Bankruptcy Lawyer in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Sheereen E. McNair, Esq.
Aug 14
4 min read

If you live or work in Upper Marlboro and your wages are being garnished, your bank account was frozen, or the collection calls will not stop, bankruptcy may be the fastest legal way to make it stop. Upper Marlboro is in Prince George's County, so your case is handled by the Greenbelt Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. Middleton Legal is a virtual firm serving clients across Maryland, and Sheereen E. McNair works directly with every client. Most people keep their home, their car, and their retirement. Call 240-896-3253 for a free consultation.

Where Upper Marlboro Cases Are Filed

Upper Marlboro is in Prince George's County. Prince George's County cases go to the Greenbelt Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland.

Greenbelt Division, Federal Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Suite 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Phone (301) 344-8018.

The court allows new case petitions to be filed with the Clerk's Office in either the Baltimore or the Greenbelt Division. In practice, Prince George's County cases are assigned to the Greenbelt Division, and your meeting of creditors is held virtually on Zoom, where you appear on camera to verify your identity. Our office is in Greenbelt at 6301 Ivy Ln, Ste 700, and the whole process is handled remotely, so you do not have to come in.

What Bankruptcy Actually Stops

The moment your case is filed, a court protection called the automatic stay takes effect. Wage garnishment stops. Frozen bank accounts can be released. Foreclosure sales pause, so if a sale date is coming, filing before the sale can stop it. Repossession stops, and if your car has not been sold yet you may be able to get it back. Collection lawsuits and creditor calls stop, because creditors have to go through the bankruptcy court instead of coming after you directly.

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Upper Marlboro

Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt, like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old collection accounts. It usually runs about three to four months from filing to discharge. You have to pass the means test, which compares your household income to the Maryland median for your family size.

Chapter 13 reorganizes your debt into a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. It is the right tool when you are behind on a mortgage and want to keep the house, when you make too much for Chapter 7, or when you need to catch up on a car loan or back taxes.

Upper Marlboro is the seat of Prince George's County, and while the county courthouse sits here, your federal bankruptcy case is handled by the Greenbelt Division a short drive away. We look at your actual numbers before recommending a chapter.

What It Costs

The court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees are separate, and we offer payment plans. In Chapter 13, most of the attorney fee is typically paid through the plan rather than up front, which is one reason Chapter 13 can be reachable even when cash is tight.

What You Keep, and How Maryland Exemptions Really Work

Maryland has opted out of the federal exemption system, which means the federal exemptions are not available to you. You use Maryland exemptions.

Maryland also does not have a standalone motor vehicle exemption. There is no separate allowance just for your car. Vehicle equity is generally protected using Maryland's wildcard exemption, which covers up to $6,000 in cash or property of any kind. That same $6,000 has to stretch across everything you apply it to, so it is not a per item allowance. Retirement accounts are generally protected under separate rules.

For homeowners, Maryland now protects up to $125,000 of equity in owner occupied real estate, raised from roughly $27,900 effective June 1, 2026. Married couples cannot double it and there is no separate senior amount. For many Prince George's County homeowners, that means equity that used to force a long Chapter 13 may now be protected in a Chapter 7. We run your actual numbers before you file rather than guessing. Most people keep their home and their car.

Working With Middleton Legal

You work directly with Sheereen, not a case mill. Middleton Legal is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating. Everything is handled remotely, so you get a Prince George's County bankruptcy lawyer without driving anywhere. We treat bankruptcy as a strategic move that gives you a fresh start, not something to be ashamed of.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Upper Marlboro bankruptcy cases filed?

In the Greenbelt Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Federal Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Suite 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770. The court also allows petitions to be filed in either the Baltimore or Greenbelt Division, and most of the process is electronic.

Do I have to go to court in Greenbelt if I live in Upper Marlboro?

You will attend a meeting of creditors, which is part of every case. It is usually short and is often held on Zoom. You typically do not appear before a judge for the filing itself. We prepare you ahead of time.

Can bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment in Upper Marlboro?

Yes. Once your case is filed, the automatic stay requires the garnishment to stop. Timing matters, so call as soon as you get the garnishment notice.

Does Maryland have a motor vehicle exemption?

No. Maryland does not have a standalone motor vehicle exemption. Car equity is generally protected using Maryland's wildcard exemption of up to $6,000 in cash or property of any kind. Maryland has also opted out of the federal exemptions.

Will I lose my house in Upper Marlboro if I file?

Most people keep their home. Maryland protects up to $125,000 of equity in owner occupied real estate as of June 1, 2026. If you are behind on the mortgage, Chapter 13 lets you catch up and stop a foreclosure sale.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Upper Marlboro?

The court fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees are separate and we offer payment plans. We quote a flat fee at your free consultation.

Talk to a Upper Marlboro Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

Stop the garnishment. Save the house. Start over without shame. Free consultation, no judgment, straight answers. Call 240-896-3253. Middleton Legal, 6301 Ivy Ln, Ste 700, Greenbelt, MD 20770.