Maryland Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Maryland — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Maryland Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$5,000
Filing Fee
$44
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
District Court (Small Claims Division)
Overview
Small Claims in Maryland
Maryland small claims court is a division of the District Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000. The court provides a simple and affordable path for resolving monetary disputes without the need for expensive legal counsel. Maryland's small claims procedure is designed to be accessible to individuals and businesses alike.
The filing fee in Maryland is a flat $44, which is recoverable as a court cost if you prevail in your case. This makes Maryland one of the more affordable states for small claims filing. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties in small claims court.
Maryland small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs, which are recoverable from the losing party. The simplified rules of evidence make it practical for people without legal training.
To file, you must submit a complaint form to the District Court serving the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days, and the judge typically rules immediately or within a few days.
Where to File
File in the District Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Maryland. The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 3 years. Oral contracts: 3 years. Property damage: 3 years. Personal injury: 3 years. Fraud: 3 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Circuit Court within 30 days. The case is retried de novo.
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