Do I Have To Pay an Old Debt That Is Past The Statute of Limitations?
Q: If there is a debt that that does not appear on my credit report and it is past the time that they can report it do I have to pay it? What can I do to stop having this company call my home. A: Two different set of laws apply to how long a […]
What is the Statute of Limitation for a Student Loan?
After some changes to federal laws in 1998 and 2005, the statute of limitation on student loans has been dissolved (with some very limited exceptions), which means that you can no longer have your student loans discharged when you file for bankruptcy. Many people wonder whether they are eligible for a student loan discharge when […]
Using a Statute of Limitations Law to Eliminate Your Debt
When debt collectors are contacting you regularly and you’re wondering if you should just pay off the debt to get rid of them, stop! Many consumers don’t realize that the debts some bill collectors are chasing after aren’t the consumer’s responsibility anymore. How is this possible? Because of the Statute of Limoutstanding debtitations that exist […]
How Long Will a Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Appear on My Credit Report?
When you miss a credit card payment, mortgage payment or end up going into deep debt that you can’t realistically pay off within a reasonable amount of time, you put yourself at risk for bankruptcy or foreclosure. Many people who end up filing for bankruptcy or are dealing with foreclosure find it difficult to apply […]
How to handle harassment by a collection agency
Don’t pay them anything. Send a cease and desist letter in which you tell them to stop contacting you. Harassing people about debts (old debts, like yours, or current ones) is illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
How to Remove an Old Debt From Your Credit Report
A man has an old credit card debt that is over 12 years old. The problem is that the debt still appears in his credit report. What should he do? Click now to hear Lynnette’s answer.
The Statute of Limitations in a Nutshell
Question: I am a 23-year-old college student with a bad debt of about $12,000 with American Express. I believe the Statute of Limitations in Maryland is 3 years. I do not remember the last time I made a payment to them. I found a receipt showing a payment in December 2006. But when I called […]
How Long Does A Negative Item Stay on Your Credit Report?
Q: How long does a negative item stay on your credit report? A: This debt should have long since fallen off your credit report. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, negative information such as the 90-day late payment you mentioned can only legally remain on your credit file for 7 years from the time of […]
When a Collection Agency Wants More Than You Can Afford
If you’re dealing with a collection agency that’s demanding more than you can realistically pay, you’re not alone—and you have options. Whether the collector is asking for a lump sum or a payment plan that’s beyond your reach, it’s important to approach the situation strategically. This guide walks you through how to negotiate effectively, protect […]
Should I Pay Off 10 Year Old Credit Card Debt?
Q: Should I pay off old debt from department store credit cards that are at least 10 years old? It seems like my creditors re-sell my old credit accounts to a new collection agency every few years. A: If a delinquent debt is more than 10 years old, it should have already fallen off your […]
Some Old Debts Are Best Left in the Past
Q: I opened A credit card account back in college in the year 2000. I have never paid it off the amount I owed. Should I pay it or not? A: If the credit card is still open, then by all means pay if off if you can. But I think your question is referring to […]
Statute of Limitations on Debt
Consumers often pay off debt for which creditors can no longer seek legal action because the Statute of Limitations has already expired for the account. Consumers pay off these accounts perhaps because the accounts still appear on their credit reports, they fear court action, or they simply don’t know their rights. There are even cases […]