Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington

I think I've found my answer myself but would like confirmation on it. The other day I received a phone call from a collection agency regarding an ATT/Cingular phone bill ($600) from 2000. This is the first I have ever heard of this bill and know for a fact that I paid my bills on time. Needless to say I don't have paperwork from that long ago. I live in Washington State and if I interpret RCW 4.16.040 correctly then this type of debt expires after 6 years. As such, even if I did owe this money, then the debt has expired and no longer valid. Am I correct?


Asked on 12/10/10, 8:11 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

The general rules on limitations for filing suit is 3 years on a debt without a writing to support it, 6 years with a writing, from the date of the signing or last payment (payments have the effect of renewing the debt). Judgments are valid for 10 years from date of judgment. Based on what you have said (assuming this is not a judgment, and assuming you have not made a payment on it after some (unspecified) date in late 2004 (6 years) you have a defense of limitation of actions.

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Answered on 12/22/10, 7:39 pm


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