How do I file a lawsuit?

In Maryland, filing a lawsuit requires following some steps in order to have your case heard. Before filing a lawsuit, you should consult an attorney to discuss the facts of the case and your legal options. In some cases, alternative forms of dispute resolution like arbitration or mediation, may be available. Once you decide to pursue a lawsuit, you must first file a complaint with the court. This document will outline the facts of the case and the remedy(s) you are seeking from the court. You must also pay a filing fee. Different courts in Maryland have different filing fees, which may be found online or from the court clerk. After the complaint is filed, it must be served on the opposing parties or their attorneys. The court can provide information about how to serve the complaint. Once this is done, the defendants must respond to the complaint within 30 days in Maryland. The defendants can file either an answer or a motion. An answer will address the facts in the complaint and will either admit or deny them. A motion is an argument that no cause of action exists. If a motion is filed, the court will decide whether your case should move forward in court. If not, the court may dismiss the lawsuit. Once the parties have exchanged pleadings, the case may proceed to discovery. This allows each side to request documents and information from the other parties, present evidence at trial, and make arguments to the court. Finally, the parties may present their cases at trial. At the end, the court will issue a ruling as to who is entitled to what relief.

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How do I file a lawsuit?

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