorce on fault or no-fault grounds, and the second being whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. 

Filing for divorce on fault-based grounds means you’re filing for divorce because one party is at fault. This is relevant in cases where situations like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment have occurred. If you’re seeking a divorce on fault-based grounds, you can file immediately. 

If your fault-based divorce is uncontested, it can take around 3-6 months to finalize, but this is all dependent upon the court’s schedule. If your fault-based divorce is contested, it can take 6-12 months, depending upon how it is contested and what is being contested. 

If you’re not filing on fault-based grounds (otherwise known as a “no-fault” divorce), you can file immediately, but cannot obtain an absolute divorce until the 12-month waiting period is over. 

Attorneys at Marble are experienced in family law litigation and have helped over 20,000 clients nationwide with cases just like yours.

No matter what you’re dealing with, our team is trained to get it done. We also offer clear pricing and the flexibility to pay over time.

At Marble, you’re hiring an experienced legal team for one part of your case at a time. By taking it step by step, you get a clear price for each service. This is called Limited Scope representation. We do it this way so you know exactly what’s included–and what it costs–before we start working.  

No divorce is exactly the same, but here you can get an idea of the steps. 

If the divorce is contested or parties do not agree on all matters: 

1. Petition or Complaint for divorce
2. Serving the other party
3. A scheduling conference with a judge
4. A settlement conference (and mediation if there are children) 
5. Trial to produce a final order 

If the divorce is not contested or falls in the category of mutual consent:

1. Draft a settlement agreement that addresses all assets, financial matters and children
2. File a Complaint with your settlement agreement attached
3. Attach the opposing party's answer
4. The court will schedule a hearing to finalize the divorce

The cost of a divorce in Maryland depends on a number of factors in addition to the legal fees. Typically, an uncontested divorce is a faster and more affordable process than a contested divorce. There are also a number of other factors that can determine the cost, including but not limited to: how simple or complicated it is to serve the opposing party, how many assets there are to divide and whether there are children involved. If you choose Marble for your divorce in Maryland, we’ll provide a clear, fixed price for each step of your divorce.

Yes, Marble offers financing options for divorces in Maryland. You can learn more here, but the best way to understand your options is to book a call with our team. To find a time that works for you, you can click here.

Yes. After an initial free call with the Marble team, where they’ll walk you through our process, you’ll connect with an attorney for a legal strategy session. There’s a one-time fee to reserve this time with the attorney. During this call, they’ll review the details of your case and walk you through a plan for moving forward. If you decide you’d like to work with us, we’ll then send over an agreement for you to sign and get started on your case right away. 

First, you should make sure you are eligible to file for divorce in Maryland. To file in Maryland and the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland, either you or your spouse must be a current resident. If the grounds for divorce did not occur in Maryland, you or your spouse need to have lived in Maryland for six months, either currently or recently, or more prior to filing. If you have children, their home state must be Maryland for six months–and they must have also lived in Maryland currently or recently.  

It’s important to note that all divorces are different, but the following scenario outlines a typical process. Once you’ve determined you’re eligible, the first step is to hire an experienced attorney to help you through the often complicated divorce process. The attorney will help you file a petition for divorce. The next step is for a process server to serve your spouse (the “opposing party” in your case) with divorce papers. From there, the divorce proceedings can begin, which will vary depending on the type of divorce you’re seeking, your relationship with your spouse and the asset division involved, among a number of other factors. 

To file for an uncontested divorce in Maryland, you’ll need to file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce, among a number of forms required by your county, and pay all associated filing fees at your county court. 

In order to complete the Marital Settlement Agreement, you’ll also need to make sure you and your spouse agree on every single term of your divorce, from property division to child support and beyond. Working with an attorney, even for an uncontested divorce, can help ensure that nothing that needs to be addressed is left out or left to chance.

As Maryland allows for no-fault divorces (meaning you don’t need a specific reason outside of “irreconcilable differences” to get a divorce), it is possible to go through the divorce process without using an attorney. However, divorces are legally and emotionally complex. Divorce lawyers know all the state laws and are there to guide you through the process. Your attorney will make sure you know all your rights and obligations. They can advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do before and after filing for divorce to minimize conflict. They’ll also make sure that the paperwork is done correctly and completely. Also, if you don’t have a lawyer but your spouse does, you could be at a big disadvantage. The final divorce agreement could be biased and one-sided.  

Additionally, if you have children, debt, shared property, or individual assets that you would like to protect, it’s always advisable to work with a lawyer that has an understanding of the court system and is experienced in protecting their clients’ best interests. 

In Maryland, spousal maintenance is awarded to help a spouse that may not be financially independent. It is not awarded as punishment. There are three types of spousal support, or alimony, in Maryland: 

• Temporary alimony, which is only paid during the divorce proceedings 
• Rehabilitative alimony, which is temporary alimony intended to provide the receiving party with the resources they need to seek out education or training that will help them become financially independent 
• Indefinite alimony, which is paid indefinitely and granted only in rare circumstances 

For nuanced issues like spousal support, it’s always best to work with an attorney who understands the system and can help protect your best interests. 

Attorneys in Maryland need an undergraduate degree and a JD and must be admitted to the Maryland state bar. Attorneys with Marble in Maryland also must have a clean record with no history of bar complaints.