If you and your spouse have reached a full agreement on all aspects of your divorce—including property division, alimony, and child custody—you are likely heading toward an uncontested hearing in Maryland.
While the word “hearing” can sound intimidating, an uncontested hearing (often called a “Mutual Consent” hearing) is generally brief, straightforward, and procedural. It is the final step required for a judge or magistrate to sign your Judgment of Absolute Divorce.
Here is everything you need to know to walk into your hearing with confidence.
1. Who Needs to Attend?
In Maryland, at least one spouse must attend the uncontested hearing to provide testimony. However, if your divorce is based on the grounds of Mutual Consent, many jurisdictions prefer or require both parties to be present (either in person or via a remote video platform like Zoom) to confirm they still agree to the terms of the settlement.
2. Where Does the Hearing Take Place?
Most uncontested hearings are held before a Magistrate rather than a Judge. Magistrates are court officers who hear testimony and make recommendations to a Judge.
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In-Person: You will meet in a hearing room or courtroom at the Circuit Court in the county where you filed.
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Remote/Virtual: Many Maryland courts continue to use remote hearings for uncontested matters. You will receive a link to a virtual “waiting room” before being called by the Magistrate.
3. Prepare Like a Pro: Resources to Help You Cross the Finish Line
The most stressful part of an uncontested hearing is worrying that you’ve forgotten a piece of paperwork or a financial detail. At Jacobson Family Law, we’ve created digital resources to ensure you feel completely in control during this final stage.
Before your hearing, check out our Jacobson Family Law Stan Store for:
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The Mediation Success Kit: If you are finalizing your agreement, this kit helps you ensure every “t” is crossed and “i” is dotted so the Magistrate has no follow-up questions.
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The Divorce Finance Kit: Perfect for organizing the financial disclosures you’ll need to reference during your testimony.
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Co-Parenting Email Templates: To help transition from “litigants” to “co-parents” the moment that final decree is signed.
4. The Testimony: What Questions Will They Ask?
The purpose of the hearing is to “put the facts on the record.” The Magistrate will place you under oath and ask a series of standard questions, often referred to as “formal testimony.”
Common questions include:
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State your name, address, and how long you have lived in Maryland.
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When and where were you married?
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Are there any children of the marriage?
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Did you and your spouse sign a voluntary Marital Settlement Agreement?
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Do you recognize the signatures on this document?
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Are you satisfied with the terms of the agreement?
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Do you believe the agreement is in the best interests of your children?
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Is it your desire to be granted an Absolute Divorce?
5. How Long Does It Take?
An uncontested hearing in Maryland typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. Once the testimony is complete, the Magistrate will issue a report and recommendation to a Judge. The Judge will then sign the final Judgment of Absolute Divorce. You are not legally divorced until the Judge signs this order and it is entered into the court’s docket.
Final Thoughts
The uncontested hearing is the light at the end of the tunnel. It is the formal transition from “married” to “single,” and because you and your spouse have done the hard work of mediating an agreement beforehand, the court’s role is simply to finalize your choices.
Are you preparing for a divorce and want to avoid a courtroom battle? At Jacobson Family Law, we specialize in helping families reach “Drama-Free” resolutions. Visit our Stan Store for instant-download guides to help you through the process, or schedule a consultation today.
