Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

How long does a small claims judgement remain outstanding

In 1978 a judgement of $780 was issued against me in Maryland Small Claims District Court (Upper Marlboro). I never received the summons and found out some ten years later of the outstanding judgement through a DoD security clearance investigation. How long does an outstanding judgement remain in force?

22 years later, I received a call from the plaintiff. The plaintiff indicated he planned to move the Maryland judgement to small claims court in Sacramento, CA. Can the plaintiff legally do this?


Asked on 3/03/00, 2:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: How long does a small claims judgement remain outstanding

The plaintiff would have to file an Abstract Judgement for the judgement to be recognized in California. Once he files this he can then proceed to collect the judgement from you. I would try to see if he would settle with you for less than the judgement so that you don't have to worry about this anymore. If you do agree to do this make sure you both sign an agreement and that he files a satisfaction of judgement in Maryland.

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Answered on 3/16/00, 12:29 am


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