Finding a legal summons from Tenaglia & Hunt, P.A. in your mailbox can feel overwhelming. Whether you discovered it tucked in your door or were served in person, your heart likely skipped a beat. However, panicking is the only thing you shouldn’t do.

Tenaglia & Hunt is a legitimate law firm that frequently represents major creditors and debt buyers. If they have filed a lawsuit against you in the District Court of Maryland or Circuit Court or Circuit Court, you must act quickly to protect your rights and your bank account.

1. Don’t Ignore the Summons

The biggest mistake you can make is tossing the paperwork aside. In Maryland, if you fail to respond within the timeframe specified (usually 15 to 30 days), the court will likely grant a default judgment against you.

Once the firm secures a judgment, they can legally:

  • Garnish your wages.

  • Freeze your bank accounts.

  • Place liens on your property.

2. Verify the Debt Details

Before you call the firm or the court, scrutinize the “Complaint.” This document outlines why they are suing you. Check for the following:

  • Original Creditor: Is this a credit card you recognize?

  • The Amount: Does the balance match your records?

  • Statute of Limitations: In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most debt contracts is three years. If the debt is older than that, they may no longer have the legal right to sue.

3. File a “Notice of Intention to Defend”

In the Silver Spring area, debt cases often land in the District Court. Your summons should include a form called a Notice of Intention to Defend.

By filing this form, you force Tenaglia & Hunt to prove their case in court. Sometimes, debt collection firms lack the original paperwork or “chain of title” to prove they actually own your debt. If they can’t produce the evidence, the judge may dismiss the case.

4. Explore Your Resolution Options

You don’t always have to go to trial. Consider these three paths:

  • Settlement: Many firms prefer a guaranteed partial payment over a long court battle. You (or an attorney) can negotiate a lump-sum settlement for less than what you owe.

  • Payment Plan: You can request a structured monthly payment to satisfy the debt and avoid a judgment.

  • Bankruptcy: If this lawsuit is just one of many financial hurdles, filing for bankruptcy might provide an “automatic stay,” which stops the lawsuit immediately.

5. Seeking Professional Help: The Law Office of Ben Akech

If you feel outmatched by the legal team at Tenaglia & Hunt, you don’t have to face them alone. Attorney Ben Akech, a seasoned litigator based in Silver Spring, specializes in defending Maryland residents against aggressive debt collection lawsuits. With a deep understanding of the Montgomery County court system, Ben Akech provides personalized strategies to challenge improper debt claims, negotiate favorable settlements, and protect your financial future. His firm focuses on leveling the playing field for consumers, ensuring that large firms don’t take advantage of procedural loopholes at your expense.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Debt Laws

How long does a creditor have to sue me in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most consumer debts—including credit cards and medical bills—is three years from the date of your last payment or the date the account was “charged off.” If Tenaglia & Hunt files a lawsuit after this three-year window, you can use this as a powerful defense to get the case dismissed.

Can my wages be garnished if I lose the case?

Yes, but there are strict limits. Under Maryland law, a creditor with a judgment can generally only garnish up to 25% of your net disposable wages per pay period. Additionally, if you earn close to the minimum wage, the law protects a certain amount of your income (usually 30 times the state minimum hourly wage) to ensure you can still afford basic living expenses.

What if the debt isn’t actually mine?

Identity theft is a serious issue. Maryland House Bill 1471 (2026) strengthens your protections significantly. If you believe the debt resulted from identity theft, you can send a written notice to the creditor via certified mail. Once they receive this, they must cease all collection activity for at least 30 days while they conduct a reasonable investigation.

Can a debt collector call me at work?

Under the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA), collectors cannot contact you at work if they know (or have reason to know) that your employer prohibits such communications. If you tell them to stop calling your workplace, they are legally required to comply.

Does paying $1 “reset” the clock on old debt?

As of 2026, Maryland law (Md. Code, CJP § 5-1202) provides strong protections here. Making a partial payment or acknowledging an old debt does not revive or extend the three-year statute of limitations once it has already expired. However, it is always best to consult with an attorney like Ben Akech before making any payments on an old account to avoid unintended legal complications.

Need Help Fighting Back?

Don’t let a debt lawsuit spiral out of control—contact the Law Office of Ben Akech today by calling 301-244-0676 or filling this form for a free consultation and start protecting your paycheck.