Default judgment in Maryland: how to set it aside

Missed the deadline? Here is how to ask the court to cancel the default.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. File a motion (form DC-002, Motion) to revise or vacate the judgment. Within 30 days after the judgment, the court has broad power to change it.

Shortest time to ask
30 days (Motion to revise or vacate (broad power))
Time to answer
15 days

If you didn't answer in Maryland

If you do not return the Notice of Intention to Defend, the court may enter a judgment against you without a trial (a 'judgment on affidavit'), based on the plaintiff's affidavit and documents. The plaintiff must also certify that you are not in the military.

How to set aside a default in Maryland

File a motion (form DC-002, Motion) to revise or vacate the judgment. Within 30 days after the judgment, the court has broad power to change it. After 30 days, it can be set aside only for fraud, mistake or irregularity. Act quickly.

Law: Md. Rule 3-535; Md. Rule 3-306 (judgment on affidavit); Md. Rule 3-535

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

The judgment in Maryland

Interest after the judgment

10% a year on the judgment amount (6% for residential rent judgments). Exception: a judgment on a loan of money carries the loan's contract rate on the unpaid principal until the loan's original maturity date (not for mortgage loans).

How long it lasts

12 years. The creditor can renew it for another 12 years.

Law: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-107(a)-(b); § 11-106; § 5-102(a)(3); Maryland Courts, Judgments and Debt Collection

After a judgment in Maryland

Mediation and settlement in Maryland

District Court mediation is free. A trained mediator helps you and the plaintiff try to settle; if you do not agree, you still have your trial. Prince George's County also holds resolution conferences (Maryland District Court ADR).

Servicemembers

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Your next steps in Maryland

  1. Get the judgment papers

    Get the judgment from the clerk; the date on it starts your time limits.

  2. Act within the time limit

    The rule in Maryland: File a motion (form DC-002, Motion) to revise or vacate the judgment. Within 30 days after the judgment, the court has broad power to change it.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Courts usually ask for a good reason and a real defense.

  4. Know what can be taken

    See what is protected: After a judgment in Maryland.

Free help in Maryland

Questions about default judgments in Maryland

How many days do I get to answer in Maryland?

District Court: file the Notice of Intention to Defend within 15 days after you receive the summons (60 days if you live out of state). A counterclaim can be filed within 10 days after that deadline. Circuit Court: the summons states your deadline.

Can the plaintiff win by default in Maryland?

If you do not return the Notice of Intention to Defend, the court may enter a judgment against you without a trial (a 'judgment on affidavit'), based on the plaintiff's affidavit and documents. The plaintiff must also certify that you are not in the military.

Can I cancel a default judgment in Maryland?

File a motion (form DC-002, Motion) to revise or vacate the judgment. Within 30 days after the judgment, the court has broad power to change it. After 30 days, it can be set aside only for fraud, mistake or irregularity. Act quickly.

Related Maryland pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources