Maryland Court of Appeals Adopts Emergency Foreclosure Rules

The Daily Record reported that the Maryland Court of Appeals approved the foreclosure rules changes in the 166th Report of the Maryland Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure yesterday, October 19, 2010.  The report can be found on the Rules Committee website.  The rules were proposed at an emergency meeting on Friday October 15, 2010.  The report proposed new rule 14-207.1 and amended rules 14-207 and 1-311.

The rules changes are necessary in light of the recently revealed problems with affidavits in foreclosure actions.  New rule 14-207.1 deals with court screening of pleadings and papers filed in an action to foreclose a lien, the reviewing of affidavits and the designation of special masters or examiners to screen pleadings and papers.  Rules 14-207 and 1-311 are amended to reflect language in the new rule.