Roman Law Firm

Bankruptcy Attorney in DC, VA, and MD

Maryland State House in Annapolis
⚡ Filing stops most wage garnishments and lawsuits through the automatic stay

Maryland Bankruptcy Attorney:
Stop Garnishments & Protect Your Home

Stop wage garnishments quickly. Protect your home with Maryland exemption planning. Navigate Baltimore and Greenbelt bankruptcy procedures with confidence.

Get Your Free Maryland Bankruptcy Review Or call (202) 820-6141

Immediate Protection Under Maryland Law

Maryland has its own asset protection laws that replace federal defaults.[1] We engineer your petition to maximize these state-specific protections while navigating each division's procedural requirements.

Roman Chebotarev

Roman Chebotarev

Lead Attorney, Maryland Bankruptcy Division

The Automatic Stay

Filing triggers the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which halts most collection activity, lawsuits, and garnishments (with defined statutory exceptions). If a sale date is already scheduled, review how bankruptcy can stop foreclosure in Maryland.

The Maryland Wage Shield

Maryland law limits wage garnishment under the "greater of" rule: 75% of disposable wages or 30× the state minimum wage × the number of weeks in the pay period. The automatic stay stops most garnishments upon filing.

Division-Specific Strategy

Maryland's two divisional offices (Baltimore and Greenbelt) have different payment logistics and operational procedures. We navigate these local requirements.

A Tale of Two Divisions: Baltimore vs. Greenbelt

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland operates with two divisional offices. Case assignment is governed by division-of-business rules based on your county, but filings may be submitted in either division.

Administrative Core / Payment Hub

Baltimore Division

  • Central Payment Processing: Filing-fee payments are processed through Baltimore; Greenbelt does not accept cash, money orders, or certified checks at intake.
  • Clerk's Office Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays; intake counters close 1:00–2:00 p.m. daily.
  • After-Hours Filing Option: A night box is available for time-sensitive filings with date/time stamp requirements.
  • Operational Coordination: We coordinate filing and payment logistics so your case progresses without avoidable administrative delays.
Baltimore City Baltimore Co. Anne Arundel Carroll Harford Howard Cecil + Eastern Shore counties[3]
Western Maryland & D.C. Metro Practices

Greenbelt Division

  • Electronic Intake Payment Rules: Greenbelt intake uses [Pay.gov](http://Pay.gov) debit payment at terminal (no cash, money order, or certified check)[2]; we handle the logistics.
  • Clerk's Office Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays; intake counters close 1:00–2:00 p.m. daily.
  • Filing Flexibility: Documents may be filed in either division regardless of assignment—we choose the most efficient path for your matter.
  • Venue-Specific Execution: We tailor filing strategy to division-specific procedures so your petition package is complete at first review.
Montgomery Prince George's Calvert Charles St. Mary's Frederick Washington Allegany Garrett[3]

Can Bankruptcy Work for You in Maryland?

Eligibility depends on federal law requirements, including credit counseling (11 U.S.C. § 109(h)) and meeting applicable debt limits or income thresholds. Not every situation benefits from filing—in some cases, waiting or choosing a different legal strategy produces a better outcome. For court fees, attorney fees, and Chapter 13 plan-cost variables, review the bankruptcy cost guide.

Liquidation

Chapter 7

A liquidation proceeding where non-exempt assets may be sold to pay creditors, with remaining qualifying debts discharged.

Key Requirements

Pre-filing credit counseling required (11 U.S.C. § 109(h)). Discharge requires completing debtor education (11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(11)).

  • Triggers the automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362).
  • Income eligibility is determined through the Maryland means-test analysis.
  • Maryland exemptions apply (§ 11-504).
  • Asset protection depends on equity and exemption capacity.
Chapter 7 Practice Area Details →
Reorganization

Chapter 13

A repayment plan proceeding for individuals with regular income who meet applicable debt limits under 11 U.S.C. § 109(e).

Key Requirements

Debt limits apply (adjusted periodically under 11 U.S.C. § 104). Pre-filing credit counseling required. Discharge requires completing debtor education (11 U.S.C. § 1328(g)).

  • Triggers the automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362).
  • Maryland exemptions apply (§ 11-504).
  • Court-approved plan governs payments to creditors.
Chapter 13 Practice Area Details →
MT Maryland Chapter 7 Decision Tool

Check Your Maryland Chapter 7 Eligibility

Maryland Chapter 7 eligibility turns on household size, current median-income thresholds, and the means-test analysis. This tool uses Maryland-specific median income figures to give you a quick read before you schedule a case review.

Run the Maryland Means Test

Takes about 2 minutes. Estimate only. Useful if you are comparing Chapter 7 against Chapter 13.

What Can You Keep? 2026 Maryland Exemptions

Maryland opts out of federal § 522(d) exemptions per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-504(g).[1] However, federal non-§ 522(d) protections (e.g., certain retirement and Social Security protections) still apply. Maryland's flexible exemption tools require understanding election requirements and value definitions.

Asset Category 2026 Limit (Individual) Statute
Homestead (Primary Residence) $125,000 for cases filed on or after June 1, 2026[4] — spousal non-doubling rule applies (§ 11-504(f)(1)(iii)) MD § 11-504(f)(1)(i)2, (ii)-(iii)[1]
Cash/Property Election $6,000 (requires statutory election; interacts with $500 deposit account) MD § 11-504(b)(6)[1]
Bankruptcy Personal Property $5,000 (bankruptcy-only; personal property) MD § 11-504(f)(1)(i)1[1]
Deposit Account $500 (without election) MD § 11-504(b)(5)[1]
Household Goods & Furnishings $1,000 MD § 11-504(b)(4)[1]
Tools of Trade $5,000 MD § 11-504(b)(1)[1]
Wages (Garnishment Limitation) 75% of disposable earnings or 30× state min. wage × weeks in pay period[5] Comm. Law § 15-601.1
Retirement Accounts Exempt (subject to enumerated exceptions) MD § 11-504(h)[1]
Personal Injury Compensation Exempt (subject to § 11-504(i) exceptions)[1] MD § 11-504(b)(2)[1]

*Exemption amounts are subject to specific residency requirements and timing rules. Consult with an attorney to confirm your specific asset protections.

§

Tenancy by the Entirety: Understanding Joint Creditor Exposure

Like DC and Virginia, Maryland recognizes tenancy by the entirety (TBE) for qualifying spousal property. Under Fourth Circuit precedent (Sumy v. Schlossberg), TBE protection is generally strong against individual creditors of one spouse but vulnerable to joint creditors.

Planning consequence: Entireties planning is not a "dollar cap" issue—it is a creditor profile issue. Protection depends on whether creditors are joint (both spouses) or individual (one spouse only). This analysis is essential for married filers.

§ 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(B) governs TBE exemption in bankruptcy
Maryland bankruptcy resources

Review the local numbers before choosing a chapter

Use these state-specific resources to check Chapter 7 eligibility, property protection, wage-garnishment exposure, chapter choice, cost, and timing before a case strategy is selected.

Income

Maryland means test

Screen household income against the current Chapter 7 thresholds for this jurisdiction.

Run means test
Assets

Maryland exemptions

Review local property protections and the planning issues that can affect homes, vehicles, cash, and refunds.

Review exemptions
Collections

Maryland wage garnishment

Estimate the wage limit for ordinary consumer-debt garnishments and compare bankruptcy timing options.

Use calculator
Chapter choice

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13

Compare discharge timing, asset risk, repayment-plan issues, and when each chapter may fit.

Compare chapters
Cost planning

Bankruptcy cost

Review filing fees, course costs, attorney-fee factors, and Chapter 13 fee-review references.

Review costs
Plan feasibility

Chapter 13 payment calculator

Estimate a repayment-plan payment from arrears, priority debt, unsecured-debt targets, and trustee administration.

Estimate payment
Foreclosure timing

Stop foreclosure

Review when bankruptcy may affect a foreclosure sale and when Chapter 13 can help cure arrears.

Review foreclosure options
Federal work

Bankruptcy and security clearance

Review how bankruptcy, financial disclosures, and documentation can affect clearance-sensitive debt planning.

Review clearance planning

Common Questions for Maryland Filers

Will bankruptcy affect my security clearance?

Bankruptcy is a significant financial event that can appear in clearance investigations. DCSA guidance instructs SF-86 applicants to bring paperwork regarding financial delinquencies, including bankruptcy, for the investigation interview.[6] Completeness, accuracy, and documentation matter in the clearance process.

Can I file an emergency petition in Greenbelt with cash?

Not at the Greenbelt intake counter. Greenbelt does not accept cash, money orders, or certified checks—payment is via [Pay.gov](http://Pay.gov) (debit) at their terminal.[2] Alternatively, you can file documents in Greenbelt and make payment in Baltimore.[7] We manage these logistics for emergency filings.

Does Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE) fully protect my home?

Only if you have no joint debts. Under the Sumy doctrine, joint liabilities expose TBE property to creditor claims. A pre-filing audit is essential for married filers.

Can I use federal bankruptcy exemptions in Maryland?

Maryland opts out of federal § 522(d) exemptions.[1] Filers use Maryland exemptions (especially § 11-504), plus federal non-§ 522(d) protections that still apply (e.g., certain retirement protections, Social Security). Maryland's flexible tools include a $5,000 bankruptcy personal property exemption and a $6,000 cash/property election.

We quickly had to get legal counsel and luckily for us, we found Roman Law Firm and James was assigned to our case. I can't say enough good things. Honest, reliable, professional, and get the job done. They helped me with two separate issues and did it fast and in a very cost-effective way. Thank you, Roman Law Firm!
David Elson
David Elson
CEO at Azelia Group

Still have questions about your specific financial situation?

Not sure whether Chapter 7 is even available?

Run the Maryland means test first. It uses Maryland's current median-income thresholds and can help you decide whether to schedule a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 review.

Run the Maryland Means Test Calculator →

Or see the general means test overview if you're filing in DC or Virginia.

Schedule Your Free Evaluation

References

  1. Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-504 — Maryland General Assembly
  2. Paying Your Filing Fee — U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland
  3. Local Bankruptcy Rules (Ver. 25.01) — U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland
  4. 2026 Md. Laws Ch. 400 (SB 939) — Maryland General Assembly
  5. Wage and Hour Facts — Maryland Department of Labor
  6. SF-86 Guide — Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
  7. Filing Fee Payment Guidance — U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland