Advisory to the Pro Se Litigant #5: File in the Correct Court

Maryland’s Court System includes District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Orphan’s Courts. It is important to File Your Case in the correct court. Most disputes in Maryland are presented to one of the following Maryland state courts: (1) District Courts: Each county has District Courts (not to be confused with the United States District Courts) which hear cases concerning disputes in which the amount claimed is less than $25,000, landlord-tenant claims, and a few other similar type of claims. Cases brought here are heard before judges and not juries. (2) Circuit Courts: Circuit Courts hear disputes in which the amount claimed is more than $2,500, adoption, case, protective proceedings for disabled persons, and a few other matters. Cases brought here may be heard before juries. (3) Orphans’ Courts: Orphans’ Courts have jurisdiction over wills, estates, and other probate matters, along with aspects of guardianship. There are several types of disputes, primarily those with claims between $2,500 and $25,000, which may fall under the jurisdiction of both the Circuit Court and the District Court. In those cases, the plaintiff decides which court to bring his or her case. The factors involved in making that decision is beyond the scope of this page.