How long can a company try to collect an outstanding debt?
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How long can a company try to collect an outstanding debt?
A debt collection agency has garnished my checking account and has now garnished my paycheck for a credit card debt. This has been going on for 10 years.
Asked on May 24, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In Virginia, a judgment may be enforced for up to 20 years after it was obtained; therefore, assuming that the debt collection agency had sued you and won, getting a judgment (which they would have needed to garnish your account or wages), they may keep taking legal actions to collect on it for 20 years.
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