Legal Question in Business Law in Louisiana

Collection of a supposed debt from 4 years ago

My wife attended a university in Louisiana and graduated over 4 years ago. At the time of her graduation her account was paid in full, we moved out of state and the University forward her diploma to our new address. 4 years later she received a bill from the university stating she owed money for the current semester. She contacted them via mail, received no response, she contacted them a second time by mail, recieved no response. Now she is being hounded by a collection agency for the money the University says she owes from 1998/1999 semester. We threw out college receipts at the 4 year mark so we no longer have proof that the account was paid in full. Question is can the University collect on a account 4 years after the fact without having made any attempt to contact us prior? What is our course of action?


Asked on 9/29/03, 10:23 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Steve LeBlanc Steve LeBlanc, Ltd., (APLC)

Re: Collection of a supposed debt from 4 years ago

Your facts are not exactly clear, but I know of no university that issues a diploma without everything being paid in full. Perhaps you can send them a copy of the diploma and ask for an itemized statement.

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Answered on 10/03/03, 6:07 pm
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Collection of a supposed debt from 4 years ago

I agree with Mr. LeBlanc's answer. Additionally, I would certainly write a polite but firm certified letter to the University and the collection agency. I would send a copy of the diploma, and include a stern warning that if the collection agency does not cease its collection attempts and your account corrected to properly reflect that the balance is zero, you will turn this matter over to an attorney and seek damages for the harassment plus additional amounts if your credit rating is affected by the obvious mistake.

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Answered on 10/03/03, 6:43 pm


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