(a) Scope. This Rule applies to all actions except actions involving the military docket and continuing trusts or guardianships.(b) For Lack of Jurisdiction. An action against any defendant who has not been served or over whom the court has not otherwise acquired jurisdiction is subject to dismissal as to that defendant at the expiration of 120 days from the issuance of original process directed to that defendant.(c) For Lack of Prosecution. An action is subject to dismissal for lack of prosecution at the expiration of one year from the last docket entry, other than an entry made under this Rule, Rule 2-131, or Rule 2-132, except that an action for limited divorce or for permanent alimony is subject to dismissal under this section only after two years from the last such docket entry.(d) Notification of Contemplated Dismissal. When an action is subject to dismissal pursuant to this Rule, the clerk, upon written request of a party or upon the clerk’s own initiative, shall serve a notice on all parties pursuant to Rule 1-321 that an order of dismissal for lack of jurisdiction or prosecution will be entered after the expiration of 30 days unless a motion is filed under section (e) of this Rule.(e) Deferral of Dismissal. On motion filed at any time before 30 days after service of the notice, the court for good cause shown may defer entry of the order of dismissal for the period and on the terms it deems proper.(f) Entry of Dismissal. If a motion has not been filed under section (e) of this Rule, the clerk shall enter on the docket “Dismissed for lack of jurisdiction or prosecution without prejudice 30 days after service of the notice. If a motion is filed and denied, the clerk shall make the entry promptly after the denial.
Md. R. Civ. P. Cir. Ct. 2-507
This Rule is derived from former Rule 530.
Adopted April 6, 1984, eff. July 1, 1984. Amended June 3, 1988, eff. July 1, 1988; June 7, 1994, eff. Oct. 1, 1994.
