Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Missouri
time limit for collections
How long can collection agencys attemp to collect a debt.
Asked on 4/23/09, 10:27 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt
Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC
Re: time limit for collections
Legally only until the statute of limitations runs. That means 5 years on credit card accounts where they don't have a signed contract, and 10 years on contracts for the payment of money. Open accounts are five years.
There are companies that collect "zombie debt" which is debt that is outside the statute of limitations. We have sued one such company here in Missouri under a class action.
Keep in mind that a payment will "toll" the statute of limitations and restart the clock, so don't make any payments until you talk to a lawyer.
Answered on 4/24/09, 9:13 am