Maryland Debt Lawsuit Answer Form: what to file, where, and by when
Last verified against official court sources: 2026-07-13
Maryland District Court does not use an Answer. You respond by filing a Notice of Intention to Defend — printed on the bottom half of the Writ of Summons itself — within 15 days of receiving the summons (60 days for out-of-state defendants, Md. Rule 3-307). Cut it at the perforation, complete it, sign it, and return it to the court address at the top. Filing it is free, and it is what entitles you to a trial instead of a paper judgment.
The form arrives attached to the lawsuit — don't look for a download
The Notice of Intention to Defend has no separate form number and is not downloadable: it is the tear-off section of the Writ of Summons served on you. Defendants who go hunting for a separate "answer form" miss it entirely. To countersue, file a DC-CV-001 complaint within 10 days after the notice period (Md. Rule 3-331). The same mechanism covers both the small claims track (up to $5,000) and larger District Court cases.
The Maryland twist
The affidavit shortcut: no notice filed means judgment on paper
Debt buyers routinely demand "judgment on affidavit" (Md. Rule 3-306) the day they file. If no Notice of Intention to Defend arrives within 15 days, the court can enter judgment on the plaintiff's sworn paperwork alone — no trial, no hearing. Maryland's highest court said it plainly: timely filing of the notice is what "entitles the defendant to a trial on the merits." Rule 3-306 was amended in 2011 specifically to force debt buyers to attach real documentation — protection you only get to test if you file the tear-off.
Deadlines, filing, fees, and service
- Deadline: file the Notice of Intention to Defend within 15 days of receiving the summons; 60 days for out-of-state defendants (Md. Rule 3-307).
- Filing: return the tear-off to the court by mail or in person, or e-file through MDEC (Odyssey File & Serve) — optional for self-represented parties, but once you e-file, later filings must be electronic.
- Fee: $0 — the DCA-109 cost schedule has no charge for the notice. Counterclaims cost $18 (small claims) or $28. Fee waiver: CC-DC-089.
- Venue: District Court of Maryland; claims of $5,000 or less ride the small claims track.
Common questions
Where is the Maryland answer form?
Attached to your lawsuit. The Notice of Intention to Defend is the bottom portion of the Writ of Summons served on you — complete and return that section to the court within 15 days. There is no separate downloadable form.
What happens if I don't file the Notice of Intention to Defend?
In a debt-buyer case filed with an affidavit-judgment demand, the court can enter judgment on the plaintiff's paperwork alone under Rule 3-306. Filing the notice on time is what converts the case into a real trial where the plaintiff must prove its documentation.
Does filing the notice cost anything?
No. The District Court cost schedule lists no fee for a Notice of Intention to Defend — only counterclaims and similar filings carry charges.
Primary sources
This page provides general legal information verified against the official sources linked above; it is not legal advice, and court rules change — confirm current requirements with your clerk of court. Answered is self-help software, not a law firm. If you can afford a lawyer, hire one.