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How long does a debt judgment last in Maryland?

By Debt Savvy Editorial Team · Updated 2026-09-30 · Facts checked against the law on 2026-09-30

In Maryland, an action on a judgment or a contract under seal can be brought within 12 years. If you are served with a District Court complaint, you have 15 days from service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. Out-of-state defendants have 60 days.

Key facts

In Maryland, an action on a judgment can be brought within 12 years.
An action on a contract under seal can also be brought within 12 years.
District Court defendants have 15 days from service to respond.
Out-of-state defendants have 60 days to respond.
If you don't respond in time, the court may enter a default order.

What the 12-year rule says

In Maryland, an action on a judgment or a contract under seal can be brought within 12 years. That is the rule stated in Maryland law. It applies to actions on judgments and to actions on contracts under seal. If you are dealing with a judgment, this is the time period the law gives for bringing an action on it. The rule does not say what happens after 12 years, and it does not say whether payments or promises change the time period. Those are questions to ask a lawyer. What you can do is find out the date of the judgment and any court activity since then.

If you are served with a District Court complaint

If you are served in Maryland with a District Court complaint, you have 15 days from service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. Out-of-state defendants have 60 days. If you do not respond in time, the court may enter a default order. That is why the deadline on the papers matters. Read the complaint carefully. Note the date you were served. Count the days. Then file your Notice of Intention to Defend with the court before the deadline. If you are out of state, you have 60 days, but you should still act promptly. If you are unsure how to respond, contact a lawyer or legal aid.

Got court papers or a garnishment notice? You can put your question to a lawyer online.

Ask a lawyer about your situation

Steps to take with your papers

If you have court papers or a judgment against you, here are practical steps:

Read every page of the papers. Find the date you were served and any court dates.
Write down the 15-day or 60-day deadline, depending on whether you are in Maryland or out of state.
If you have not responded yet, file a Notice of Intention to Defend with the District Court.
Gather any documents about the debt, such as statements or letters.
Contact a lawyer or legal aid for advice about your specific situation.

Do not ignore the papers. The court may enter a default order if you do not respond in time. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about free legal help in your area.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is missing the 15-day or 60-day deadline to respond to a District Court complaint. If you do not file a Notice of Intention to Defend, the court may enter a default order. Another mistake is not reading the papers carefully to find the date you were served. The deadline runs from service, so that date matters. Do not rely on rumors or what happened to a friend. Read your own papers and note your own dates. If you are unsure, get help from a lawyer or legal aid.

What the rule covers

The 12-year rule applies to an action on a judgment or a contract under seal. If your situation involves a judgment or a contract under seal, this is the time period the law gives for bringing an action. The rule does not address other types of debt. It also does not address what happens after 12 years. If you have questions about your specific debt, read the papers you received and check the court's instructions. If you do not have the papers, contact the court clerk for a copy. For advice about your situation, contact a lawyer or legal aid.

When to get help

You should consider getting help if you are served with a lawsuit, if a default order has been entered against you, or if you are trying to understand an old judgment. A lawyer or legal aid can review your papers and explain the rules that apply to you. Do not wait until the last minute. The 15-day or 60-day deadline is set by the rules stated above. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about free legal help in your area. You can also ask the court clerk for a copy of your papers if you do not have them. Getting help early can make a difference.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline to respond in Maryland District Court?

If you do not file a Notice of Intention to Defend within 15 days of service, the court may enter a default order against you. If you missed the deadline, contact a lawyer or legal aid to discuss your situation.

Does the 12-year period apply to all debts in Maryland?

The 12-year period applies to an action on a judgment or a contract under seal. The rule does not address other types of debt. If you have questions about your specific debt, check your paperwork or ask a lawyer.

I live out of state and was served with a Maryland District Court complaint. How long do I have to respond?

Out-of-state defendants have 60 days from service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. In-state defendants have 15 days. If you do not respond in time, the court may enter a default order.

Can an action on a judgment in Maryland be brought after 12 years?

The law states that an action on a judgment or a contract under seal can be brought within 12 years. The rule does not state what happens after that time. If you have questions about an old judgment, consult a lawyer.