Debt Collection
Consumer Resources

This website provides a simple step-by-step guide for individuals who have been sued for a consumer debt of less than $5,000 in a Maryland District Court. This site offers legal information, not legal advice, hopefully, it will give some guidance on steps you can take when you have been sued. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options. However, we do not provide legal advice – the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice, you should consult the Maryland Court Help Centers or an attorney.

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This site also provides educational resources for all residents who are interested in finding out more about the debt collection process in Maryland.

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IF YOU HAVE BEEN SUED, DO NOT IGNORE THE LAWSUIT!
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU RESPOND TO THE LAWSUIT.

If you have been sued in District Court you should have received two documents: A document titled “Writ of Summons” and a document titled “Complaint.”

The Writ of Summons tells you that you are being sued, who is suing you, and your hearing date (which is the date you need to go to court). At the bottom of the Writ of Summons is the Notice of Intention to Defend. You should fill this out and return it to the court. For more information Click Here.

The Complaint is the lawsuit against you. Read it carefully, because it will tell you what debt the person suing you is claiming you owe. The complaint may have additional documents attached called exhibits. These exhibits are the proof that the person suing you is using to show that you owe the debt they say you do. It may be a contract, credit card statement, or other accountings of the debt.

Please read these documents and do not throw the documents away. They have important information about your hearing date and are important to determine what defense options you might have.

In these documents, the person suing you is called the “Plaintiff” or “Creditor”. You are the “Defendant” or “Debtor”.

If you have not received those documents click here.

Six Steps if you are sued in Maryland’s District Court for Consumer Debt.

Seeking and Getting Legal Help Possible Defenses You May Have Respond To the Summons Negotiating a Settlement Appearing in Court What to do if I Lose My Case
Learn More

Education Resources

Learn about your rights and protections as a consumer and how to access financial resources.

Get Educated

Additional Resources

What to do if you have not received the complaint
Guide on how to fill out the Notice of Intent to Defend
COVID-19 Specific Information About Court Proceedings and Evidence
Credit counseling
Filing for Bankruptcy resources
Glossary of Terms
Additional links and resources

For those with over $5,000 or who have otherwise been sued in Circuit Court, please contact the Maryland Court Help Centers (410-260-1392)

For information about managing debt and some debtors do’s and don’ts . Click Here
For people seeking information about avoiding scams, Click Here
For information about Debt Collection Rights and Resources, Click Here

For links pertaining to filing for bankruptcy Click Here

If you would like to watch a video from the Court see this video. How to defend a small claim Click here

Seeking Help Now?
Contact the Maryland Court Help Centers

Visit Maryland Court Help Centers

This site offers legal information, not legal advice, hopefully, it will give some guidance on steps you can take when you have been sued. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options. However, we do not provide legal advice – the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice, you should consult the Maryland Court Help Centers or an attorney.