Maryland STATE LAW

WAGE GARNISHMENT EXEMPTION:

– Greater of 75% or the amount equal to $145 times the number of weeks wages due were earned (except in Caroline, Worchester, Kent & Queen Anne's Counties where federal law applies)

MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:

– Legal: 6%
– Judgment: 10% or contract rate

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON ENFORCEMENT:

– Open Account (credit cards): 3 years
– Written Contract: 3 years
– Domestic Judgment: 12 years
– Foreign Judgment: 12 years

BAD CHECK LAW DAMAGES:

– Twice check amount up to $1000

tape recording

– Two party state

BANKRUPTCY PROPERTY EXEMPTIONS:
(Annotated Code of Maryland):

– Can use either the state exemptions below or federal exemptions
– The State of Maryland has exempted the property and income below from seizure by the bankruptcy court to pay creditors:

Real Estate:

– See "Miscellaneous" section below.

Personal Property:

– Clothing, books, tools, appliances and instruments up to $2,500 [Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11–504(b)(1)]
– Books, clothing, furnishings and household goods, appliances and pets up to $500 total [Courts and judicial proceedings 11–504(b)(4)]
– Burial plot, unlimited amount [5–503]
– Health aids, unlimited amount [11–504(b)(3)]
– Lost future earnings recoveries, unlimited amount [Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11–504(b)(2)]

Insurance / Annuities:

– Life insurance or annuity contract proceeds if beneficiary is insured's dependent, child or spouse, unlimited amount [Estates and Trusts 8–115]
– Disability benefits, health benefits, court awards / settlements, unlimited amount [Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11–504(b)(2)]
– Medical benefits deducted from wages, unlimited amount [Commercial 15–601.1]
– Fraternal society benefits, unlimited amount [Estates and Trusts 8–115]

Pensions/ Retirement Plans:

– State employees, unlimited amount [21–502]
– Retirement benefits except IRAs, unlimited amount [Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11–504(h)]
– Public Benefits / Entitlements: Unemployment compensation, unlimited amount [Labor and Employment 8–106]
– Workers' compensation, unlimited amount [Labor and Employment 9–732]
– Crime victims' compensation, unlimited amount [27–826]
– Aid to families with dependent children and general assistance, unlimited amount [88A–73]

Wages

– Earned but unpaid wages; greater of 75% or $145 per week except in Kent, Caroline and Queen Anne's of Worcester Counties, there up to greater of 75% of actual wages or 30% of federal minimum wage [Commercial 15–601.1]

Miscellaneous:

– Any real or personal property up to $5,500 [Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11–504(b)(5) and 11–504(f)]