How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Maryland
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Maryland, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: In District Court, file the Notice of Intention to Defend (on the bottom of the Writ of Summons) within 15 days after you are served, or 60 days if you are out of state. District Court of Maryland, DC-CV-001BR
| Answering a debt lawsuit | In District Court, file the Notice of Intention to Defend (on the bottom of the Writ of Summons) within 15 days after you are served, or 60 days if you are out of state. If you do not and the plaintiff filed an affidavit, the judge may enter an 'affidavit judgment' against you without a trial. Court help on debt cases: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/moneyissuesiowe. |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 3 years for a civil action on a contract, written or oral. 12 years for a contract under seal (a 'specialty'), but the 12-year period does not apply to hospital debt owed by a consumer. § 5-102: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-102&enactments=false |
| How long a judgment lasts | A judgment is valid for 12 years. It can be renewed before it expires by filing a Notice to Renew Judgment (form DC-CV-023 in District Court); a renewed judgment lasts another 12 years. § 5-102: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-102&enactments=false |
Where to get help in Maryland
- Maryland Office of Financial Regulation (licenses collection agencies; enforces the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act)
- File a complaint or claim
More Maryland debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maryland
- Wage Garnishment in Maryland
- What Creditors Can't Take in Maryland
- Medical Debt Protections in Maryland
- All Maryland debt & collections rules
FAQ
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Maryland?
In District Court, file the Notice of Intention to Defend (on the bottom of the Writ of Summons) within 15 days after you are served, or 60 days if you are out of state. If you do not and the plaintiff filed an affidavit, the judge may enter an 'affidavit judgment' against you without a trial.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Maryland?
3 years for a civil action on a contract, written or oral. 12 years for a contract under seal (a 'specialty'), but the 12-year period does not apply to hospital debt owed by a consumer.
How long does a court judgment last in Maryland?
A judgment is valid for 12 years. It can be renewed before it expires by filing a Notice to Renew Judgment (form DC-CV-023 in District Court); a renewed judgment lasts another 12 years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.