A pleading that sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third- party claim, shall contain a clear statement of the facts necessary to constitute a cause of action and a demand for judgment for the relief sought. Unless otherwise required by law, (a) a demand for a money judgment that does not exceed $75,000 shall include the amount of damages sought, and (b) a demand for a money judgment that exceeds $75,000 shall not specify the amount sought, but shall include a general statement that the amount sought exceeds $75,000. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.
Rule 2-305.Claims for relief
Circuit Court · Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 13, 2026
This rule prints two full, separately-dated versions in the official compilation (a pending-amendment straddle); both are shown below.
In one sentenceRule 2-305 tells a party what a claim for relief must say and how to phrase a demand for money damages, including a special rule for claims under and over $75,000.
Full Text of Rule 2-305
Rule 2-305. Claims for relief — Effective until July 1, 2026
Rule 2-305. Claims for relief — Effective July 1, 2026
(a) Generally. — A pleading that sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, shall contain a clear statement of the facts necessary to constitute a cause of action and a demand for judgment for the relief sought. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.
(b) Demand for money judgment. —
(1) Amount Sought. — Unless otherwise required by law, (A) a demand for a money judgment that does not exceed $75,000 shall include the amount of damages sought, and (B) a demand for a money judgment that exceeds $75,000 shall not specify the amount sought, but shall include a general statement that the amount sought exceeds $75,000.
(2) Medical Debt. — If a demand for money judgment seeks payment of medical debt as defined by Code, Real Property Article, § 14-203.1, the complaint shall (A) indicate that the judgment sought is for medical debt and (B) state the address of the primary residence of the defendant. Cross references. — See Code, Courts Article, § 11-402(b) for pleading requirements for a complaint seeking judgment for medical debt.
Amendment History
Effective until July 1, 2026
Amended Feb. 10, 1998, effective July 1, 1998; Nov. 12, 2003, effective Jan. 1, 2004; Nov. 1, 2012, effective Jan. 1, 2013; Oct. 17, 2013, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
Effective July 1, 2026
Amended Feb. 10, 1998, effective July 1, 1998; Nov. 12, 2003, effective Jan. 1, 2004; Nov. 1, 2012, effective Jan. 1, 2013; Oct. 17, 2013, effective Jan. 1, 2014; Feb. 19, 2026, effective July 1, 2026.
Committee Note & Source
Effective until July 1, 2026
Cross references. For pleading requirements and other procedures when attorneys' fees are claimed, see the Rules in Title 2, Chapter 700. Committee note. — If the amount sought exceeds $75,000, a general statement to that effect is necessary in order to determine if the case may be removed to a federal court based on diversity of citizenship. See 28 U.S.C.S. § 1332. A specific dollar amount must be given when the damages sought are less than or equal to $75,000 because the dollar amount is relevant to determining whether the amount is sufficient for circuit court jurisdiction or a jury trial.
Source. This Rule is derived in part from former Rules 301 c, 340 a, and 370 a 3 and the 1966 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 8 (a) and is in part new.
Effective July 1, 2026
Cross references. For pleading requirements and other procedures when attorneys' fees are claimed, see the Rules in Title 2, Chapter 700. Committee note. — If the amount sought exceeds $75,000, a general statement to that effect is necessary in order to determine if the case may be removed to a federal court based on diversity of citizenship. See 28 U.S.C. § 1332. A specific dollar amount must be given when the damages sought are less than or equal to $75,000 because the dollar amount is relevant to determining whether the amount is sufficient for circuit court jurisdiction or a jury trial.
Source. This Rule is derived in part from former Rules 301 c, 340 a, and 370 a 3 and the 1966 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 8 (a) and is in part new.
Plain-English Summary
Every pleading that asks for relief — a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim — has to do two things: lay out the facts that add up to a legal claim, and ask for the relief wanted. A party can ask for more than one kind of relief, or for alternative relief, in the same pleading; nothing stops a plaintiff from pleading breach of contract and unjust enrichment side by side and letting the facts sort out which one fits.
The rule also controls how a money demand is worded. If the damages sought are $75,000 or less, the pleading must state the dollar amount. If the damages sought exceed $75,000, the pleading must not name a figure — it must instead state, in general terms, that the amount sought exceeds $75,000. That split isn't arbitrary. The $75,000 line matches the amount-in-controversy threshold for removing a case to federal court based on diversity of citizenship, so a plaintiff's phrasing can affect whether a defendant can remove the case. It also affects whether the claim is large enough for circuit court jurisdiction or a jury trial.
A version of the rule effective July 1, 2026 keeps this same framework but adds a distinct requirement for claims seeking payment of medical debt: the complaint must say the judgment sought is for medical debt and must state the defendant's home address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to state a dollar amount when I sue in Maryland?
It depends on how much you're seeking. If your damages are $75,000 or less, state the exact amount. If your damages exceed $75,000, don't give a number — say instead that the amount sought exceeds $75,000.
Why does the $75,000 threshold matter?
It lines up with the amount-in-controversy requirement for removing a case to federal court based on diversity of citizenship, and it affects whether the claim is large enough for circuit court jurisdiction or a jury trial.
Can I ask for more than one type of relief in the same pleading?
Yes. Rule 2-305 allows relief in the alternative or of several different types in a single claim.
Does Rule 2-305 change for medical debt lawsuits?
Starting July 1, 2026, a complaint seeking a money judgment for medical debt must say the judgment is for medical debt and must include the defendant's home address.
Source & verification. Rule text, Committee Note, Source note, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Maryland Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Maryland. Last verified July 13, 2026. ·
Official source
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