Many people are made painfully aware that they owe a debt that is being pursued by a collections agency, yet few know exactly how long creditors can go after that debt. Debt Collectors are guided by what is called the Statute of Limitations.
This means that after a certain length of time creditors can no longer collect from debtors. The length of the Statute of Limitations vary from state to state, the type of debt, if there is a signed contract or not among many other factors.
One example is the state of New Hampshire. Time alloted there to collect a debt is 3 years. If it was a domestic judgement, the Statute of Limitations is as high as 20 years; on a foreign one it is also 20 years. For goods the Statute of Limitations is four years unless there is a written and signed contract, then it is three years.
Those in debt that do not believe that they owe the money, can fight the creditors claim and can actually withold information regarding invoices or balances due and ask for proof demonstrating the validity of the debt. If this happens, collection agencies must present backup documentation to support their claim.
For more information about the length of the Statute of Limitations, you should consult a legal expert in your own state.While there are many collections agencies out there that use unreputable practices, there is also a number of legitimate agencies who are willing to help out. Agencies such as Rapid Recovery Solution are always willing to help out. For more information, consult rapidrecoverysolution.com. In this trying time of economic hardship don’t be bullied by illegal tactics by illegitimate collection agencies. There are laws out there to protect debtors and everyone should know their rights.
Mallory McGuinness-Hickey is a delegate for a Debt Collection agency. Mallory McGuinness-Hickey is working towards being a certified Collection Agent
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