11
The Court will deliver the Writ of Summons,
Complaint form and supporting documents to the
sheriff or constable for service on the defendant. After
serving the papers, thesherifforconstablereturnsa
secondcopyoftheWritofSummonstothecourt,
certifyingthatthedefendanthasbeenserved.
Attorneys—If your attorney les the Complaint form
on your behalf, his or her name and address should be
listed in this space.
If you are proceeding without an attorney, simply put
your own name, address (list your business address
if this is a business debt), and telephone number in
the space designated for “plaintiff’s attorney.” After
your name, you should place the underlined Latin
words “pro se.” This tells the court that you are not
an attorney.
You have now completed section 1 of the Complaint
form (see sample at right).
Section2-DetailsofyourCase
Complaint—Remember that Small Claims Court is
limited to claims of $5,000 or less. Check the box that
applies to your situation:
Contract cases involve non-payment for money owed
to you under a contract. Tort cases involve a harm that
has been done to you and that has resulted in monetary damages, such as someone damaging your
car. Replevin cases seek the return of property, along with possible damages, allow for the possible
return/possession of the property at a Show Cause hearing (a hearing held before a trial), and are
led in District Court regardless of the amount in dispute. Detinue cases seek the return of property
or its value, along with possible damages; require a trial to determine rightful owner of property;
the amount of the claim determines jurisdiction - District Court for claims of $5,000 or less (small
claims); either District or circuit court for claims between $5,000 and $30,000; circuit court for
claims more than $30,000. Bad Faith Insurance Claims seek, in addition to actual damages, the
expenses, litigation costs and interest from a rst party insurance claim that was not processed in
good faith. (Applies to actions under Code of Maryland, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-1701.)
The Particulars of Your Case—In this section, briey explain to the judge why you are entitled to
the money you are claiming. Keep the information short and simple.
LOCATED AT (COURT ADDRESS)
CASE NO.
PARTIES
Plaintiff:
Defendant(s):
Attorneys
vs.
200 Duke St.
Prince Frederick 20678
(to be lled in by court clerk)
John Jones
123 Oak St.
Anywhere, MD 20600
1. Barbara Smith
123 Maple Lane
Anywhere, MD 20600
2. Barbara’s Cleaning Service, Inc.
123 Spruce Avenue
Anywhere, MD 20600
Serve on Resident Agent:
3. Bob’s Insurance Company
123 Pine St.
Anywhere, MD 20600
4.
Section 1 of Complaint Form
Serve by:
Certied Mail
Private Process
Constable
Sheriff
Serve by:
Certied Mail
Private Process
Constable
Sheriff
Serve by:
Certied Mail
Private Process
Constable
Sheriff
Serve by:
Certied Mail
Private Process
Constable
Sheriff
For Plaintiff - Name, Address, Telephone No. & Code
John Jones, pro se
123 Oak St.
Anywhere, MD 20600