DAY 6 — What Happens If You Ignore a Debt Lawsuit in Maryland?
Week: Week 1: Urgency
Intent: High-Intent | Debt Lawsuit Defense
Ignoring a debt lawsuit in Maryland results in a default judgment — giving creditors the legal right to garnish wages, freeze accounts, and place liens.
If you ignore a debt lawsuit, the creditor will win automatically through a 'default judgment.' This gives them full legal authority to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, and place liens on your property — without any further court action.
What Is a Default Judgment?
When you're served with a debt lawsuit and fail to respond within the deadline (typically 30 days in Maryland), the court enters a default judgment in the creditor's favor. You don't get a second chance. The court doesn't require them to prove the debt — they win because you didn't show up.
What Creditors Can Do With a Default Judgment
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Garnish up to 25% of your disposable wages
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Freeze and seize funds from your bank account
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Place a lien on your home or other real property
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Attempt to levy non-exempt personal property
How Fast Does This Happen?
In Maryland, a creditor can apply for a default judgment as soon as your response deadline passes. Once the judgment is entered, they can begin collection actions within days. Wage garnishment orders are processed quickly through circuit courts.
Can I Fix a Default Judgment?
Possibly, but it's difficult. Maryland allows you to file a motion to vacate a default judgment if you can show good cause for missing the deadline and a meritorious defense. This is not guaranteed and requires a compelling reason. Prevention — responding before the deadline — is far easier.
How Bankruptcy Changes This
Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all collection actions stemming from a default judgment, including wage garnishments and bank levies. The underlying judgment debt can often be discharged entirely in Chapter 7, permanently eliminating the creditor's power.
Maryland-Specific Insight
Maryland courts process default judgments efficiently. There's no 'grace period' after the judgment is entered — creditors can move to garnish almost immediately. The 30-day response window is a hard deadline.
Reality Check
People ignore debt lawsuits hoping the problem will go away. It never does — it gets worse. The moment you're served, your clock is running. Responding — or filing bankruptcy — are your only real options. Waiting guarantees the worst outcome.
