How to Answer a Debt Collection Summons in Maryland (2025)

Were you served with a Writ of Summons for debt collection in Maryland? You need to act fast. Maryland gives you a short window to respond.

Filing an Answer protects your rights. It stops collectors from winning automatically. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your response quickly.

Below, you’ll find everything needed to answer a debt lawsuit in Maryland. Deadlines, forms, and step-by-step instructions are all included.

Maryland Deadline for Answering a Debt Collection Summons

You receive two documents when sued for debt in Maryland. The Writ of Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists specific claims against you.

Most debt cases fall under Maryland district court jurisdiction. You must file a Notice of Intention to Defend if you plan to fight back.

The standard deadline in Maryland is 15 days. You must respond within 15 days of being served.

Some exceptions exist, outlined in Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, District Court, Rule 3-307. You get 60 days if:

• You were served outside Maryland
• Service went through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation
• The defendant is a federal agency served under specific rules

Filing a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim requires different timing. Submit these documents within 10 days after the Notice of Intention to Defend deadline.

Circuit Court Deadlines Differ

Maryland Circuit Court cases have different rules. You get 30 days to respond to a Summons and Complaint there.

Rule 2-321(a) of the Maryland Circuit Court Rules of Civil Procedure establishes this timeline. Exceptions apply here too. Check Rule 2-321(b) for specific circumstances.

Circuit Courts handle cases seeking more than $30,000. District Courts handle smaller amounts. Know which court is handling your case.

Maryland Answer to Summons Forms

Maryland makes responding relatively straightforward. The Writ of Summons includes a Notice of Intention to Defend form. Fill it out and send it back as your response.

The Notice of Intent to Defend has limited space, though. It doesn’t give you room to fully explain your defense.

Our partner Solo provides a comprehensive Answer form. You can respond to every claim and assert all your defenses properly.

No Filing Fee Required in Maryland

Good news: Maryland doesn’t charge a fee to file an Answer. You won’t pay anything to file your Notice of Intent to Defend either.

Your only cost might be a stamp for mailing. Most people can respond to a lawsuit for less than a dollar.

Counterclaims, cross-claims, and third-party claims are different. These filings cost $18 each in Maryland courts.

What Debt Collectors Can’t Do in Maryland

Understanding Maryland debt collection laws helps you respond effectively. Commercial Law §§ 14-201 through 14-204 governs debt collection in Maryland.

Debt collectors cannot:

• Use or threaten force or violence to collect debt
• Threaten you with criminal prosecution
• Disclose information that damages your reputation
• Contact your employer about your debt
• Call during unusual hours (very early morning or late night)
• Use obscene or grossly abusive language

Did collectors use any of these tactics against you? Add it as an affirmative defense in your Answer.

You may even have grounds for a counterclaim. Violations of these laws can entitle you to compensation.

Three Steps to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit

Filing a Notice of Intention to Defend is the simplest response option. The form is on your Writ of Summons bottom portion.

A full Answer document works better in most cases. It gives you space to defend yourself properly.

Follow these three steps:

1. Respond to each claim in the Complaint
2. Assert your affirmative defenses
3. File with the court and send a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney

Each step requires careful attention. Your response determines whether you win or lose.

Step 1: Answer Each Claim

Your Answer should address every allegation in the Complaint. You have three response options for each claim.

You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.

• Admit: You’re saying “This is true.” Admitting all claims leads to judgment against you.
• Deny: You’re saying “Prove it.” This forces the plaintiff to provide evidence.
• Deny due to lack of knowledge: You’re saying “I don’t know.” Use this when you’re unsure about allegations.

Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Denials force the debt collector to prove their case.

Debt collectors often lack proper documentation. They can’t prove their claims without evidence.

Draft your Answer in 15 minutes with our partner Solo.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses are legal arguments that defeat the lawsuit. They show the debt collector doesn’t have a valid case.

Common affirmative defenses include:

• The account doesn’t belong to you (identity error)
• The contract was already canceled
• The statute of limitations has expired
• The debt was already paid
• The amount claimed is incorrect

The statute of limitations defense is particularly powerful in Maryland. The court won’t raise it automatically. You must assert it yourself.

Improper service is another strong defense. Debt collectors must follow Maryland’s service rules exactly. Any deviation can invalidate the lawsuit.

Being unable to pay isn’t a legal defense. Courts care about whether you owe the debt, not your ability to pay.

Step 3: File Your Answer and Serve the Plaintiff

File your Answer before the deadline expires. District court cases require filing within 15 days. Circuit court cases allow 30 days.

Maryland’s court e-filing system makes filing easier in some counties. The system isn’t available statewide yet. You might need to mail your Answer or deliver it in person.

After filing, send a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney. Use USPS certified mail for proof of delivery.

The attorney’s address appears on the Writ of Summons and Complaint. Keep your certified mail receipt as proof.

Check Your Maryland Court Case Status

Staying informed about your case is critical. You need to track deadlines and court dates carefully.

Understanding Maryland’s Court System

Maryland’s Judicial Branch has four levels:

• District Court (lowest level)
• Circuit Court
• Court of Special Appeals
• Court of Appeals (highest level)

Most debt collection cases occur in District Court. These courts handle civil cases and small claims.

Online Case Search

Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to check your records online. The database covers both district and circuit court cases.

Search by case number for fastest results. You can also search by case type or party names.

In-Person Records Request

You can request documents directly from the courthouse. Bring your case number for faster service.

Don’t have your case number? The court clerk can help. Provide your name and other identifying information.

Printing paper copies may require a small fee. Ask the clerk about costs before requesting copies.

How to Settle Debt in Maryland

Debt settlement eliminates debt for less than you owe. You negotiate with collectors to accept a reduced payment.

File an Answer First

Always respond to lawsuits before negotiating settlement. Ignoring a lawsuit leads to default judgment against you.

File an Answer to show you’re defending yourself. Our partner Solo helps you file quickly and meet your deadline.

Negotiate a Lower Amount

Start by offering 60% of the original debt. Collectors often reject first offers. They usually counter with a higher amount.

Keep negotiating until you reach an agreement. Many collectors settle for 50-70% of the debt.

Settlement negotiation takes time and patience. Don’t let collectors pressure you into paying more.

Get Everything in Writing

Never pay without a written settlement agreement. Dishonest collectors might take your money and still pursue judgment.

The agreement should state the settlement amount and confirm the debt is satisfied. Get this document before sending payment.

Keep copies of all settlement documents. Store them safely in case disputes arise later.

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maryland

Maryland law limits how long collectors can sue you. These time limits are called statutes of limitations.

Lawsuits filed after the statute expires get dismissed. The collector loses their right to sue you in court.

Maryland Statutes §5-101 establishes a three-year statute of limitations. This applies to most debt types.

The clock starts on the date of last activity. Last payment date or charge-off date typically triggers the timeline.

Credit card debt older than three years is time-barred. You can assert this as an affirmative defense.

Judgments have a 12-year statute of limitations in Maryland. Collectors can enforce judgments for over a decade.

This makes responding to the initial lawsuit critical. Don’t let it reach the judgment stage.

Maryland Debt Collection Laws Protect You

State and federal laws restrict debt collector behavior. You have rights that collectors must respect.

Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act

The Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) prohibits abusive collection tactics. Both collectors and original creditors must follow these rules.

Prohibited actions include:

• Calling at unreasonable hours
• Using threats or intimidation
• Threatening criminal prosecution
• Using profane or abusive language
• Threatening to damage your credit

Section 14-203 of the MCDCA allows you to sue violators. You can recover damages for violations.

Consumer Protection Division

Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division investigates collector misconduct. File complaints with this agency for violations.

The agency can take enforcement action against collectors. They protect Maryland consumers from unfair practices.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The FDCPA is a federal law protecting consumers nationwide. It prohibits collectors from:

• Calling multiple times daily
• Failing to identify themselves
• Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Threatening arrest for unpaid debt
• Telling others about your debt

The FDCPA only applies to third-party collectors. Original creditors aren’t bound by these rules.

Report FDCPA violations to the Federal Trade Commission or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Maryland Licensing Requirements

Maryland requires collectors to:

• Provide written notice within five days of first contact
• Hold a license from the State Collection Agency Licensing Board
• Renew their license annually

Unlicensed collectors can’t legally operate in Maryland. Check collector licensing before responding to collection attempts.

Free Legal Help in Maryland

Maryland Legal Aid is the largest free legal services provider in Maryland. They have 12 offices across Baltimore City and Maryland’s 23 counties.

The Debtor Assistance Project offers another option. This collaborative clinic partners with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Maryland.

Volunteer bankruptcy attorneys provide free 30-minute case reviews. Schedule appointments by phone with the Debtor Assistance Project.

You can meet attorneys in person at these locations:

Baltimore Federal Courthouse
101 W. Lombard Street, 1st Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201

Easton – MidShore Pro Bono Office
8 S. West Street
Easton, MD 21601

Greenbelt Federal Courthouse
6500 Cherrywood Lane, 1st Floor
Greenbelt, MD 20770

Maryland Debt Relief Options

Maryland’s high cost of living makes debt especially burdensome. Several relief options can help you manage debt.

Create a Debt Management Plan

A debt management plan helps you budget and prioritize debt payments. You’ll cut unnecessary expenses and allocate more money to debt.

Credit counseling services in Maryland provide free guidance. Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling can help you create a plan. They may negotiate better terms with your creditors.

Consolidate Your Debt

Debt consolidation loans combine multiple debts into one payment. You ideally get a lower interest rate and better terms.

Strong credit scores qualify for the best rates. Poor credit limits your consolidation options.

Balance transfer cards offer another consolidation method. Use promotional 0% APR periods to pay off debt interest-free.

Pay the balance before the promotional period ends. Otherwise, high interest rates kick in.

Settle for Less Than You Owe

Many creditors prefer settlement over lengthy court battles. Offer 60% of your original debt amount.

Creditors may negotiate with you to find agreeable terms. Settlement saves both parties time and money.

Maryland Financial Assistance Programs

Maryland offers financial programs to help struggling residents:

• Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance: Provides cash to families with dependent children
• Emergency Assistance to Families with Children: Helps with rent, utilities, and necessities
• Maryland Department of Labor: Offers job-seeker resources
• Homelessness Prevention Program: Assists with finding and maintaining stable housing
• Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program: Ensures healthcare for children under 19

These programs won’t pay your debt directly. They free up money in your budget for debt payments.

Consider Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

Bankruptcy clears many types of debt. It gives you a fresh financial start.

Student loans, child support, and some taxes can’t be discharged. Bankruptcy won’t eliminate these debts.

Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to 10 years. Chapter 7 bankruptcy may require liquidating assets.

Explore all other options before filing bankruptcy. It should be your absolute last resort.

Stop Wage Garnishment in Maryland

Losing a debt lawsuit allows creditors to garnish your wages. Maryland law limits how much they can take.

Wage Garnishment Limits

Maryland Commercial Law §15-601.1 restricts garnishment amounts. Creditors can only withhold the lesser of:

• 25% of your disposable earnings
• The amount exceeding 30 times Maryland’s minimum wage ($15.00/hour)

Disposable earnings are your pay after mandatory withholdings. Taxes count as mandatory withholdings. Voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions don’t count.

Protected Income Sources

Creditors cannot garnish these income sources:

• Veterans’ benefits
• Social Security disability benefits
• Social Security retirement benefits
• Retirement income (401(k)s, IRAs, pensions)
• State public assistance (SNAP, TCA)
• Child support
• Alimony
• Unemployment insurance
• Workers’ compensation benefits

File a Motion for Release of Property from Levy/Garnishment if you receive protected income. The court should stop the garnishment.

Prevent Garnishment by Responding to Lawsuits

Most people lose by default judgment. They simply don’t respond to the lawsuit.

Filing an Answer prevents default judgment. It gives you a chance to settle before garnishment begins.

Draft your Answer today and protect your wages.

Maryland Court Locations

You can file your Answer online, by mail, or in person. Some people prefer dropping it off at the courthouse directly.

Use the Maryland court directory to find your courthouse. Visit your court’s website for address and clerk contact information.

Click your county to view courthouse details and filing information.

Find Your Local Maryland Court

• District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County at Rockville
• District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro
• District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County
• District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City
• District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
• District Court of Maryland for Howard County
• District Court of Maryland for Harford County
• District Court of Maryland for Frederick County
• District Court of Maryland for Carroll County
• District Court of Maryland for Charles County
• District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County
• District Court of Maryland for Calvert County
• District Court of Maryland for Washington County
• District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County
• District Court of Maryland for Cecil County

Maryland Courts by Case Type

Maryland has two court types for debt collection lawsuits:

1. General District Court
2. Circuit Court

District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction for claims of $5,000 or less. Both District and Circuit Courts share jurisdiction for claims between $5,001 and $30,000.

Circuit Courts handle all claims exceeding $30,000. Know which court is handling your case.