Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas

Debt Validation

There are some things on my credit report that I would like to dispute. They are put on there by collection agencies and are all over 4 yrs old. My question is if I request debt validation do the agencies have a certain length of time to respond? If they don't respond in a certain amount of time do I send a copy of the letter to the Credit Reporting Agencies and ask them to remove the information and if so, will they? Since the debts are over 4yrs old do they have any legal right to try and collect the money? One of the things on my report says that it is included in a bankruptcy, and I have never even filed bankruptcy. I just don't want to try to clear these issues up and then cause more trouble on my report by doing so. Can disputing things on my credit report extend the length of time they are on my report? Also, if I do send letters to the agency should they be via certified mail? Thank you for your time.


Asked on 3/23/06, 11:23 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sharon Campbell Sharon K. Campbell

Re: Debt Validation

The statute of limitations to sue on a debt is four years. It may be reported on your credit report,however, for seven years from the date of last activity. To dispute a matter on your credit report, it must be disputed with the credit reporting agencies. They are required to investigate and respond no later than forty five days. Disputing does not extend the time any matter may be reported. If you dispute, send them a copy of your driver's license and social security card, if you have it, or at least note those on the letter. The more information you can give them to document why what is reported is wrong, the better for you. And, yes, I recommend sending the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a copy.

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Answered on 3/23/06, 11:50 am


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