In Maryland legal cases, verifying military service is a crucial safeguard that can influence how quickly and smoothly a case proceeds. A clear confirmation of active duty status protects all parties, ensures compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and reduces the risk of legal disputes.
For landlords, lenders, and attorneys, the process is more than a procedural formality. Courts require solid proof before permitting actions like evictions, foreclosures, or certain judgments, making verification a step that should never be skipped.
In the sections ahead, you will learn how to approach this process correctly, when nonmilitary affidavits apply, and practical ways to stay compliant while protecting your position in Maryland cases.
5 Steps for Verifying Military Service in Maryland Legal Cases
1. Confirm Service Status Using Approved Verification Methods
Before any legal action moves forward, it helps to know exactly where someone stands with their military service. The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is the primary federal resource for confirming active duty status.
When you enter accurate personal details, the system generates a report showing if the individual is on active duty, their branch of service, and the date their service began.
This step can make the difference between a smooth process and a case that gets delayed or overturned. In a Maryland rental dispute, a landlord who skipped verification ended up facing penalties when the tenant’s active duty status came to light.
Using approved systems not only ensures accuracy but also safeguards sensitive information throughout the process.
2. Know When and How to File Nonmilitary Affidavits
When a Maryland court considers a default judgment, it may require nonmilitary affidavits for Maryland cases to confirm that the individual is not on active duty, ensuring compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. These affidavits are sworn statements that follow specific state and court requirements, providing attorneys and landlords with a formal, court-approved way to present this verification.
In the Maryland Circuit Courts, the affidavit appears in the “Request for Order of Default” under Maryland Rule 2-613. Submitting one without proper verification can lead to penalties or the reversal of a judgment.
To avoid these outcomes, the affidavit should outline the verification steps taken, the confirmed status, and comply with any formatting or filing guidelines from the local clerk’s office.
3. The Role of the SCRA in Maryland Cases
Consider a Maryland landlord preparing to evict a tenant who has fallen behind on rent. If that tenant is on active duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) could pause the entire process. This federal law shields servicemembers from legal actions that could interfere with their duties, such as debt collection, foreclosure, or eviction, giving them a fair chance to respond.
The protections go further. A servicemember can end a residential lease after starting military service or upon receiving orders for a permanent change of station or deployment lasting at least 90 days. That termination also releases dependents from lease obligations. These rules apply to leases signed before or during service.
Without a verified military status, actions like repossession or eviction could violate these protections and put the party initiating the action at serious legal risk.
4. Avoid Common Verification Mistakes
Errors during military verification can easily disrupt a legal matter in the state. One common issue is using incomplete or incorrect personal details, which can lead to inaccurate reports and flawed filings. This is more than just a paperwork problem because the wrong information can cause hearings to be postponed or judgments to be set aside.
Another mistake is relying on someone’s statement without securing written proof. Courts expect official documentation, and without it, compliance can be challenged. In one debt collection proceeding, a creditor skipped formal verification and later saw the ruling reversed after the court confirmed the defendant was on active duty.
It is also wise to recheck military status when a case extends over several months. Active duty status can change, and failing to update the records before final actions can put the entire process at risk.
5. Follow Best Practices for Documentation and Timelines
Strong documentation and proper timing can make the difference between a case that moves forward smoothly and one that gets stuck in procedural delays. Starting verification early in the process allows time to address any discrepancies and prevents last-minute complications.
It helps to keep a detailed log of every verification attempt, noting the dates, sources consulted, and the outcome of each check. This record not only supports court filings but also demonstrates that you took reasonable steps to confirm military status.
When submitting affidavits, attach any supporting records such as verification reports or correspondence. This strengthens your position and makes it easier for the court to see the basis of your claims. In practice, organized documentation can be the key factor that ensures compliance and avoids costly reversals later in the case.
Conclusion
Verifying military service claims in Maryland plays a direct role in protecting both the legal process and the rights of servicemembers. Each step, from using reliable verification tools to filing complete affidavits and keeping clear records, adds strength to a case and reduces the risk of setbacks.
Small mistakes can carry big consequences, so accuracy and attention to detail matter. When landlords, lenders, and attorneys approach this task with care, they not only follow the law but also help ensure fairness for those who serve, while keeping their legal interests secure.