Rule 9-210.Attachment, seizure, and sequestration
Last amended October 1, 2009 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9-210
Amendment History
Maryland publishes each rule’s adoption and amendment record as a bracketed “Credits” note beneath the rule, giving the date of each Rules Order and the date it took effect. It is reproduced verbatim below.
[Adopted March 5, 2001, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended Sept. 10, 2009, eff. Oct. 1, 2009.]
Plain-English Summary
Two enforcement tools, at opposite ends of a case.
The first is jurisdictional. A plaintiff seeking alimony from a nonresident defendant may request an order attaching or sequestering the defendant's property, following the ordinary attachment procedures. Where the defendant is beyond the court's reach personally, their property within Maryland is not.
The second is collection. Where the court has ordered child support, alimony, attorney's fees or a monetary award, the property of an obligor who does not comply may be seized or sequestered. The cross reference points to the statewide Child Support Payment Incentive Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim alimony from someone who does not live in Maryland?
The rule allows a plaintiff seeking alimony from a nonresident defendant to request an order for the attachment or sequestration of that defendant's property.
How is an unpaid support order enforced against property?
Where the court has ordered child support, alimony, attorney's fees or a monetary award, the property of a noncomplying obligor may be seized or sequestered.
Does this cover a monetary award in a property division?
Yes — a monetary award is one of the four things the enforcement provision names, alongside child support, alimony and attorney's fees.