Can a debt collector come after you after 5 years?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 18, 2026
Each state has a law referred to as a statute of limitations that spells out the time period during which a creditor or collector may sue borrowers to collect debts. In most states, they run between four and six years after the last payment was made on the debt.
Can creditors come after you after 6 years?
The time limit is sometimes called the limitation period. For most debts, the time limit is 6 years since you last wrote to them or made a payment. The time limit is longer for mortgage debts. If you’ve already been given a court order for a debt, there’s no time limit for the creditor to enforce the order.
What happens when credit card debt is sold to a collector?
If the debt still belongs to the original creditor, expect to pay more in the settlement. If the debt has been sold to a collector, they may take a lesser amount, since they purchased the debt at a discount. Looking at your budget, can help you determine your stance during the negotiation.
Do you have to answer a civil summons for credit card debt?
If you settle the debt out of court, the creditors and their lawyers can withdraw the case. You can avoid the hassle of filing an answer formally with the court. If trying to reach a settlement does not work out or you decide you prefer to go to court, you must file an answer to the served summons.
How long can a debt collector pursue an old debt?
How Long Can a Debt Collector Pursue an Old Debt? Each state has a law referred to as a statute of limitations that spells out the time period during which a creditor or collector may sue borrowers to collect debts. In most states, they run between four and six years after the last payment was made on the debt.
Can a creditor sell a debt to a collection agency?
Some collection agencies may both buy debts and also chase debts on a creditor’s behalf. Creditors will usually sell or ‘assign’ a large amount of debts to a debt purchaser. The debts will be sold at less than their face value, but the debt purchaser is entitled to collect the full balance.
