Prepare your documents for Small Claims in Maryland

This website helps prepare the forms required for Small Claims in Maryland.

Start

HOW IT WORKS

Take-Screening

1. Take Screening

Start with an online screening tool to help you determine which small claims-related legal option best fits your situation.

Prepare-Documents

2. Prepare Documents

Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.

questionAndAnswer

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You can consult a small claims advisor to get guidance on your case. If you're filing or responding to a small claims case, an advisor can help you understand the process and your legal options. They can review your documents, explain court procedures, and assist you in preparing for your hearing.

Submit-to-Court

4. File with the Clerk

You can start your small claims case in Maryland by filing a Complaint Form (DC-CV-001) with the District Court in the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred. Small claims cases in Maryland involve amounts of $5,000 or less, excluding interest and court costs. You can file your case in person or by mail at the District Court clerk’s office. Contact the Clerk of the District Court in your county for the correct forms, detailed filing instructions, and information about filing fees.

Process

Step 1

You: Take Online Screening

Begin your small claims process in Maryland by taking the screening on LegalAtoms. Enter your ZIP code in the top right corner of the homepage, then answer a few questions about your situation and the dispute. This screening helps confirm whether your case qualifies for Maryland Small Claims Court (for claims of $5,000 or less) and identifies the specific forms and steps required in your county. LegalAtoms will customize the process to match your local District Court rules and filing procedures.

Before starting, gather all documents and evidence that support your claim.

Step 2

You: Gather Evidence and Prepare to File Your Small Claims Case

Start by collecting all documents that support your small claims case in Maryland, such as:

  • Any written agreements or contracts related to your dispute

  • Proof of payment or nonpayment, such as receipts, invoices, or bank statements

  • Emails, text messages, or letters exchanged with the other party

  • Photos, videos, or other evidence that support your claim

Next, make sure your case qualifies for Maryland Small Claims Court — these cases involve disputes of $5,000 or less, excluding interest and court costs. Complete the required court form, the Complaint Form (DC-CV-001), and file it in the District Court in the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred.

Keep copies of all documents and evidence, as you’ll need them for your hearing and when serving the defendant. For filing, contact the Clerk of the District Court in your county for forms, filing instructions, and information about court fees.

Step 3

You: Wait for the Required Time Before Filing (If Applicable)

Before filing a small claims case in Maryland, it’s a good practice to send a written demand letter to the other party requesting payment or resolution of the dispute and to allow a reasonable amount of time (typically 10 to 30 days) for them to respond.

If the issue is resolved during this period—such as through payment, agreement, or another settlement—you may not need to file a case. However, if the other party fails to respond, refuses to pay, or disputes your claim, you can proceed by filing a Complaint Form (DC-CV-001) with the District Court in the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred.

Step 4

You: Create Your Small Claims Case on LegalAtoms

Log into your LegalAtoms account, or create one if you don’t already have an account. On your dashboard, select Start New Case, choose Maryland as the state, and select Small Claims as the case type. The platform will then guide you step by step through entering:

  • The defendant’s full name and contact information

  • A description of your dispute and the amount you are claiming (must be $5,000 or less)

  • Uploading supporting evidence such as contracts, receipts, messages, or photos

LegalAtoms will automatically prepare the required Maryland District Court small claims forms—such as the Complaint Form (DC-CV-001)—based on your answers and your local county’s requirements.

Review all documents carefully, then digitally sign them within the platform. If your county supports e-filing, you can submit your forms directly through LegalAtoms. Otherwise, download the complete packet to print and file in person or by mail with the Clerk of the District Court in the appropriate county.

Step 5

You: Serve the Defendant with the Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court

After you file your small claims case in Maryland, the District Court will issue a Summons and a copy of your Complaint (DC-CV-001) for the defendant. You are responsible for ensuring that the defendant is properly served with these documents. Service can usually be completed by:

  • The sheriff in the county where the defendant lives or works

  • A private process server authorized to serve legal papers

  • Certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), if permitted by the court

If you use the sheriff or a private process server, you’ll need to provide copies of your court documents and pay any required service fees (or request a fee waiver if you qualify). If serving by certified mail, the clerk of the District Court can often assist with preparing and mailing the documents.

Once the defendant is served, you must ensure that proof of service (such as the sheriff’s return, affidavit of service, or the green certified mail receipt) is filed with the court to confirm that the defendant was properly notified of the case.

Step 6

Wait for the Defendant’s Response

After the defendant is served with the court papers in Maryland Small Claims Court, they are not required to file a written response. Both you (the plaintiff) and the defendant must appear in court on the scheduled hearing date listed on the Summons.

During this time, the defendant may:

  • Contact you to discuss a possible settlement or resolution before the court date

  • Gather and prepare evidence and arrange for any witnesses to appear in court

  • File a counterclaim if they believe you owe them money — this must be filed before the hearing, using the proper District Court form and within the timeframe provided by the court clerk

This waiting period allows both parties to prepare their evidence and ensures a fair opportunity for each side to present their case during the hearing.

Step 7

You: Obtain Final Judgment and Enforce the Court’s Decision

At the end of your Maryland Small Claims hearing, the judge will issue a final judgment. If the court rules in your favor and the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you can take enforcement actions to collect the judgment amount. Common enforcement options in Maryland include:

  • Filing a Request for Judgment Debtor Information (Form DC-CV-114) to learn about the defendant’s income, assets, and property

  • Requesting wage garnishment (Form DC-CV-065) to collect money directly from the defendant’s paycheck

  • Garnishing the defendant’s bank account (Form DC-CV-060), if permitted by law

  • Placing a lien on the defendant’s real property to secure payment

  • Requesting the sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt personal property to satisfy the judgment

In Maryland, the defendant has 10 days after the judgment to file an appeal (30 days if the case was in a circuit court on appeal). You should generally wait until this appeal period ends before starting enforcement actions. If the defendant still fails to pay, you may proceed with the collection methods allowed by law.

 
 

FAQs

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your small claims court documents and file your case.

Core Forms

  • Complaint and affidavit in support of judgment
  • Request for Service

Fee Waiver

  • Request for Final Waiver of Open Costs