What is small claims court?

Small Claims Court is a type of court in Maryland designed to handle legal disputes involving relatively small amounts of money. It is an informal court; a judge or magistrate, rather than a jury, decides the case. The losing party may be required to pay the winning party up to $5,000. The court also provides a quick and inexpensive way to resolve disputes without the expensive legal fees or time-consuming process that accompany other types of court proceedings. To use Maryland’s Small Claims Court, the dispute must be between two parties living in Maryland. The claim must include an amount of money less than $5,000. This could include unpaid debts, damages to property, or a breach of contract. The court does not handle motor vehicle or real estate disputes, family law cases, or cases involving the government. To begin a claim, the plaintiff, or claimant, must fill out court forms and file with the clerk of court. The paperwork must be served to the defendant, or respondent. The defendant must then file a response. At the hearing, both parties will present their evidence and the judge will make a decision. Small Claims Court is an effective way to settle disputes quickly and inexpensively. It is important to remember that this is a legal proceeding and should be taken seriously. If a party needs assistance, it is advised to seek legal counsel.

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What is small claims court?

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