Maryland Small Claims Court Information

• Statues: Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, No. 3-101-3-731; 7-101-7-116; Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Title 4, Subtitle 4, Section 405.
• Dollar Limit: $5,000.
• Where To Sue: Where defendant resides, has regular business or is employed, or where injury occurred. In suit to recover personal property, where property is located. Actions against nonresident individual defendants can be filed in any county in the state. Actions against nonresident corporate defendants, where plaintiff resides. In-state corporation resides where principal office is.
• Service: Certified Mail; personal service by sheriff or court-approved adult.
• Hearing Date: Set by court; within least 60 days from filing of complaint for in-state defendants; within 90 days for out-of-state defendants.
• Attorneys: Allowed.
• Transfer: If defendant counterclaims for more than $5,000, case tried under regular civil procedure of Court.
• Appeals: By either side for new trial; to Circuit Court within 30 days.
• Special Provisions: No equitable relief. No discovery. Jury trials not allowed.

Note: This section outlines the special rules that apply to the small claims courts of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Filing fees are not listed because they vary greatly and change frequently. Because court rules may change at any time, always check with the clerk of the small claims court to verify the accuracy of the information given for your state.