Can You Ignore Debt for 7 Years? The Truth About the Statute of Limitations
Updated: Jul 28
Can you ignore debt for 7 years? In this post, we’ll explore the statute of limitations on debt and its implications on your credit and financial wellbeing.
Can You Ignore Debt for 7 Years? The Truth About the Statute of Limitations
If you’ve fallen behind on your debts, you may be wondering if you can simply ignore them and wait for them to disappear. After all, you may have heard that debts can only be collected for a certain amount of time. So, can you ignore debt for 7 years? The short answer is no.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations on Debt
The statute of limitations on debt refers to the amount of time that a creditor or collector can legally sue you to collect a debt. This time period varies depending on the state you live in and the type of debt you owe.
For example, the statute of limitations on credit card debt is typically around three to six years, while the statute of limitations on student loan debt can be up to 20 years in some cases.
However, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations does not mean that the debt disappears after a certain amount of time. The debt still exists, and the creditor or collector can continue to attempt to collect it through other means, such as calling you, sending you letters, or reporting it to the credit bureaus.
The Implications of Ignoring Debt
Ignoring your debt can have significant implications on your credit and financial wellbeing. If you fail to make payments on a debt, it will likely be reported as delinquent to the credit bureaus, which can cause your credit score to drop.
Additionally, if the creditor or collector decides to sue you to collect the debt, you could be hit with a court judgment, which can result in wage garnishment or bank account seizures.
Ignoring your debt also means that you’re not taking proactive steps to manage your financial situation. Instead of ignoring your debt, it’s important to communicate with your creditors and work out a payment plan or seek assistance from a credit counseling agency.
While the statute of limitations on debt can limit the legal actions that creditors or collectors can take, it’s important to remember that the debt still exists and can continue to impact your credit and financial wellbeing. Ignoring your debt is not a solution and can lead to significant consequences.