Maryland Debt Collection Lawyer: Where to File a Claim, District or Circuit Court?

Unfortunately, sometimes debt collection requires the additional step of filing suit in order to recover the amount due. In Maryland a claim under $5,000 must be filed in district court’s small claims jurisdiction. Claims over $30,000 must be filed in the circuit court. However, claims between $5,000 and $30,000 have concurrent jurisdiction and may be filed in either Maryland district or circuit court. If the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000 a jury trial may be requested.

Under Mayland Rule 2-621 any judgment in a Maryland Circuit Court shall constitute a lien on real property of the debtor in the county where that person lives. However, if the judgment is from a Maryland District Court, a property lien happens only when notice of the judgment is filed with the clerk of the Circuit Court. See Maryland Rule 3-621.

If you have a debt in Maryland that needs collecting, call Maryland debt collection attorney Stephen J. Reichert today for a free consultation: 410-299-4959 or e-mail at sreichert@reichertlegal.com.