Maryland debt collection rules: lawsuit deadlines, garnishment limits and judgments
In Maryland, most civil lawsuits, including suits on ordinary debts, must be filed within 3 years. On $800.00 of weekly take-home pay, a creditor with a judgment for an ordinary consumer debt can garnish at most $200.00 a week in Maryland.
The rules at a glance
| Deadline for a creditor to sue | In Maryland, most civil lawsuits, including suits on ordinary debts, must be filed within 3 years. (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101) |
|---|---|
| Deadline to respond to a lawsuit | 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 don't respond in time, the court may enter a default order. (Maryland Courts, What to Do if You Are Sued in District Court) |
| Wage garnishment limit | In Maryland, the exempt part of each week's disposable wages is the greater of 75% or 30 times the State minimum hourly wage ($450.00 a week at $15.00). Medical insurance payments deducted by the employer are also exempt. (Md. Code, Com. Law § 15-601.1(b)) |
| How long a judgment lasts | In Maryland, an action on a judgment or a contract under seal can be brought within 12 years. (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-102) |
| Minimum wage used in the garnishment formula | The Maryland State minimum hourly wage is $15.00. Some counties set higher local rates, but the garnishment law uses the State rate. (Maryland Department of Labor) |
How much of your pay can be garnished
| Where you live | $600.00 a week | $800.00 a week | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $150.00 | $200.00 | Md. Code, Com. Law § 15-601.1(b) |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a creditor have to sue for a debt in Maryland?
In Maryland, most civil lawsuits, including suits on ordinary debts, must be filed within 3 years.
How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Maryland?
In Maryland, the exempt part of each week's disposable wages is the greater of 75% or 30 times the State minimum hourly wage ($450.00 a week at $15.00). Medical insurance payments deducted by the employer are also exempt.
Questions answered for Maryland
- How much of my wages can be garnished in Maryland in 2026?
- How long does a debt judgment last in Maryland?
- What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Maryland?
- I was sued for a debt in Maryland District Court. How many days do I have to respond?
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