Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
borrowing money from relatives
20 years ago, my husbands uncle lent us 8,000. to help in the adoption of our daughter. He told us to take our time paying it back. As the years went by we couldn't afford to pay it back and we talked to him on several occasions (every summer when we saw him). He told us not to worry about it, forget it etc. Now this year, he has decided because times are tough, he wants this money back. He lives in Maine and Florida. He has 3 sons he said will come after us if we don't pay him before he dies. What legal grounds does he have over a verbal agreement made 20 years ago? I cannot afford to pay this back.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: borrowing money from relatives
The statute of limitations for payment of debt is 6 years. If the $8000 was never paid (even partially), then the statute of limitations period ran and you would not be legally responsible for the debt.
Mike.