Statute of Limitations / Collection Agency?

Question

I was contacted by a collection agency about a debt from WI that I had 10 years ago. It was a state debt (Unemployment compensation to be exact). They went to court and got a judgement against me back then, they then reported to the WI Circuit Court Access System which the date was in August 1997. I guess my question is, can the collection agency still try to collect after all this time? I currently live in another state for the past 10 years and the collection agency is local. Please, only real and credible answers please!

But the problem is, I am not going to pay them EVER!!!! Because they let this sit until 10 years after, if they want to come after me, then let them. THOSE BASTARDS!!!! Thanks for all those that answered but I am NOT SETTING UP A PAYMENT PLANT. NEVER!!!!!

Answer 1

These companies offer to collect on debt that has long sinced dropped off your credit report. They tend to be very aggressive; but you can absolutely tell them to go pound sand. There is absolutely nothing they can do.

Answer 2

You want your answer to based on the laws of the State of Wisconsin, not just credible answers based on someones experience in another state. Many lawyers will answer such a question over the phone if you don't spend a lot of time going into great detail. Your question is very succinctly stated above.

In the State of Missouri for instance, you can only collect on a judgment for 10 years. The judgment creditor, however, can follow certain procedures, however, to renew the judgment. Since a judgment stays on your credit report under federal law for 10 years, if the judgment is renewed, you could end up paying both the judgment and much higher interest rates on all future purchases for the next 10 years.

Challenge the collection agency. Politely request proof of the debt. Once you have proof, call the attorney or creditor directly and see if you can negotiate a lump sum settlement or set up a payment arrangement that will not result in a renewed judgment. Then check your credit report to make sure the information has been removed by the credit bureaus. If not, follow the dispute process directly with the credit bureaus (not the attorney or creditor)

Go to www.MoneyExposed.com for more information on credit reports and debts.

Answer 3

Ignore previous answer.

The statute of limitations is diefferent for the time able to be reported on your credit report and the amount of time the collector is able to collect.

Judgments are 15 Years. and can be renewed once .


Wisconsin Statutes of Limitation
Contracts, professional services, or an open account based on a contract: 6 years.

NOTE: Payments made toward the obligation toll the statute and the time period will then run from the date of last payment or last charge by the debtor, whichever occurs later.


Here is a list of the statues organized by state and type of debt:

Not judgments: http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/statute_of_limitations.htm


Learn about judgments here: http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/learn_about_judgements.htm


Unfortunately I cannot find the statute regarding judgments, but I can tell you from experience it is 15 years and can be renewed once.

May find it here:
http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/debt_collection_laws.htm


Good luck!

Answer 4

The statute of limitations you are referring to refers to the limit on when someone can bring a claim....not collect, which is a separate issue. Once the agency got its pleading in court on time, the issue becomes how long can they collect which is separate and distinct from the statute of limitations which they seemed to have met in your case.
Look at the sites the previous reader provided----I think they can still collect though.

Answer 5

It depends on the laws in your state, but they probably still can. They can also garnish your wages, and possibly your tax refunds, and bank accounts. If you owe the money set up payment arrangements or they may be willing to accept a settlement offer, generally 15-20% less than what you owe.

Answer 6

You should be asking how you can pay the debt off, terms, etc., but that would take a person of honor.
If you know you owe, pay today or set up a payment plan.

Answer 7

I wonder if one got a summons why did one miss court. It automatically favors the other party to win.
Also, if it was a government overpayment, a waiver should have been filed --due to hardship-with an explanation.
Now, there is a judgment--all has changed. If one was not served due process with papers, then one can sue back.
Good luck.

Answer 8

It depends on whether the contract was verbal or written and in which state. Below is a link to the statue of limitations.

Answer 9

yes...government debt does not go away, they pursue till you take care of it. Especially if there is a judgement against you.

Answer 10

man, just pay it! If you don't it is government debt which is different from any other debt and it will haunt you for the rest of your life.