How To File A Small Claim In Prince George's County

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A small claims court is one that handles minor legal disputes. These are courts, which have limited jurisdiction and help in unclogging the judicial system with numerous cases piled up in other superior courts. These cases are handled in a less formal manner than other major disputes. The maximum amount that you may sue for in a small claims court is $5000. The court proceedings are presided over by the sitting judge and not by a jury. You are allowed to hire an attorney but it is preferable that you represent yourself in the court during the trial to save expenses.

 

Filing small claims in Prince George’s County, Maryland:

In Maryland, anyone who is 18 years of age can file a case in a small claims court or a district court. If the person is a minor, then a parent or a legal guardian can take up this task on their behalf. You can file a case in a small claims court in the area where the defendant lives, where you live or where the dispute in question has occurred. Here is listing of district courts in Maryland. If your case is going to be filed in Prince George’s county, then you can look up the court directory to find the court nearest to you.  

 

Before filing a case in a small claims court in Maryland, make sure that you have with you all evidence collected and required in the form of documents, receipts, letters, invoices, or other items such as damaged vehicle parts, or photographs. In Maryland, the amount for which a small claim can be filed was set at $2500 previously. As of 2003, it has been increased to $5000.

 

The first step to start the court procedure is to get a form and fill in all details that are required. The plaintiff will have to obtain the form from the court clerk and pay a filing fee. Once this is done, the small claims court files a writ of summons to notify the defendant against whom the suit is filed. This is done by sending the summons through a person who is not directly involved in the case. Alternatively, it is sent by mail or through courier. In addition, proof that the defendant has received the summons is also sent to the court and the plaintiff. For further information on filing a small claim in Prince George’s county, Maryland click here.