Can a creditor sue me for a debt that is past the statute of limitations?
Yes. It is legal for a creditor to sue you for an old debt that is past the statute of limitations. It is especially important that you appear in court if the statute of limitations on your debt has expired. If you answer the lawsuit, appear in court, and assert the statute of limitations as a defense, the court will dismiss the case. If you fail to appear in court, the judge will rule against you, and you will end up liable for the judgment amount, even though you could easily have gotten the case dismissed. Unless you can get it cancelled, or “vacated,” the creditor will then have twenty years to collect on the judgment.
