How long does a creditor have before they can attempt to collect a debt? The creditor is a hospital that paid for relocation expenses upon signing a contract agreeing to repay this debt if ending employment prior to one year. Within four months, quit job. Now received letter one year and one month later, hospitals collection agency writes letter to collect debt in full. Does creditor by law have the authority to collect a debt so late in the game with no prior attempts to contact. Thanks for your help and advice.
the can begin collecting the day after the bill is due up until forever. there is no law regulating that.
relocation debt I understand that they can collect and that I owe them. I apologize that maybe my question wasn't that clear. I was asking if they can contact me over a year later requesting me to pay in full with no prior attempts to collect. If Yes, they can also contact me 10 years later after the fact and still attempt to collect with no prior attempts. I am trying to understand the debt collection laws. I don't think it is fair to try and collect on something that is forgotten for years. If they wanted it bad enough, then they should try to collect it as soon as possible. Not when people least expect it and want you to pay then and there. Thanks for the advice and comments.
relocation debt they can come after you ten years later with no prior attempts. the key dates are the SOL to collect and the SOL to report. Say you live in a 6 year SOL state like me. after six years, they can still attempt to collect - but they cannot sue me over the debt. And it can't be reported if the DOLA is more than 7 years ago. but again, they can continue to collect just not report/sue.
