Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Maryland

hi all. About a year ago I borrowed $580 from a friend. We kinda had a fight unrelated and stopped talking. Today... I get a summons for small claims court for the $580 plus another $3500 in interest. I don't deny owing her the $580... But can she go after me for the interest she feels I should pay on it which is 7 times the amount loaned to me? When she gave me the $ I signed a paper stating that I would pay her back... But it said norhing about her being able to collect interest.


Asked on 7/12/10, 9:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sean T. Morris Law Office of Sean T. Morris

You should go to court and defend yourself against your friend's claim to the interest. She has to prove she is entitled to it -- and, while she may be entitled to some interest, there is very little chance that $3500 of legal interest could have accrued in only one year. Many people file lawsuits and request all sorts of extra damages like interest and attorneys' fees, even if there is no legal basis to claim them. Sometimes they are hoping you don't show up to defend yourself and they can get a judgment against you for the full amount. If you show up, however, they have to prove every penny. Go to court and make her prove her case.

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Answered on 7/15/10, 11:55 am


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