In Maryland, a creditor had 3-years to sue a debtor to collect payment. However, the 3-year statute of limitations would restart if the debtor made a payment to the creditor. Not surprisingly, creditors often would ask debtors to make a small payment so as to trick the debtor into reaffirming the debt and restarting the 3-year statute of limitations.
In 2016, Maryland enacted a new statute to protect debtors in this situation. Maryland Courts & Judicial Article section 5-1202(a) prohibits a creditor from initiating a consumer debt collection action after the applicable statute of limitations has expired. Section 5-1202(b) provides that any payment made by the debtor after the statute of limitations has expired does not revive or extend the limitations period.
