Maryland Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

If a lawsuit has been filed against you, you should take immediate action. If you do not, the creditor could get a judgment against you and if that occurs, you can have your wages garnished, assets seized and the creditor can pursue this for 10 years or longer. You do have an opportunity to defend yourself and a possible defense can be that the complaint was not filed within the statute of limitations. For Maryland:

• Civil action: 3 years
• Financing statement: 12 years, unless a continuation statement is filed by a secured party 6 months prior to end of a 12 year period (Maryland, Commercial Law article Sec. 2-725; Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article Sec. 5-101 & 102.
• Promissory notes or instruments under seal, bonds, judgments, recognizance, contracts under seal, or other specialties: 12 years

If you want to get any more information or if you have questions about the Statute of Limitations in Maryland, contact The Consumer Advocacy Center at 312-782-5808.