Welcome to the Maryland Odyssey File and Serve site, your central resource for navigating the electronic filing (e-filing) system in Maryland’s court system. This platform is designed to streamline the process of filing and serving court documents online, making the legal process more efficient for attorneys and self-represented litigants alike.
Initiating a Failure to Pay Rent Case
For those starting a Failure to Pay Rent case in any Maryland District Court, the process begins online. You can directly initiate your case by clicking Here. This link will take you to the necessary portal to begin your filing.
Important E-Filing Requirements and Guidelines
Maryland’s e-filing system has specific requirements to ensure the security and privacy of court documents. It’s crucial to be aware of these before you begin filing:
Confidential Documents and Rule 20-201.1
A critical requirement for e-filing in Maryland is the handling of confidential information. All confidential documents must be submitted with the Notice Regarding Restricted Information Pursuant to Rule 20-201.1. This rule, effective from October 1, 2020, is essential for protecting sensitive data within court filings.
Essential Resources for Successful E-Filing
To ensure a smooth and error-free e-filing experience, review these key documents and resources before you begin:
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MDEC Policies and Procedures Manual: This manual is your comprehensive guide to Maryland-specific e-filing. It details requirements, processes, and instructions on how to register, whether as a law firm or as an individual representing yourself.
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Odyssey File and Serve User Guide: Get a complete overview of the e-filing process with this user guide. It walks you through each step of using the Odyssey File and Serve system.
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Maryland Rules Overview: Understand the specific Maryland Rules that pertain to electronic filing. This overview will help you navigate the legal framework for e-filing in Maryland courts.
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Self-Help Resources: Familiarize yourself with the Self-Help section available on the Maryland Courts website. This section provides valuable information and answers to common questions.
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State Court Administrator’s Best Practices on How to Avoid Deficiencies: Learn from best practices and avoid common filing errors. This document offers crucial tips to ensure your filings are accepted without issues.
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e-filing home page of the Maryland Courts website: Visit this page for FAQs, links to additional Maryland e-filing resources tailored for both attorneys and self-represented individuals.
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Stay Updated: Remember to periodically revisit this page for the latest updates and any changes to the Maryland e-filing system.
Must-Know Information for Maryland E-Filers
Here are critical points every user of the Maryland Odyssey File and Serve system needs to understand:
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Attorney E-Filing Registration: All attorneys must register for e-filing using their attorney number. You can find your attorney number here. Out-of-state attorneys needing to e-file must request a Maryland attorney number by contacting the JIS Service Desk at 410-260-1114.
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Remote Access to Case Documents: Attorneys and parties involved in a case who need to view documents remotely must register separately on the Maryland Judiciary Record Search portal (MDEC). Use the same email address for this registration as you used for e-filing, as per Maryland Rule 20-109.
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Electronic Service Notifications: Electronic notification of service is not automatic. You must add yourself as a service contact in your cases and whitelist [email protected] to prevent your service provider from blocking important service emails. Learn more about whitelisting here. Additional details on service contacts are in the MDEC Policies and Procedures manual.
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Statewide Uniform Subpoena Forms for Maryland Attorneys: Maryland attorneys can access Statewide Uniform Subpoena forms by logging into their account in the Attorney Information System (AIS).
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Filing in Protected Criminal Sealed Indictment Cases: Protected Criminal Sealed Indictment cases with active warrants are not initially available for e-filing. State’s Attorneys must file in paper until the warrant is served and the clerk makes the case public. These cases are not searchable by party name or case number until they become public.
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Need Further Assistance? For e-filing help not covered in the resources above, contact the Judiciary’s IT service desk at [email protected] or call 410-260-1114.
By utilizing these resources and understanding these guidelines, you can effectively use the Odyssey File and Serve system in Maryland, ensuring your court filings are processed smoothly and efficiently.
