In Baltimore County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Towson). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 120 E. Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 · Map
Phone: 410-512-2000
Online filing: available, per the court
3 District Court locations in Baltimore County. Others: Catonsville (1 Rolling Cross Road, Catonsville, MD 21228, 410-512-2500); Essex (8914 Kelso Drive, Essex, MD 21221, 410-512-2300). Call the clerk to confirm which location will hear your small claim.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
The District Court in the county where the defendant lives, works or regularly does business. A company with no main office in Maryland can be sued where you live.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Maryland counties.
Maryland doesn't require a demand letter before filing small claims, but asking for payment first is wise. Make a free demand letter.
Complaint / Application and Affidavit in Support of Judgment Get the form.
$44 to file. Service is extra: $20 per defendant if the clerk mails it, or $60 per defendant by the sheriff or constable. Fee waiver: Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs (form DC-CV-097).
Choose service by the clerk (certified mail, restricted delivery), the sheriff or constable, or a private process server or any adult who isn't part of the case, who must then file an affidavit of service.
Trials are usually set within about 60 days of filing. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Maryland filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Baltimore County are filed with the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Towson), 120 E. Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286. Phone: 410-512-2000.
Up to $5,000. Small claims are cases for money only, up to $5,000, not counting interest, costs and attorney fees. Claims from $5,000 to $30,000 also go to District Court but as 'large claims' with more formal rules. If a counterclaim goes over $5,000, the whole case leaves small claims.
$44 to file. Service is extra: $20 per defendant if the clerk mails it, or $60 per defendant by the sheriff or constable.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.