Rule 2-602.Judgments not disposing of entire action
Circuit Court · Last amended July 1, 2005 · Last verified July 13, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2-602 keeps a court order deciding only part of a case from counting as a final, appealable judgment unless the judge expressly certifies it for immediate entry.
(a)Generally. — Except as provided in section (b) of this Rule, an order or other form of decision, however designated, that adjudicates fewer than all of the claims in an action (whether raised by original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim), or that adjudicates less than an entire claim, or that adjudicates the rights and liabilities of fewer than all the parties to the action:
(1)is not a final judgment;
(2)does not terminate the action as to any of the claims or any of the parties; and
(3)is subject to revision at any time before the entry of a judgment that adjudicates all of the claims by and against all of the parties.
(b)When allowed. — If the court expressly determines in a written order that there is no just reason for delay, it may direct in the order the entry of a final judgment:
(1)as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties; or
(2)pursuant to Rule 2-501(f)(3), for some but less than all of the amount requested in a claim seeking money relief only.
Amendment History
Amended Apr. 8, 1985; Nov. 12, 2003, effective Jan. 1, 2004; Dec. 8, 2003, effective July 1, 2004; April 5, 2005, effective July 1, 2005.
Plain-English Summary
Many Maryland civil cases involve several claims or several parties, and courts often rule on pieces of a case before the whole thing is resolved — granting summary judgment on one count while others proceed, for example. Rule 2-602 treats those partial rulings as exactly that: partial. An order that resolves fewer than all the claims, resolves less than an entire claim, or resolves the rights of fewer than all the parties isn't a final judgment, doesn't end the case as to anyone or anything it touches, and stays open to revision right up until a judgment covering every claim against every party is entered.
The rule gives the court one way around that default. If the judge expressly finds, in a written order, that there's no just reason for delay, the court can direct entry of a final judgment on the resolved piece — whether that's one or more claims, one or more parties, or a partial dollar recovery on a claim seeking only money relief under Rule 2-501(f)(3). That certification is what unlocks an immediate appeal on the certified piece, rather than making the parties wait for every remaining claim to wrap up before anyone can appeal anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal a ruling on one claim while other claims are still pending?
Only if the court certifies that ruling under Rule 2-602(b) by expressly finding, in a written order, that there's no just reason for delay and directing entry of final judgment on it.
What happens to a partial ruling if the court doesn't certify it?
It remains non-final and subject to revision at any time before the court enters a judgment resolving every claim against every party.
What must the court's order say to allow an immediate appeal of a partial ruling?
It must expressly determine there's no just reason for delay and direct entry of a final judgment as to the specific claims or parties involved.
Does this rule cover partial money judgments?
Yes. Section (b)(2) lets the court certify a judgment for part of the amount requested in a claim seeking only money relief, under Rule 2-501(f)(3).
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
Also known as:partial judgment marylandfinal judgment fewer than all claimsno just reason for delay marylandcertify judgment for immediate appealinterlocutory order maryland civil case