Can a creditor try to collect on a 16 year old judgement?
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Can a creditor try to collect on a 16 year old judgement?
I have a judgement on a car I purchased that turned out to be a lemon. The credit company got a judgement for the balance I owed and are just now trying to collect on it (and tack on heavy fees). Can they still do this or should I fight it? What if I file for bankruptcy?
Asked on February 4, 2013 under Bankruptcy Law, Michigan
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I suggest that you consult with a consumer law attorney to see if the sixteen (16) year old judgment against you was ever renewed. If not, then under the laws of most states in this country a judgment is only good for ten (10) years and as such, the judgment that you have written about may be void and not enforceable under the law. If it is void, then you do not need to consider filing for bankruptcy protection.
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