Understanding Civil Court Records in Maryland

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    Civil court records in Maryland are official files and papers from noncriminal proceedings involving individuals, businesses, or government entities. Examples of civil cases filed with Maryland trial courts include contracts, torts, property disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, and family cases. Most civil court records are made public under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) and the Maryland Rules on Access to Judicial Records, which promote transparency by allowing citizens to access court records.

    Civil Court Record Statistics Reported by Maryland Courts

    According to the Maryland Judiciary's Data Dashboard, the district courts recorded approximately 979,915 filings in 2024, including 176,011 civil cases and 310,979 landlord-tenant cases. These courts also recorded about 98,721 civil depositions that same year.

    In the 2024 fiscal year, circuit courts recorded 47,243 civil filings and 48,925 civil depositions. Family law cases in the circuit courts accounted for 78,635 filings and 78,330 dispositions during the same period.

    How Civil Records Differ from Criminal Records in Maryland

    Maryland civil records detail non-criminal lawsuits between private individuals or entities. These lawsuits aim to resolve conflicts or compensate, rather than determine guilt or impose punishment. Criminal court records, on the other hand, document violations of state law that the government prosecutes to determine if a person committed a crime and what punishment should be imposed. While both types of documents are part of the Maryland Judicial System, their procedures, outcomes, and accessibility differ.

    Below is a table showing the differences between civil and criminal court records in Maryland:

    Category

    Civil Court Record

    Criminal Court Record

    Case Type

    Conflicts between private parties

    Violations of criminal law

    Goal

    Settle claims or award damages

    Determine guilt and inflict punishment

    Parties Involved

    Individuals, companies, or agencies

    State (prosecution) against the defendant (accused person)

    Outcome

    Financial judgment or equitable remedy

    Conviction or acquittal

    Public Access

    Generally open to the public unless exempt

    Open to the public, but restrictions may apply to sealed or expunged cases, juvenile proceedings, and victim-identifying information

    Structure of the Civil Court System in Maryland

    In Maryland, the civil court system is administered by the state's unified judicial branch, which consists of two main trial courts that hear civil cases: the District and Circuit Courts. The District Court handles a higher volume of minor civil cases and specific issues, such as landlord-tenant disputes and small claims. The court has limited jurisdiction and is intended to facilitate the speedy settlement of less complex issues. Conversely, Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over serious or complex civil matters and hear civil appeals from the District Court.

    The table below shows the types of civil cases filed in Maryland trial courts:

    Court

    Type of Civil Cases

    District

    Handles small claims (up to $5000), landlord-tenant disputes, repairs, and other civil cases worth less than $30,000

    Circuit

    Handles major civil cases, including family law, civil appeals from district courts, domestic violence cases, and other civil cases whose monetary value exceeds $30,000

    Public Access to Civil Court Documents in Maryland

    Maryland civil court documents are public and accessible, reflecting transparency in the judicial system. The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) and Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records govern access to civil court documents. Generally, individuals can discover civil court records through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal or at the clerk's office where the case was filed. Per MD Rules, Rule 16-914, civil court record custodians deny access to certain records for confidentiality reasons. Examples of exempt civil records include adoption, guardianship, child abuse or neglect, domestic violence protective orders, and petitions for relief from abuse.

    How to Lookup Maryland Civil Court Records

    Maryland offers various options for the public to access civil court records, tailored to their specific requirements and interests. The following are the primary methods:

    Online

    The Maryland Judiciary Case Search Portal provides free internet access to most civil cases maintained by the district, circuit, and appellate courts. Users can conduct searches by case number or name and select the specific court where the case was filed, case type, county, and filing date to narrow their searches. Search results reveal public civil case information; sealed or confidential records are excluded. Interested persons seeking judgment and lien information for free can use the Maryland Judgment and Lien Case Search Portal. Searches can be conducted by an individual or a business's name.

    By Mail

    Maryland District Courts provide civil judgment and satisfaction data to residents on a subscription basis. Interested persons can mail a completed Request for Data Form, together with the appropriate fees, to the address below:

    District Court of Maryland

    Traffic Processing Center Ticket Room

    Attention: Civil J/S Data

    2020 Industrial Drive

    Annapolis, MD 21401

    Clerk of Court Offices

    The Clerk of Court in each county/jurisdiction keeps civil court files. Individuals may request to view or acquire copies of case papers in person at the clerk's office or courthouse. While viewing records is usually free, a modest charge may apply for printed or certified copies.

    Public Kiosks at Courthouses

    Most Maryland courthouses have public kiosks where requesters can search for civil cases using the same criteria as the online system. These terminals are excellent for those who prefer or require in-person access.

    Types of Civil Cases Filed in Maryland Courts

    Maryland courts handle several civil lawsuits involving disputes between private individuals or entities. The most common categories are

    • Contract and Tort: These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property damage lawsuits. Smaller claims ($5000 or less) are typically filed in District Court, whereas larger or more complex matters are referred to Circuit Court.
    • Landlord-Tenant and Replevin: These cases involve rental conflicts, evictions, and property recovery. The District Court handles all landlord-tenant cases in the state.
    • Family/Domestic Relations: The Circuit Court's Family Division handles divorce, child custody, and alimony matters.
    • Foreclosure and Real Property: Mortgage defaults, boundary disputes, and title issues are handled in Circuit Court.
    • Administrative Appeals: The Circuit Court hears cases in which individuals challenge decisions made by state or municipal agencies, such as those related to licenses or employment

    Maryland's court system structure ensures that each case type is handled in the most appropriate venue, depending on the subject matter and the value of the claim.

    Information Captured in Maryland Civil Court Files

    Maryland civil court records offer comprehensive insight into legal disputes and proceedings. These documents are maintained and indexed by the Clerk of Court in the county where the civil case originated. They document each phase of a case, from its initial filing to the final verdict, serving as the official record of the court's actions and decisions.

    In accordance with Maryland court rules, specific personal details, such as Social Security numbers (SSNs) and financial account information, may be redacted from civil court records before public disclosure.

    Examples of the information found within civil court files in Maryland include complaints, petitions, motions, summonses, subpoenas, service returns, affidavits, transcripts, orders, judgments, and settlement agreements.

    Retention and Archiving of Civil Court Records in Maryland

    The Maryland Records Retention and Disposal Schedules for Circuit and District Courts provide the minimum retention periods for civil court records. The schedules permit courts to retain records for any period, provided that the records are kept for at least the minimum time period stipulated in the schedule. Courts must receive written permission from the County Administrative Judge before destroying any civil court records. The preferred method of destroying civil court records is shredding, but record custodians can also destroy them through incineration or burial at a landfill. Courts may transfer records kept permanently to the Maryland State Archives (MSA) for permanent storage.

    Below are the retention periods for some civil records in Maryland:

    • Adoption dockets, indexes, and case files: Permanent
    • Civil dockets and indexes: Permanent
    • Civil case files involving family issues or relating to land: Permanent
    • Other civil case files: 12 years
    • Divorce decree record: Permanent
    • Equity/chancery dockets, case files, and indexes: Permanent
    • Termination of parental rights and guardianship cases: Permanent
    • Case files of judgment, decrees, and lens of judgment papers: 12 years
    • Dockets and indexes of judgments, decrees, and liens: Permanent
    • Original miscellaneous papers and exhibits, and electronic recordings: 3 years

    References and Official Resources