Maryland Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Maryland Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

12 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

3 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

10%

Post-Judgment Interest

✗

COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Maryland has a short 3-year statute of limitations for most contract debts — one of the shortest in the Mid-Atlantic. Post-judgment interest at 10% and a 12-year judgment lien make early action critical. Wage garnishment is available with relatively higher protected amounts, and there is no homestead exemption for judgment liens.

Maryland Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	3 years	`Md. Code, Cts. §5-101`
Open Account / Credit Card	3 years	`Md. Code, Cts. §5-101`
Oral Contract	3 years	`Md. Code, Cts. §5-101`
Promissory Note	6 years	`Md. Code, Cts. §5-102`
Judgment Lien	12 years	`Md. Code, Cts. §5-102`

Maryland’s 3-year SOL is short. Creditors must act quickly after default. The discovery rule may extend the period in fraud or concealment cases.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Maryland post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per annum under Md. Code, Courts §11-107. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Maryland

Wage Garnishment yes

Maryland allows garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings or the excess over 30× federal minimum wage per week, whichever is less, under Md. Code, Com. Law §15-601.1.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank garnishments are available after judgment. Creditor obtains a writ of garnishment on the financial institution under Md. Rules 3-646.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

A judgment lien attaches to all real property in Maryland after docketing. No homestead exemption applies to judgment liens in Maryland (Md. Code, Real Prop. §3-402).

Turnover Order yes

Maryland courts issue oral examination orders requiring debtors to disclose assets. Contempt proceedings available for non-compliance.

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution on personal property are available under Md. Rules 2-641. The sheriff levies on non-exempt property.

Vehicle Levy yes

Maryland has no specific motor vehicle exemption. Vehicles may be subject to execution, though courts may consider necessity arguments.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	None for judgment liens	`N/A`
Personal Property	$6,000 general	`Md. Code, Cts. §11-504`
Wages	Per §15-601.1 formula	`Md. Code, Com. Law §15-601.1`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`Md. Code, Cts. §11-504(h)`
Tools of Trade	$5,000	`Md. Code, Cts. §11-504`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Maryland Resources

Maryland Judiciary – Case SearchCivil case records online Maryland SDAT – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Maryland Land Records – Property LiensReal property & lien recording Maryland Legislature – Annotated CodeOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Maryland attorney before taking collection action.