A creditor who obtains a judgment against you is the "judgment creditor." You are the "judgment debtor" in the case. A judgment lasts for 12 years and the plaintiff can renew the judgment for another 12 years.
During the 5 week notice period, the homeowner can stop the foreclosure by making-up all missed payments (including late fees and attorney costs) or working with an attorney to stop the foreclosure process. The only time it is too late to stop a foreclosure is when the property is sold at auction to a new party.
To contest a judicial foreclosure, you have to file a written answer to the complaint (the lawsuit). You'll need to present your defenses and explain the reasons why the lender shouldn't be able to foreclose. You might need to defend yourself against a motion for summary judgment and at trial.
Following a first mortgage foreclosure, all junior liens (including a second mortgage and any junior judgment liens) are extinguished, and the liens are removed from the property's title. However, the second mortgage debt and creditor's judgment remain, even though they're no longer attached to the foreclosed property.
Maryland is a consumer-friendly state. The statute of limitations allows a creditor three years to collect on debts. That's a shorter timeframe than many states.
How do I find a lien? Liens against property can be recorded at the Department of Land Records alongside deeds. Search for liens online using Maryland Land Records (mdlandrec). Some liens come from court judgments. Unpaid taxes on the property may result in a lien.
Statute of limitations on debt for all states StateWrittenOral Maryland 3 years 3 Massachusetts 6 years 6 Michigan 6 years 6 Minnesota 6 years 646 more rows •