Maryland Student Loan Lawyer: What Borrowers Should Know

Student loan problems can escalate quickly. A missed payment can lead to default, and default can turn into a lawsuit in Maryland courts. If you’re in that position, the key is knowing your rights and what options are available.

A student loan lawyer can help you navigate these challenges. In Maryland, that often means understanding both federal programs — like income-driven repayment (such as SAVE or IBR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — and how local courts handle lawsuits from private lenders such as Sallie Mae, SoFi, College Ave, and National Collegiate.

Two attorneys with extensive experience in this area are Joel Braithwaite and Stanley Tate.

Joel Braithwaite represents borrowers in Maryland state and federal courts as well as Washington, DC. A graduate of Howard University School of Law with an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University, he brings a strong background in debt and financial disputes.

Stanley Tate, also a Howard Law graduate, is licensed in Maryland federal district court and has spent more than a decade helping borrowers nationwide resolve student loan problems, with a focus on bankruptcy and federal debt resolution.

Borrowers throughout Maryland — from Montgomery County to Columbia, Baltimore to Annapolis — can connect with an attorney virtually to review their case and better understand next steps.

After you reach out, the first step is a consultation. You’ll complete a short intake form so the attorney understands your situation before the call. During the meeting, your options are explained clearly, along with what each path might look like in practice.

If you’ve been sued for more than $30,000, the discussion may cover defense strategies, settlement possibilities, and what to expect in court. For other borrowers, the focus may be on negotiating private loan settlements, fixing forgiveness credit counts, or restructuring payments through an income-driven plan.

How quickly the process moves depends less on the lawyer and more on when you’re ready to take action.

Some borrowers come in needing immediate help — to get out of default before applying for a mortgage, to lower payments right away, or to respond quickly after being served with a lawsuit. Others want to plan ahead for forgiveness or repayment adjustments.

Either way, the process starts with understanding your rights and your options.

Every borrower’s situation looks a little different. But if you’re facing a Maryland student loan lawsuit, trying to settle private loans, or working toward forgiveness, there are a few state-specific rules worth knowing.

• Statute of limitations: Maryland law sets time limits on how long a lender can sue for repayment.

• Response deadlines: If you’re served with a lawsuit, you only have a short window to respond. Missing it can lead to a default judgment.

• Active lenders: Private lenders such as Sallie Mae, College Ave, and National Collegiate frequently file cases in Maryland courts.

• Settlement options: In many cases, it’s possible to resolve private student loans for less than the full balance.

Related:

• How to Answer a Maryland Student Loan Lawsuit

• Maryland Student Loan Defenses

Hiring a student loan lawyer in Maryland usually involves a flat fee, but the amount depends on the type of help you need. Defending a lawsuit is more complex than negotiating a settlement or correcting payment counts for forgiveness programs, so costs vary.

In general, you can expect:

• Flat-fee pricing: Most cases are billed at a set rate rather than by the hour.

• Case-specific quotes: The exact fee depends on your circumstances. A consultation is needed before any number is reliable.

• Upfront clarity: You’ll know the total cost before deciding how to move forward.

For a broader look at what student loan lawyers typically charge, see our guide to hiring a student loan lawyer.

If hiring a lawyer isn’t the right step yet, Maryland offers several free or low-cost resources that can still help with student loan problems:

• Maryland Student Loan Ombudsman.Helps resolve complaints against loan servicers and provides guidance on repayment issues.

• Maryland Legal Aid. Free legal help for consumer debt matters, including student loans, if you meet income requirements.

• Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LRAP).  Offers repayment support for borrowers working in qualifying public service jobs.

• University-based programs. Some Maryland law schools provide loan repayment assistance for graduates in public interest law.

Related: Maryland Student Loan Forgiveness Programs