Maryland Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is a court’s official decision that resolves a dispute and determines the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In Maryland, judgments result from civil lawsuits, debt collection, property disputes, family court matters, and restitution in criminal cases. Once entered, they are enforceable by law unless modified or applied under specific rules. They may lead to negative credit reporting, filing liens, and paying wage garnishments.

What Is a Judgment in Maryland?

In Maryland, a judgment is the final ruling of a court in a lawsuit. The Maryland Code and Court Rules, Rule 2-601, outlines the conditions under which a judgment may be approved and relief granted. After a judgment is issued, one party is by law ordered to pay an amount in cash, transfer real property, or refrain from certain actions. Once recorded, judgments carry legal authority and are enforced through legal remedies such as liens, garnishments, or levies.

A creditor may take legal actions to recover the debt owed by a debtor. In a family court, a judgment may establish child support or spousal support obligations. Whether they arise from civil, family, or criminal cases, judgments in Maryland impose long-term financial and legal consequences until they are paid off or they expire by law.

Types of Judgments in Maryland

Maryland courts issue several types of judgments depending on the type of case involved:

1. Money Judgments

In Maryland, a money judgment is a court’s official decision that requires one party to pay a specific amount of money to another. This is often as a result of unpaid debts, contract disputes, or damages awarded in personal injury cases.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment is entered once when a party (defendant) fails to respond to a lawsuit or appear in court. In such cases, the plaintiff wins, and a judgment is entered that contains the damages and relief requested from the defendant.

3. Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may file a judgment lien against a debtor. In this case, a legal claim is placed on a debtor’s real property to secure repayment of the money they owe.

In Maryland, judgment liens may be recorded in the Circuit Courts even if they are filed in the District Courts. They are attached to the debtor’s real estate and any other landed property they acquire later as long as the lien is valid. This prevents the debtor from selling off or refinancing the real property until they offset their debts.

4. Family Court Judgments

Family-related cases often produce judgments that cover child support, custody, or alimony. These are enforced to ensure compliance through tools such as wage withholding, contempt of court, or property liens.

5. Criminal Restitution Judgments

In some criminal cases, Maryland courts may order offenders to pay restitution judgments. This is to enable victims to recover financial losses caused by a crime. Once ordered, restitution is enforceable until paid.

How to Search for Judgments in Maryland

Judgments are public records in Maryland, and they can be accessed in several ways:

1. Clerk of Court Offices - Each Circuit Court and District Court Clerk maintains judgment records in Maryland. Individuals may conduct a search in person, with certified copies available for a fee.
2. Maryland Judiciary Case Search - The state’s online Case Search portalallows the public to look up civil, criminal, and family court cases, including judgments. A search for judgment records on this portal may be performed using a name, case number, or filing date.
3. Third-Party Services - Some third-party platforms compile judgment records and serve as a cost-effective way to find public records in general. Although the information available on these sites may not be up-to-date, record seekers are to verify them in order to obtain current data. In addition, interested persons may obtain court records from the courthouse, as these records are more accurate.

In Maryland, judgment records provide the following information:

• Case number
• Names of the parties
• Court location
• Date of judgment
• Judgment amount or type of relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Maryland Counties

While Maryland has a centralized judiciary system, access procedures may vary by county:

• Baltimore City: Judgment records are available through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portaland at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
• Montgomery County (Rockville): Montgomery County judgments may be searched online through the state’s case search portal, with certified copies available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• Prince George’s County (Upper Marlboro): Judgment records are accessible through the statewide online case search tool and the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Although Maryland maintains a centralized online database, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the primary method for locating judgment records in the state.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Maryland?

In Maryland, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 12 years from the date of entry. Creditors may file a Notice of Renewal of Judgment before expiration, extending enforceability for another 12 years. Renewals may remain enforceable for decades if they are maintained in the approved manner.

During the enforceable period, creditors have several legal tools for debt recovery. This is done through liens, garnishments, or levies. For debtors, unresolved judgments may have an impact on financial stability and property ownership.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Maryland?

Once a judgment is entered by a Maryland court, creditors gain certain rights, while debtors face financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may request a court order requiring an employer to withhold a portion of the debtor’s wages until the judgment is satisfied.
• Judgment Liens: A lien may be recorded on a debtor’s real estate by a creditor, thereby preventing its transfer or refinancing until the debt is paid.
• Bank Levies: Creditors may seize funds from a debtor’s bank account with court approval.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: If judgments often appear on credit reports, it lowers scores and limits a person’s access to credit.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Once a debt is paid, the creditor is required to file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. This sets the debtor free from further obligation and clears the record.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a judgment was entered with bias, such as through default without proper notice, the debtor may file a motion to vacate the judgment (Maryland Rule 3-535). They may also appeal the case to a higher court within 30 days from the date the judgment was finalized in most cases.