Maryland District Court Forms

Maryland Small Claims Court Forms

Complete Guide to DC-CV-001 and All Required Filing Documents

DC-CV-001
Main Form
5
Total Forms
MDEC
E-Filing Available
Free
Form Access
Forms Available Online
No Notarization Required
E-Filing Accepted
Help Available at Courthouse

Required Maryland Small Claims Forms

Essential Documents for Filing Your Case

DC-CV-001: Complaint Form
Primary form for initiating your small claims case
REQUIRED

What It Includes:

  • Case caption (parties' names)
  • Statement of claim (your story)
  • Damage amount requested
  • Venue justification
  • Service information

Key Requirements:

  • Must be typed or printed clearly
  • Sign under penalty of perjury
  • Include all defendants
  • Specify exact amount claimed
  • Attach supporting documents
DC-CV-001A: Information Sheet
Supplemental information for court use
REQUIRED

Provides additional details about parties and helps the court process your case:

  • Full contact information for all parties
  • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Alternative service addresses
  • Attorney information (if applicable)
Service Forms
Documents for serving the defendant
VARIES

DC-CV-003: Writ of Summons

Official notice to defendant about the lawsuit

DC-CV-036: Request for Service

Instructions for sheriff or certified mail service

DC-CV-002: Affidavit of Service

Proof that defendant was properly served

DC-CV-106: Request for Fee Waiver
For those who cannot afford filing fees
OPTIONAL

Available if you meet income requirements:

  • • Receiving public benefits (SNAP, TANF, SSI)
  • • Income below 150% of federal poverty guidelines
  • • Facing financial hardship
  • • Must include financial affidavit

How to Complete DC-CV-001 Form

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maryland's Complaint Form

Section 1: Case Caption
  • Write your full legal name as Plaintiff
  • Include all defendants (use 'et al' if multiple)
  • Leave case number blank (court assigns)
  • Check 'Small Claim' box if under $5,000
Section 2: Venue Selection
  • Select district where defendant lives/works
  • Or where incident occurred
  • Or where defendant does business
  • Include specific courthouse location
Section 3: Statement of Claim
  • State facts in chronological order
  • Include dates, amounts, and locations
  • Be specific but concise
  • Attach contracts or receipts as exhibits
Section 4: Damages Requested
  • List principal amount owed
  • Add pre-judgment interest if applicable
  • Include court costs in prayer for relief
  • Cannot exceed $5,000 for small claims
Section 5: Service Information
  • Provide defendant's current address
  • Include workplace if known
  • Choose sheriff or certified mail service
  • Multiple addresses increase success rate
Section 6: Signature & Filing
  • Sign under penalty of perjury
  • Date the form
  • Make 3 copies minimum
  • Keep originals for your records
Pro Tip: The DC-CV-001 form is available in fillable PDF format on the Maryland Courts website. You can type directly into the form before printing, which ensures legibility and reduces errors.

Common Form Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Let These Errors Delay Your Case

Filing Errors
  • ✗Wrong venue selected
  • ✗Claiming more than $5,000
  • ✗Missing defendant information
  • ✗Unsigned forms
  • ✗Illegible handwriting
Best Practices
  • ✓Type or print clearly in black ink
  • ✓Attach all supporting documents
  • ✓Keep copies of everything
  • ✓Include multiple service addresses
  • ✓Review forms before filing

Maryland Electronic Filing (MDEC)

File Your Small Claims Case Online

MDEC Electronic Filing System
Available for all Maryland District Courts

Advantages of E-Filing:

  • File 24/7 from anywhere
  • Immediate confirmation
  • Electronic service available
  • Track case status online
  • Secure document storage

How to E-File:

  1. 1.Create account at mdcourts.gov/mdec
  2. 2.Complete online training (30 minutes)
  3. 3.Upload completed forms as PDFs
  4. 4.Pay filing fee online
  5. 5.Receive case number immediately
Note: There's a small convenience fee ($8) for e-filing, but many find it worth the time saved from not traveling to the courthouse.

Pre-Filing Checklist

Make Sure You Have Everything Ready

Complete This Before Filing

Forms & Documents:

Information Verified:

Ready to File:

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Related Maryland Resources