Maryland civil and family deadlines
30 deadlines · Last checked 30 October 2026
Each entry gives the period, what starts it, the citation and the words the rule uses. The short label cannot carry every condition, so read the quotation and the rule itself.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.
Civil
Summons goes dormant if not served
60 days after the complaint was filedThe day it lapses
A summons is effective for service only if served within 60 days after the date it is issued. A summons not served within that time shall be dormant, renewable only on written request of the plaintiff.
Md. Rule 2-113 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Unserved defendant becomes subject to dismissal
120 days after the complaint was filedThe day it lapses
An action against any defendant who has not been served or over whom the court has not otherwise acquired jurisdiction is subject to dismissal as to that defendant at the expiration of 120 days from the issuance of original process directed to that defendant.
Md. Rule 2-507(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due
30 days after the summons and complaint were served
A party shall file an answer to an original complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim within 30 days after being served, except as provided by sections (b) and (c) of this Rule.
Md. Rule 2-321(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (served outside Maryland, inside the United States)
60 days after the summons and complaint were served
A defendant who is served with an original pleading outside of the State but within the United States shall file an answer within 60 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(1) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (served through a State agency as statutory agent)
60 days after the summons and complaint were served
A person who is required by statute of this State to have a resident agent and who is served with an original pleading by service upon the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the Insurance Commissioner, or some other agency of the State authorized by statute to receive process shall file an answer within 60 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(3) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (United States, its officer or agency)
60 days after the summons and complaint were served
The United States or an officer or agency of the United States served with an original pleading pursuant to Rule 2-124 (m) or (n) shall file an answer within 60 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(4) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (served outside the United States)
90 days after the summons and complaint were served
A defendant who is served with an original pleading outside of the United States shall file an answer within 90 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(5) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of intention to defend (District Court)
15 days after the summons and complaint were served
the notice shall be filed within 15 days after service of the complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim.
Md. Rule 3-307(b)(1) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer to a counterclaim or cross-claim due
30 days after the counterclaim was served
A party shall file an answer to an original complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim within 30 days after being served,
Md. Rule 2-321(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due after the court rules on a preliminary motion
15 days after the court decided the motion
the time for filing an answer is extended without special order to 15 days after entry of the court's order on the motion or remand
Md. Rule 2-321(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Amended complaint after dismissal with leave to amend
30 days after the court decided the motion
The amended complaint shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the order or within such other time as the court may fix.
Md. Rule 2-322(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer to or motion to strike an amendment
15 days after the amended pleading was served
Within 15 days after service of an amendment, any other party to the action may file a motion to strike ... shall file a new or additional answer to the amendment within the time remaining to answer the original pleading or within 15 days after service of the amendment, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-341(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory answers due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party to whom the interrogatories are directed shall serve a response within 30 days after service of the interrogatories or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-421(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written response to requests for production due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party to whom a request is directed shall serve a written response within 30 days after service of the request or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-422(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to requests for admission due (or deemed admitted)
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be deemed admitted unless, within 30 days after service of the request or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later, the party to whom the request is directed serves a response
Md. Rule 2-424(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to a motion due
15 days after the motion was served
a party against whom a motion is directed shall file any response within 15 days after being served with the motion, or within the time allowed for a party's original pleading pursuant to Rule 2-321 (a), whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-311(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve hearing subpoenas
5 days before the hearing
Unless impracticable, a party shall make a good faith effort to cause a trial or hearing subpoena to be served at least five days before the trial or hearing.
Md. Rule 2-510(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve trial subpoenas
5 days before trial
Unless impracticable, a party shall make a good faith effort to cause a trial or hearing subpoena to be served at least five days before the trial or hearing.
Md. Rule 2-510(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day to amend a pleading without leave, if there is no scheduling order date
30 days before trial
A party may file an amendment to a pleading without leave of court by the date set forth in a scheduling order or, if there is no scheduling order, no later than 30 days before a scheduled trial date.
Md. Rule 2-341(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict
10 days after judgment was entered
The motion shall be filed within ten days after entry of judgment on the verdict or, if no verdict is returned, within ten days after the discharge of the jury.
Md. Rule 2-532(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial
10 days after judgment was entered
Any party may file a motion for new trial within ten days after entry of judgment.
Md. Rule 2-533(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion to alter or amend the judgment (decided by the court)
10 days after judgment was entered
In an action decided by the court, on motion of any party filed within ten days after entry of judgment, the court may open the judgment to receive additional evidence,
Md. Rule 2-534 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written request for the clerk to assess other costs
15 days after judgment was entered
On written request of a party filed within 15 days after the later of the entry of judgment or the entry of an order denying a motion filed under Rules 2-532 , 2-533, or 2-534, the clerk shall assess other costs prescribed by rule or other law.
Md. Rule 2-603(b)(2) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for the court to revise the judgment
30 days after judgment was entered
On motion of any party filed within 30 days after entry of judgment, the court may exercise revisory power and control over the judgment
Md. Rule 2-535(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial on newly-discovered evidence
30 days after judgment was entered
On motion of any party filed within 30 days after entry of judgment, the court may grant a new trial on the ground of newly-discovered evidence
Md. Rule 2-535(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland
30 days after judgment was entered
Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or by law, the notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the judgment or order from which the appeal is taken.
Md. Rule 8-202(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal by another party
10 days after the first notice of appeal was filed
If one party files a timely notice of appeal, any other party may file a notice of appeal within ten days after the date on which the first notice of appeal was filed or within any longer time otherwise allowed by this Rule.
Md. Rule 8-202(e) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Civil notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
Refiling after a dismissal elsewhere
an action filed in a circuit court within 30 days after the entry of the order of dismissal shall be treated as timely filed in this State.
Md. Rule 2-101(b), (c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Service by publication or posting
A defendant who is served with an original pleading by publication or posting, pursuant to Rule 2-122 , shall file an answer within the time specified in the notice.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(2) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Vacating an order of default
The defendant may move to vacate the order of default within 30 days after its entry.
Md. Rule 2-613(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Jury demand runs from the last pleading
The failure of a party to file the demand within 15 days after service of the last pleading filed by any party directed to the issue constitutes a waiver of trial by jury.
Md. Rule 2-325(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Late counterclaims, cross-claims and third-party claims
If a party files a counterclaim or cross-claim more than 30 days after the time for filing that party's answer, any other party may object to the late filing by a motion to strike filed within 15 days of service of the counterclaim or cross-claim.
Md. Rule 2-331(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
After a more definite statement
if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, to 15 days after the service of the more definite statement.
Md. Rule 2-321(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of deposition
The notice to a party deponent may contain or be accompanied by a request for the production of documents or other tangible things at the taking of the deposition, in which case the provisions of Rule 2-422 shall apply to the request.
Md. Rules 2-412(a), (c), 2-422(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Summary judgment response
A motion for summary judgment may not be filed: (A) after any evidence is received at trial on the merits or (B) unless permission of the court is granted, after the deadline for dispositive motions specified in the scheduling order
Md. Rule 2-501(a), (b); 2-311(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Discovery, expert and motion dates come from the scheduling order
(D) a date by which all discovery must be completed; (E) a date, not less than 35 days before the date for completion of discovery
Md. Rule 2-504(a)(3), (b)(1) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written discovery and examination motions stop before discovery closes
a date, not less than 35 days before the date for completion of discovery pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D) of this Rule, after which no interrogatories, requests for admission, requests for production or inspection, or motions for physical or mental examination may be served;
Md. Rule 2-504(b)(1)(E), (F) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
A timely post-judgment motion restarts the appeal clock
In a civil action, when a timely motion is filed pursuant to Rule 2-532, 2-533, 2-534, or 11-218, the notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of (1) a notice withdrawing the motion or (2) an order denying a motion pursuant to Rule 2-533 or disposing of a motion pursuant to Rule 2-532, 2-534, or 11-218. ... A motion filed pursuant to Rule 2-535, if filed within ten days after entry of judgment, will have the same effect as a motion filed pursuant to Rule 2-534, for purposes of this Rule.
Md. Rule 8-202(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
What counts as entry
"Entry" as used in this Rule occurs on the day when the clerk of the lower court enters a record on the docket of the electronic case management system used by that court.
Md. Rule 8-202(f); see 2-601(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
After 30 days: fraud, mistake or irregularity
On motion of any party filed at any time, the court may exercise revisory power and control over the judgment in case of fraud, mistake, or irregularity.
Md. Rule 2-535(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family
Summons goes dormant if not served
60 days after the petition was filedThe day it lapses
A summons is effective for service only if served within 60 days after the date it is issued. A summons not served within that time shall be dormant, renewable only on written request of the plaintiff.
Md. Rule 2-113 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Unserved defendant becomes subject to dismissal
120 days after the petition was filedThe day it lapses
An action against any defendant who has not been served or over whom the court has not otherwise acquired jurisdiction is subject to dismissal as to that defendant at the expiration of 120 days from the issuance of original process directed to that defendant.
Md. Rule 2-507(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due
30 days after the petition was served
A party shall file an answer to an original complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim within 30 days after being served, except as provided by sections (b) and (c) of this Rule.
Md. Rule 2-321(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (served outside Maryland, inside the United States)
60 days after the petition was served
A defendant who is served with an original pleading outside of the State but within the United States shall file an answer within 60 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(1) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due (served outside the United States)
90 days after the petition was served
A defendant who is served with an original pleading outside of the United States shall file an answer within 90 days after being served.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(5) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer to a counterclaim or cross-claim due
30 days after the counterclaim was served
A party shall file an answer to an original complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim within 30 days after being served,
Md. Rule 2-321(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due after the court rules on a preliminary motion
15 days after the court decided the motion
the time for filing an answer is extended without special order to 15 days after entry of the court's order on the motion or remand
Md. Rule 2-321(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Amended complaint after dismissal with leave to amend
30 days after the court decided the motion
The amended complaint shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the order or within such other time as the court may fix.
Md. Rule 2-322(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer to or motion to strike an amendment
15 days after the amended pleading was served
Within 15 days after service of an amendment, any other party to the action may file a motion to strike ... shall file a new or additional answer to the amendment within the time remaining to answer the original pleading or within 15 days after service of the amendment, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-341(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory answers due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party to whom the interrogatories are directed shall serve a response within 30 days after service of the interrogatories or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-421(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written response to requests for production due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party to whom a request is directed shall serve a written response within 30 days after service of the request or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-422(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to requests for admission due (or deemed admitted)
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be deemed admitted unless, within 30 days after service of the request or within 15 days after the date on which that party's initial pleading or motion is required, whichever is later, the party to whom the request is directed serves a response
Md. Rule 2-424(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to a motion due
15 days after the motion was served
a party against whom a motion is directed shall file any response within 15 days after being served with the motion, or within the time allowed for a party's original pleading pursuant to Rule 2-321 (a), whichever is later.
Md. Rule 2-311(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve hearing subpoenas
5 days before the hearing
Unless impracticable, a party shall make a good faith effort to cause a trial or hearing subpoena to be served at least five days before the trial or hearing.
Md. Rule 2-510(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve trial subpoenas
5 days before trial
Unless impracticable, a party shall make a good faith effort to cause a trial or hearing subpoena to be served at least five days before the trial or hearing.
Md. Rule 2-510(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day to amend a pleading without leave, if there is no scheduling order date
30 days before trial
A party may file an amendment to a pleading without leave of court by the date set forth in a scheduling order or, if there is no scheduling order, no later than 30 days before a scheduled trial date.
Md. Rule 2-341(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
File the joint statement of marital and non-marital property
10 days before trial
The joint statement shall be filed at least ten days before the scheduled trial date or by any earlier date fixed by the court.
Md. Rule 9-207(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Amended financial statement
10 days before trial
the party shall file an amended statement and serve a copy on the other party at least ten days before the scheduled trial date or by any earlier date fixed by the court.
Md. Rule 9-203(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal by another party
10 days after the first notice of appeal was filed
If one party files a timely notice of appeal, any other party may file a notice of appeal within ten days after the date on which the first notice of appeal was filed or within any longer time otherwise allowed by this Rule.
Md. Rule 8-202(e) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial
10 days after the judgment was entered
Any party may file a motion for new trial within ten days after entry of judgment.
Md. Rule 2-533(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion to alter or amend the judgment (decided by the court)
10 days after the judgment was entered
In an action decided by the court, on motion of any party filed within ten days after entry of judgment, the court may open the judgment to receive additional evidence,
Md. Rule 2-534 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written request for the clerk to assess other costs
15 days after the judgment was entered
On written request of a party filed within 15 days after the later of the entry of judgment or the entry of an order denying a motion filed under Rules 2-532 , 2-533, or 2-534, the clerk shall assess other costs prescribed by rule or other law.
Md. Rule 2-603(b)(2) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for the court to revise the judgment
30 days after the judgment was entered
On motion of any party filed within 30 days after entry of judgment, the court may exercise revisory power and control over the judgment
Md. Rule 2-535(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial on newly-discovered evidence
30 days after the judgment was entered
On motion of any party filed within 30 days after entry of judgment, the court may grant a new trial on the ground of newly-discovered evidence
Md. Rule 2-535(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland
30 days after the judgment was entered
Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or by law, the notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the judgment or order from which the appeal is taken.
Md. Rule 8-202(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Court's time to decide marital property it reserved
90 days after the judgment was enteredThe day it lapses
within 90 days after the court grants an annulment or divorce, if the court expressly reserves in the annulment or divorce decree the power to make the determination;
Md. Code, Fam. Law §8-203(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
Service by publication or posting
A defendant who is served with an original pleading by publication or posting, pursuant to Rule 2-122 , shall file an answer within the time specified in the notice.
Md. Rule 2-321(b)(2) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
After a more definite statement
if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, to 15 days after the service of the more definite statement.
Md. Rule 2-321(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of deposition
The notice to a party deponent may contain or be accompanied by a request for the production of documents or other tangible things at the taking of the deposition, in which case the provisions of Rule 2-422 shall apply to the request.
Md. Rules 2-412(a), (c), 2-422(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Summary judgment response
A motion for summary judgment may not be filed: (A) after any evidence is received at trial on the merits or (B) unless permission of the court is granted, after the deadline for dispositive motions specified in the scheduling order
Md. Rule 2-501(a), (b); 2-311(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Discovery, expert and motion dates come from the scheduling order
(D) a date by which all discovery must be completed; (E) a date, not less than 35 days before the date for completion of discovery
Md. Rule 2-504(a)(3), (b)(1) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Written discovery and examination motions stop before discovery closes
a date, not less than 35 days before the date for completion of discovery pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D) of this Rule, after which no interrogatories, requests for admission, requests for production or inspection, or motions for physical or mental examination may be served;
Md. Rule 2-504(b)(1)(E), (F) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
A timely post-judgment motion restarts the appeal clock
In a civil action, when a timely motion is filed pursuant to Rule 2-532, 2-533, 2-534, or 11-218, the notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of (1) a notice withdrawing the motion or (2) an order denying a motion pursuant to Rule 2-533 or disposing of a motion pursuant to Rule 2-532, 2-534, or 11-218. ... A motion filed pursuant to Rule 2-535, if filed within ten days after entry of judgment, will have the same effect as a motion filed pursuant to Rule 2-534, for purposes of this Rule.
Md. Rule 8-202(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
What counts as entry
"Entry" as used in this Rule occurs on the day when the clerk of the lower court enters a record on the docket of the electronic case management system used by that court.
Md. Rule 8-202(f); see 2-601(d) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
After 30 days: fraud, mistake or irregularity
On motion of any party filed at any time, the court may exercise revisory power and control over the judgment in case of fraud, mistake, or irregularity.
Md. Rule 2-535(b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Six-month separation is counted before filing
6–month separation, if the parties have lived separate and apart for 6 months without interruption before the filing of the application for divorce;
Md. Code, Fam. Law §7-103(a), (b) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Six months' residence if the grounds arose outside Maryland
If the grounds for the divorce occurred outside this State, a party may not apply for a divorce unless one of the parties has resided in this State for at least 6 months before the application is filed.
Md. Code, Fam. Law §7-101 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Financial statement with the pleading
If the claim or the denial of an agreement is made in an answer, the other party shall file a financial statement within 15 days after service of the answer.
Md. Rule 9-202(e) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Substituting a custody mediator
by filing with the court no later than 15 days after service of the order of referral to mediation a Request to Substitute Mediator.
Md. Rule 9-205(d)(5) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Exceptions to a magistrate's recommendations
At the time the exceptions are filed, the excepting party shall do one of the following: (1) order a transcript of so much of the testimony as is necessary to rule on the exceptions, make an agreement for payment to ensure preparation of the transcript, and file a certificate of compliance stating that the transcript has been ordered and the agreement has been made; ... The transcript shall be filed within 30 days after compliance with subsection (g)(1) of this Rule or within such longer time, not exceeding 60 days after the exceptions are filed, as the magistrate may allow. ... The court may dismiss the exceptions of a party who has not complied with this section.
Md. Rule 9-208(f), (g) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Steps before the joint statement
At least 30 days before the joint statement is due to be filed, each party shall prepare and serve on the other party a proposed statement ... At least 15 days before the joint statement is due, the plaintiff shall sign and serve on the defendant for approval and signature a proposed joint statement
Md. Rule 9-207(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Objecting to an "if, as, and when" division of a pension
the party shall give written notice at least 60 days before the date the joint statement of the parties concerning marital and nonmarital property is required to be filed under the Maryland Rules.
Md. Code, Fam. Law §8-204(b)(2); Md. Rule 9-207(c) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice before relocating
a requirement that either party provide advance written notice of at least 90 days to the court, the other party, or both, of the intent to relocate the permanent residence of the party or the child either within or outside the State.
Md. Code, Fam. Law §9-106(a) · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting days under the court rules
The last day of the period so computed is included unless: (1) it is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday;
Md. Rule 1-203 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting one of these from a real date? Try the date calculator, or look around a sample workspace.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.